Dry skin brushing benefits may include stimulating the lymphatic system, exfoliating the skin, removing toxins, increasing circulation and energy, and reducing cellulite.
Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic medicine that has been around for centuries.
It’s believed to have many health benefits and works by exfoliating the skin. Practitioners of dry brushing rub a brush with coarse, natural-fiber bristles over their bodies in a particular pattern.
The idea is that the coarse fibers will help to remove dead skin and improve the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins through the pores.
Benefits of dry brushing
- Dry brushing may help your body release toxins. It may also help you relax. There’s little data to support the benefits of dry brushing, but for most people there’s also little harm in practicing dry brushing.
There is little scientific evidence to support the benefits of dry brushing. There is anecdotal evidence, however. The possible benefits include the following:
Lymphatic system and the removal of toxins
The lymphatic system helps your body fight off infections. Fluids flow through the system and are filtered through the lymph nodes. If you’re sick or exposed to a lot of toxins, the system may become backed up and clogged. That is why your lymph nodes often become swollen when you have a cold.
Dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins through sweat. The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. This makes it easier for the body to sweat, which in turns reduces the amount of toxins flowing through the lymphatic system.
There is little research to support this claim.
Exfoliation
The coarse bristles can brush away dry, dead cells from the skin. This can leave your skin more smooth and soft.
Relaxation
Similar to a massage, dry brushing may make you feel relaxed. To make the most of this benefit, practice dry brushing in a dark, quiet space.
Cellulite
Cellulite is a condition that mostly affects women. Areas affected by cellulite have a rippled or “cottage cheese” appearance. The cause is not fully known.
Massage has been
“[Dry brushing] does exfoliate, which is fine if not done too vigorously,” says Dr. Carolyn Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist and director at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. “But it won’t help cellulite as that is due to fat and collagen bands in women.”
Risks of dry brushing
- Dry brushing may not be for everyone. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, such as psoriasis, speak with your doctor before dry brushing.
Some people should avoid dry brushing or proceed with caution. People with open or inflamed skin, including people with eczema and psoriasis, should avoid dry brushing over the inflamed area. You should also avoid dry brushing over an open wound. You could introduce bacteria to the wound, which could lead to infection.
To dry brush, use a natural fiber brush with a long handle. The long handle will help you reach all areas of your body. Follow these steps:
- Start at your feet and move up your body.
- Brush your skin using wide, circular, clockwise motions.
- Use light pressure in areas where your skin is thin and harder pressure on thicker skin, like the soles of your feet.
- Brush your arms after you have brushed your feet, legs, and mid-section. You should brush upward towards your armpits.
- After dry brushing, take a cool shower to help remove the dry skin.
- After your shower, dry off and then consider adding natural plant oil, such as olive or coconut oil, to moisturize your skin.
When you first start dry brushing, it’s best to begin with light brushing. As you get used to it, you can increase the pressure.
Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken. These include areas with:
- rashes
- wounds
- cuts
- infections
Also, never brush an area affected by poison oak, poison ivy, or psoriasis. Don’t dry brush your face unless you’re using a softer brush made for that purpose.
What supplies do I need?
All you need to dry brush at home is a brush with natural fiber bristles. You should also look for one with a long handle to help you reach every part of your body.
You may want to dry brush in the shower so that you can easily clean the area once you’re done. You may also want to have a moisturizer on hand, such as natural oil.
You should be able to find a brush for less than $10. Dry brushing kits are also available, though these are more expensive.
Dry brushes are available at health food stores or online.
If you don’t want to dry brush yourself, you may be able to find a local spa that offers dry brushing. If you have a treatment done at a spa, ask them how they clean the brushes and let them know about any areas they should avoid.
Brush maintenance
Make sure you rinse your brush after you have completed your brushing routine. Dry it in an open, sunny area to prevent mildew. Clean your brush once a week using soap and water. You should also avoid sharing your brush with anyone. This can help prevent the risk for infection.
There’s little scientific evidence to support the benefits of dry brushing. For most people, however, there’s little risk. If you’re interested in dry brushing, you can purchase a brush and try it at home.
If you have a skin condition, such as psoriasis, you should speak with your doctor before dry brushing. Be sure to avoid brushing over or around an open wound or infection.