Both the skin and brush are completely dry, apart from perhaps a dab of body oil.
This article explains dry brushing practices and practical matters, while also reviewing a few myths about dry brushing.
It also explains who should not do dry brushing, due to skin or other health conditions.
Verywell / JR Bee
But experts agree that dry brushing does have benefits.
Heres what is known about this practice.
Its Exfoliating
Dry brushing exfoliates the skin via physical exfoliation, just like body scrub products do.
The bristles of the brush manually sweep away dull, rough, flaky skin cells.
After a dry brushing session, your skin will feel softer and smoother.
It Increases Circulation
The brisk brushing stimulates circulation.This leaves skin looking more radiant, albeit temporarily.
Dry Brushing Drawbacks
In most cases, dry brushing is a very safe thing to do.
Still, there are a few things to keep in mind to protect your skin.
It Can Irritate the Skin
The most common side effect of dry brushing is irritated skin.
Your skin shouldnt burn or sting afterward, either.
Dry brushing should feel good; if it doesnt, youre being too aggressive.
It Can Dry Out Your Skin
Dry brushing can leave your skin feeling dry.
Its important to use some key in of moisturizing product after your dry brush session to prevent this.
If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to skip dry brushing altogether.
This may be especially true for facial skin.
What is known about dry brushing comes from piecing together information about how the skin and body systems work.
There is no evidence that dry brushing has any of the following benefits.
While its possible it may promote some lymph flow, there are no studies to prove this.
Although things likemanual lymphatic drainage massagehave benefits, brushing isnt likely to have the same effect.
Myth: It Detoxifies the Body
Eliminate toxins has become a buzz phrase.
Juicing, hot yoga, and yes, dry brushing, all supposedly detoxify your body.
The skin may be the largest organ of your body, but its not the largestdetoxifyingorgan.
That distinction belongs to your liver, with thekidneysbeing runners-up.
Unfortunately, you cant brush toxins out of the body.
But in general, there arebetter ways to improve your digestion.
But this is just a temporary fix; cellulite is not gone forever.
And since dry brushing has become fairly popular, brushes are easily found.
Try your local health food or beauty supply store, or search online.
Brushes are sometimes sold at big box stores in the skincare aisle too.
Most dry brush experts recommend a natural bristle brush.
These are made from plant sources like jute, sisal, and even cactus fibers.
A smaller brush that fits in the palm of your hand is less unwieldy to use.
Some brushes offer the best of both worlds with a removable handle.
Check out a few styles to see what appeals to you.
Dont be tempted to buy a brush with super stiff, hard bristles.
Firmer bristles dont mean better dry brushing.
If it feels like youre running a wire grill cleaner across your skin, get a different brush.
Your brush should never leave red marks, abrade the skin, or feel uncomfortable.
The brush you use for your body wont work for the face.
Instead, youll need a smaller brush with much softer bristles.
If even soft-bristled brushes are too abrasive for your face, consider using a soft washcloth instead.
How to Clean Your Dry Brush
Keeping your dry brush clean reduces the risk of infection.
Dont share your brush with others, and follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Once youve done it a few times, youll develop a technique that works for you.
Do whatever is convenient for you.
Be realistic about the results youre expecting and listen to your skin.
And if you have any persisting skin issues, be sure to see a dermatologist.
Brushing before a shower is best.
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Baylor College of Medicine.Fight dry skin this winter.
2023;31:100609. doi:10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100609
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The immune system.
National Cancer Institute SEER Training Modules.Components of the lymphatic system.
Cedars-Sinai.FAQs about lymphatic drainage massage.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Detoxing your liver: fact versus fiction.
