Benefits to Daily Dry Brushing + A Step-By-Step Guide
Everyone wants healthy skin that glows from the inside out. And while skincare products, exercise, and a well-balanced diet are amazing for amplifying your inner radiance, another tool can radically change your skin. Yep, we’re talking about the humble dry brush.
Below, we’re detailing all the benefits of dry brushing, why you should do it daily, as well as a simple daily dry brushing routine.
What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing—also known as Garshana—is an Ayurvedic practice that has been used for centuries and is beloved for its detoxifying, stimulating skin benefits. Dry brushing is done on dry skin (hence the name) and uses a natural-fiber brush with firm bristles to exfoliate the skin and stimulate the lymphatic system.
How to Dry Brush Daily
- Take your bristle brush and begin at the feet and ankles on completely dry nude skin. Work your way up the body with long upwards strokes or circular motions toward the heart.
- Keep a slightly firm pressure as you work your way up the body. Feel free to pass over areas more than once and stay mindful of parts where there are a lot of lymph nodes (like the underarms), as you’ll want to show those areas extra love.
- Finish at the neck and chest, moving down towards the heart. Because the skin is more delicate here, you’ll want to be gentle.
- Hop in the shower and rinse away the dead skin cells.
Skin Benefits of Dry Brushing
Importantly, the skin benefits of dry brushing will be more noticeable with consistent use. That’s why we recommend using your dry brush once a day, ideally before you shower.
Aids lymphatic drainage: One of the best-known benefits of dry brushing is its ability to aid in lymphatic drainage. The practice stimulates the lymphatic system to facilitate the removal of toxins.
Exfoliates dull, dead skin: Dry brushing is fantastic for giving your skin a more radiant glow. Because it exfoliates the skin and buffs away dead skin cells, your skin will feel softer and smoother.
Increases circulation: Alongside boosting the body’s lymphatic system, dry brushing increases blood circulation, which helps move lymph through the body. The boost in circulation is also just great for overall skin health, increasing the skin’s supply of nutrients and oxygen.
Energizes the mind and body: Dry brushing is considered an energizing ritual, as it stimulates the nervous system and leaves you feeling invigorated. That’s why many experts suggest dry brushing in the morning, as it might be too stimulating at night.
May reduce the appearance of cellulite: Many experts claim that dry brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. For one, dry brushing temporarily plumps the skin by boosting blood flow, making cellulite less noticeable. Ayurvedists also believe dry brushing can help break up the accumulation of fatty cells, dissolving cellulite over time.
Can boost self-love and mindfulness: Dry brushing is a skincare ritual that prompts you to slow down for a few minutes and be in tune with your body.
Dry Brushing Side Effects
Dry brushing is an incredibly safe practice. Though we recommend dry brushing daily, this might be too harsh for some skin types. If you find that dry brushing daily leaves your skin feeling raw or irritated, pare it back to once or twice a week or every couple of weeks if your skin is very sensitive.
You might also want to consider using a softer brush. Dry brushing should never leave your skin scratched or broken. So make sure you are using firm but gentle pressure, and that your brush has just the right amount of coarseness.
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