What are you looking for?

Beauty

Why You Should Be Dry Brushing

Written by James Kicinski-McCoy

Photography by Photography by James Kicinski-McCoy

With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to amp up your skincare routine by throwing in the latest exfoliating ritual. Dry brushing is an effective way to buff away dead skin cells, increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation, and even reduce the appearance of those devilish dimples we call cellulite. The practice involves running a firm, natural-bristled brush over your dry skin. Sound painful? We know! But, this ritual has some serious devotees! Additionally, dry brushing unclogs your pores and allows the skin to further absorb nutrients and moisturizers, not to mention a little extra vitamin D!

Here’s the 4-1-1 on the do-it-yourself process:
-Pick the right brush. Look for an all natural (non-synthetic) brush at your local health store or purchase one online. There are several different types of dry brushes that will work, like this one, this one, and this one.

-Do it regularly. It’s important to create a dry brushing routine in order to see results. If your a newbie, it’s recommended that you start out brushing only a few times per week (until your skin gets used to the rough treatment) and gradually working your way up to daily, or even twice daily brushing.

-How to brush. Brush the skin for several minutes before you shower. To begin, make sure that your skin is completely dry and avoid any areas with open abrasions (ouch!). It is important to always apply firm (but not too hard) pressure, using long strokes motioning toward your heart. Brushing towards your heart helps circulate blood flow in the proper direction. We recommend starting from your ankles and brushing up the backs, fronts, and insides of your legs, leading up to your butt, and then brushing your stomach, sides, and arms. You can also brush under the arms using a circular motion.

The dry brush is especially effective if you are prone to developing ingrown hairs by removing the dead skin that would otherwise block the hair follicle opening. Shedding your dead skin cells can also help prevent dirt and oil buildup that causes bumps and breakouts, leading to clearer skin that can breathe easier (and look better, too!).

So, is dry brushing worth the time and energy? We think so! Try scheduling it into your routine and allow your body to naturally detoxify itself while leaving your skin clean, soft, and smooth.

Write a Comment

Share this story