What is Dry Body Brushing?
Dry brushing is a wellness practice that involves using a natural bristle brush on your skin’s surface in a methodical manner. I was introduced to dry brushing and really liked how it made my skin feel.
But then sometime in the past year life got a little busier and I stopped taking the extra few minutes before my shower to use my dry brush. This week I started this self-care task again.
I am reminded how good this feels as I am brushing, and how my skin looks and feels better after.
Dry brushing is said to help with exfoliation, improve circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. I like all of these effects.
The technique typically utilizes a brush made from natural materials such as sisal or boar bristles, providing a firm but gentle scrubbing effect that is beneficial for your skin.
SIMPLE, EASY DRY BODY BRUSHING
Dry brushing has gained popularity in various wellness circles due to its reported health benefits and simplicity of practice.
Do you shower before or after dry brushing? I have seen it recommended both ways: that you start with clean, dry skin or that you shower right after since you may be removing dry skin. I personally don’t want to shower two times so close together. It only takes about 5 minutes to do your dry brushing.
So I plan my time to brush right before my shower. It makes more sense to me to clean after brushing. It really is one of the easiest wellness practices you can do for yourself.
The technique involves moving the brush in long, sweeping strokes, starting from the feet and moving upward toward the heart.
I have found it consistent in the research I did that the direction recommended is important since it aligns with the natural flow of lymphatic drainage in your body.
You should avoid sensitive areas such as the face and any irritated skin. Each area of your body, like arms and legs, can be brushed for a duration of 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring all skin surfaces are adequately covered. My full session lasts about five minutes.
As I mentioned, I found the best time to do dry brushing, as well as a convenient time to work into your routine of showering, is just before your shower. That way you will allow any dead skin cells to be washed away easily.
You will not need to dry brush every day. Many wellness experts recommend two to three times a week to achieve significant benefits
If you have sensitive skin, you may prefer to start with just once a week and gradually increase frequency.
What are the benefits of dry brushing for skin and overall health?
Dry brushing is an age-old practice that offers a plethora of health benefits and worth considering as part of your wellness routine.
One of the primary advantages of dry brushing is its positive effect on your lymphatic system. This system plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s fluid balance and immune function.
By incorporating dry brushing into your daily schedule, you can enhance lymphatic drainage, helping eliminate toxins effectively, which can, in turn, boost immunity. The gentle pressure applied during the brushing process stimulates lymphatic flow, resulting in improved detoxification and overall health.
Another wellness practice I do for my lymphatic system is the health bounce. There are some posts here on the blog about the benefits of a mini trampoline. We have had one in our home for many years and it’s so convenient year round to get on and do a simple bounce (not jump) for a few minutes at a time or for longer periods. I work from home and when I take just a five minute break to do something physical like the health bounce, it really feels good!
In addition to supporting the lymphatic system, look at how dry brushing can help your skin. It promotes exfoliation by removing dead skin cells, reveals fresher, smoother skin beneath, and can even minimize the appearance of cellulite.
Improved circulation is an interesting potential benefit. As the brush stimulates your skin, blood flow to the area increases, which can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, leading to a more radiant complexion.
Beyond the physical benefits, dry brushing also has a positive impact on your mental health. The act itself can serve as a meditative practice, encouraging mindfulness and allowing time for self-care.
This simple ritual can help to foster a sense of connection between your mind and your body, thus promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The rhythmic motion of brushing can induce a calming effect, contributing to greater overall well-being.
How’s that for a Win-Win: unlock physical health benefits and also enrich your mental and emotional state.
How to Incorporate Dry Brushing into Your Routine
To begin, choose a suitable time for dry brushing, which can be either in the morning or evening. We already mentioned to plan it before your shower.
Morning sessions are beneficial as they can invigorate your body and promote circulation, preparing you for the day ahead. An evening routine can help relax your body and promote a restful night’s sleep. Ultimately, your schedule will probably dictate when you dry brush. But maybe you can experiment with both morning and evening.
An idea to make your experience enjoyable is to incorporate mindful breathing into your routine. As you brush, take deep breaths to ground yourself and promote relaxation.
This combination not only enhances the physiological benefits of dry brushing but also fosters mental clarity and mindfulness. You might also explore blending this practice with aromatherapy. It will, of course, depend on how much time you have. Life is still pretty busy for me and I can’t always take the time I would want to lenghthen a shower or dry brushing session.
Using essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus can amplify the relaxing effects of dry brushing. You can apply a few drops of your preferred oil to your skin after brushing to nourish and hydrate while enjoying the calming fragrance.
Over time, as you acclimate to this practice, you may find that it becomes a favorite component of your self-care rituals. Being consistent with dry brushing can provide the kind of personal healthy benefits for both your physical and mental health that you won’t want to miss.
How do I properly dry brush my skin?
We talked briefly about technique. To dig in a little more, focus on a specific area of your body before you move to another.
Begin at your feet and use gentle upward strokes towards your heart. This encourages lymphatic drainage and can improve circulation. Key areas to pay special attention to include your legs, arms, and back.
Once you finish your lower body, you can start at your neck and work down towards your heart. I thought it was interesting as I was reading about dry brushing to remember the back of your knees and your underarms which are major lymphatic areas.
Technique is important in minimizing the risk of skin irritation. It is advisable to start with gentle strokes and gradually increase pressure as the skin becomes accustomed to the sensation. There is an abundance of information from different places online if you try dry brushing and want to learn more about how to do it most effectively.
Focusing on dry brushing for a few minutes is generally sufficient, as over-brushing may lead to skin irritation or redness. If you are new to dry brushing, you should consider limiting the initial frequency of use, potentially starting with once a week, and adjusting as needed.
Is Dry Body Brushing Safe for Sensitive Skin?
As you improve your wellness through dry brushing, be aware of several important precautions and considerations. Although dry brushing can offer numerous benefits, certain contraindications should not be overlooked.
Individuals with existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or severe acne may find that dry brushing exacerbates their conditions. My research showed that it is advisable for those with sensitive skin to approach this practice with caution and potentially avoid it altogether.
Also, if you have circulatory issues, open wounds, or recent surgeries, you should refrain from dry brushing, as it may lead to discomfort or complications. Consulting with healthcare professionals is highly recommended for anyone who has underlying health concerns or pre-existing medical conditions before incorporating dry brushing into their routine.
Hygiene and dry brushing
Hygiene is another consideration. To preserve the benefits of dry brushing while ensuring skin safety, your brush must be cleaned regularly.
Brushes should be washed with soap and water to remove any dead skin cells or bacteria that may accumulate over time. It is recommended to allow the brush to dry completely between uses to prevent microbial growth.
What type of body brush is best for dry brushing?
Below are top-rated dry brushes across five different price ranges. First I will share the two that I personally purchased and am very happy with the quality. Both were purchased on Amazon. I bought them without being compensated in any way since you can’t buy products from your own affiliate link. I am an affiliate though and I share affiliate links on this page.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means we receive compensation, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links provided. We appreciate your support so much!
Belula Dry Brushing Body Brush Set
I chose this set because the brand had good reviews and it included a body brush with long handle, a facial brush, and gloves to use wet or dry. I still have not tried the gloves!
I thought the price was great for this new wellness ritual I wanted to try and I am very happy with the quality of Belula.
DRY BODY BRUSHES AT DIFFERENT PRICE POINTS
Budget-Friendly (Under $10)
Dry Brushing Body Brush SCALA Natural Bristle Body Brush
This budget-friendly option has a lot of great reviews with this more specific description: Soft Body Exfoliating Brush Scrub for Dead Skin, Cellulite, Lymphatic Drainage, Blood Flow – Thicker & Stronger Medium Strength.
Affordable ($10-$20)
Metene Shower Brush with Soft and Stiff Bristles
This brush is described as a Bath Dual-Sided Long Handle Back Scrubber Body Exfoliator for Wet or Dry Brushing and also has many good reviews with lots of people buying.
Mid-Range ($20-$30)
Bearback Dry Brushing Body Brush with Natural Bristles
Here I found a Premium Exfoliating Brush for Shower or Dry Brushing with a Long Folding Handle and Removable Brush Head at a slightly higher price range.
Premium ($30-$50)
Bare Botanics Long Handle Back Brush
I chose this premium option because the brand and brush looks great but also because it is part of a set with some body scrub included: Coconut Vanilla is the scent. In my opinion anything vanilla smelling is premium!
If you decide to try dry brushing, have fun researching and looking for the right brush for you to get started!
Review Tips for Effective Dry Brushing
Start slow : Begin with gentle strokes and gradually increase pressure as needed.
Be gentle on sensitive areas : Avoid brushing too hard on sensitive areas like breasts, nipples, and genital areas.
Focus on areas with poor circulation : Spend more time brushing areas like hands, feet, and legs to improve circulation.
Use long strokes : Use long, smooth strokes to cover large areas, and shorter strokes for smaller areas.
Don’t forget the soles of your feet : Brushing the soles of your feet can help stimulate nerve endings and improve circulation.
The natural nutrition brand we recommend here on the blog are products we have personally used for the past 43+ years. We are not medical professionals. We are on a personal health journey to live younger, energized and healthy longer.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.