Why you should dry body brush
Dry body brushing is a traditional Ayurvedic approach to health and wellbeing. It involves a dry massage with a brush and is designed to help refresh skin, stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance blood circulation.
What are the benefits of dry body brushing?
Body brushing is said to have a wide range of benefits including:
Lymphatic drainage and circulation: the stimulating action of body brushing is said to be a great way to help assist the lymphatic system. Our lymphatic system works alongside our circulatory system and removes waste in the body, which is why you might hear people say that dry brushing is "detoxifying." Dry body brushing may help to boost the lymphatic system by stimulating and encouraging blood flow.
Exfoliation: the bristles are an effective physical exfoliator that can help to buff away dry and dead skin cells on the skin's surface, leaving behind fresh skin. It's also known to help target blocked pores and is a great way to get rid of ingrown hair.
Self-care: dry brushing can create a moment of self-care by taking a moment in the morning to mindfully focus on your body.
How do you dry body brush?
The best time to dry body brush is right before a shower, preferably in the morning. This way, any impurities, and dead skin cells can simply be washed away in the shower, leaving you with soft skin afterward. Most people try to dry body brush once a day for best results, but if you have sensitive skin, start at once a week and build up over time.
The aim is not to scratch your skin but stimulate it, so just use a comfortable amount of pressure, adjusting it depending on how sensitive each area is. Make sure you only brush lightly on delicate areas, avoiding particularly sensitive areas, as well as any broken or inflamed skin. It's normal for some redness to occur after brushing thanks to increased circulation.
The best method for dry brushing:
1. When dry body brushing, always use upward strokes, toward your heart. Start with the soles of your feet, brushing them in long, quick strokes. Next, move up your legs, brushing from the top of your feet to your thighs and butt.
2. Brush your arms in strokes from hands to elbows, then upper arms to shoulders. You can also gently brush underneath your arms (remember to use only very light pressure on the underarms.)
3. Next, gently brush your chest, stomach, back, and shoulders. For these areas, you can actually use circular, clockwise movements. Normally dry body brushing is not recommended for your face or neck as the areas are delicate.
Follow with a shower.
Watch this video on how to dry body brush here.
We suggest these brushes: Dry Brush or Purest Palm Body Brush