Supporters of dry brushing claim that it can stimulate the lymph system, help the body rid itself of toxins, reduce cellulite, tone your muscles and your skin, and much more. The truth is that it may do nothing more than leave your skin super soft. But that’s good enough for me.
I have to admit that although I’m a diligent soldier when it comes to taking care of the skin on my face, I slack when it comes to the skin on my body. I do use exfoliants about once or twice a week on my body, but most of the time, I can’t be bothered about even something as routine as applying lotion. But…I have become a little obsessive about dry brushing in the last few months. I love thinking that I’m getting the blood flowing in my body and that it’s helping it do what it needs to do to stay young-looking.
So what exactly is dry brushing?
Exactly what it sounds like: using a dry stiff-bristled brush on your dry skin before showering.
The benefits
These are the benefits that have been proven, others have not…
♥ Increase circulation: I have poor circulation in my legs, always have. I feel like this has definitely helped with that. Plus you can feel the blood flowing, you know? That’s a big yes!
♥ Exfoliation: This is the obvious benefit. The firm bristles help to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliating also aids in the process of skin renewal. I’ve talked about my love of exfoliation before, but I believe that as we get older and the rate of cell renewal slows down, we need to help things along. As dry skin cells are removed, it allows healthy new cells to form.
Dry brushing leaves my skin super smooth and glowing, and just for that alone, I’m a fan.
♥ Relieves Stress
I find that dry brushing is somehow therapeutic — meditative almost. You’d have to try it yourself and see if you get the same effect, but it just feels good.
Maybe it can be an energizing start to the morning or a relaxing way to end your day. Either way, taking that time for yourself is always good for your spirit.
Now the sorry-not-so claims…
♥ Reduces Cellulite: The most common claim is that it helps to reduce cellulite. LIES! There is no research to support this, and speaking from personal experience from someone who has tried to get rid of the damn dimples, IT DOES NOT REDUCE CELLULITE. Even with all my intention setting woo-woo incantations, I’ve performed. I just checked, and I still have cellulite.
That said, you may get a very temporary skin plumping effect that may seem like you’ve reduced your cellulite, but…sorry, no.
♥ Lymphatic Drainage: Lymphatic drainage is a technique designed to stimulate the system that transports white blood cells, oxygen, and nutrients to tissues throughout the body and eliminate waste. Proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin every day helps stimulate the lymphatic system.
There is no scientific proof of this and I read that people with certain medical conditions, such as congenital heart disease, should stay away from lymphatic massage of any type. I’m working on a post all about lymphatic massage and will get all the deets for you.
How to dry brush
I’m sure there are different ways of doing it, but this is my technique.
♥ First, you want to use a natural stiff-bristled brush. Some bristles are stiffer than others, and it depends on your skin’s sensitivity and preference. My skin is not sensitive at all. I could use a brillo pad and be okay so I lean towards the harder bristles. The goal is to slough off the dead skin, so if you feel a softer brush does that for you, go for it.
♥ I start at the bottom (my feet) and work my way up towards my heart using smooth, long strokes. To boost circulation always ensure that you’re dry brushing towards your heart.
♥ I focus on the rough areas of skin like the heels and the knees, and although there is no evidence that it reduces cellulite as I mentioned, I give a little extra attention to the back of my thighs and my butt wishing, pleading, praying — setting a damn intention — that my thigh dimples would go away. Just in case. Because I have faith like that.
♥ Once I finish one leg, I repeat the process a few times and move on to the next leg.
♥ On the stomach where I brush in a clockwise motion hoping it gets everything moving.
♥ I then move to the arms and brush up paying extra attention to the back of the arms, where we tend to get…ahem, flabby as we age. I also pay extra attention to the elbows.
♥ Oh, don’t forget the palms of your hands. That feels really good for some reason.
♥ Then I do my back, paying extra attention to my love handles (again, in hopes I will brush them away, and again, setting that intention) and that little annoying area on your upper back that pops out of your bra. I think it’s called the FUBA (fat upper back area) or I may have just made that up. Not even gonna google that — sounds good to me.
♥ I finish it up by dry brushing the vagina suburbs. I’ve already explained the need for this in this post. Extra attention must be paid to the vagina suburbs.
Okay, wait a second. I’ve realized I’ve said, “I pay extra attention” a lot. That’s because the older I get, more parts of me need extra attention. So let’s assume, I pay extra attention to my entire body, okay?
I’m not going to tell you what parts of your body to pay extra attention to. You know.
♥ The best time to dry brush is just before a shower. Then you can wash off any dead skin cells and flaky skin. You should apply lotion afterward. As I said, I don’t always do this, but I shower with a moisturizing shower oil from Loccitane which helps keep my skin from drying out. If you’re like me and hate putting body lotion on, I highly recommend this product.
♥ Clean your brush every few days with soap and water and let it air dry. That dead skin that was on your body is now on that brush. You should replace it about every 6 months, especially if you keep it in the shower. If you see mold, trash it immediately.
They’re fairly inexpensive. Mine is from Ecotools and I get it from Target.
A Warning for Sensitive Skin
My advice is to pay attention to what works for you and your skin. If you have sensitive skin or a history of eczema or other skin conditions, I wouldn’t try it since it could certainly irritate your skin, especially if done too hard.
Also, you shouldn’t brush over skin that is broken, over areas of infection, redness, general irritation, or sunburn.
note: YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE A SUNBURN IF YOU WANT YOUNGER-LOOKING. Remind yourself here.
Do not use the brush on your face. I also don’t use this brush on my neck or chest. Those areas, especially the neck, have very delicate skin. There are gentler ways to exfoliate these areas. Take a look at this post.
A final note
Since there are no clinical trials on dry brushing — because, seriously? Why would anyone conduct research on dry brushing? —the benefits should be taken with a grain of salt.
Putting all the unsubstantiated health benefits aside though, I enjoy dry brushing and will continue to do every day. It’s kind of therapeutic in a way, gives me a little energy boost, and leaves my skin soft. And if by any chance it should help reduce my cellulite, you will be the first to know.
Are you a fan of dry brushing? Let me know in the comments.
xoxo,
V