7 Powerful Benefits Of Dry Brushing

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Dry brushing is a popular technique for both cosmetic and medicinal applications, provided you know how to do it properly!

What is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is a technique that consists of rubbing a rough, dry brush on various parts of your body, and is claimed to improve circulation and skin health. While this approach may seem counterintuitive to a relaxing day at the spa, the friction of the brush on the skin can slough off dead skin and stimulate blood flow, which can improve the appearance and health of the skin. This process can also speed up the detoxification processes within the body, and enable other skin treatments to have more of a measurable effect. [1]

Benefits of Dry Brushing

The most powerful benefits of dry brushing include its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system, aid with cellulite, exfoliate the skin, speed digestion, and detoxify the body, among others.

A woman brushing her thigh

Dry brushing is the juice cleanse of the beauty world, as per Allure magazine. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Lymphatic Support

Practitioners say that this technique can guide toxins to the lymph nodes, thus giving support to the major toxin-clearing system of the body.

Clean the Pores

The exfoliating potential of dry brushing is impressive, to say the least, and can clean out grime and dirt from pores all over your body. [2]

Weight Loss

Dry brushing, according to anecdotal evidence, helps break fat deposits and is associated with smoothening the appearance of cellulite.

Boost Energy

The gentle pressure of this practice can stimulate circulation, which can boost energy levels.

Stress Levels

Similarly, the release of toxins can help to relieve stress hormone levels and improve mood.

Dry Skin

If you suffer from dry skin, this can help to eliminate the dry patches and stimulate healing and new growth.

Kidney Function

By clearing out excess toxins from the body, you can relieve the strain on kidneys in an effective way.

How to Dry Brush

If you want to practice this dry brush technique at home, all you need is the right brush and the correct method.

Selecting a Dry Brush

Begin by selecting a new or gently worn brush, ideally one that is designed for skin brushing. One with a strap that fits over the back of your hand is ideal. This will give you better and more comfortable access to parts of your body.

Dry Brushing Method

  • Step 1: After choosing the right brush, you should begin at your feet and move up the body.
  • Step 2: Move the brush in gentle circles or apply more pressure to areas that are particularly dry or bumpy.
  • Step 3: You should try to brush in the direction of your lymph nodes. So pulling up your arms, towards your armpits is the best approach.
  • Step 4: You can dry brush your entire body, but be careful about your face and other delicate areas of the body, such as the neck.

Note: The best time to do dry brushing is immediately before a shower, as this will help open the pores up and improve the cleansing of the shower.

Side Effects of Dry Brushing

The side effects of dry brushing typically occur if you are practicing this technique too often. They include:

  • Inflammation
  • Skin irritation

Once or twice per week is adequate to keep your skin looking wonderfully fresh and rejuvenated!

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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