Dry Brushing : Why and How ?

Dry brushing the skin is a natural care technique that consists of brushing the body dry with a natural bristle brush. Detoxifying for the body, softening for the skin, and toning, dry brushing is an essential beauty gesture. We will see in this post how to dry brush and which brushes to use.

Dry Brushing : What is it exactly ?

This technique, particularly widespread in Asia, consists (as its name suggests) of brushing the body dry, in other words, without using water or any other cosmetic product. Only a brush is enough! Thanks to the latter, the dermis is stimulated and the blood and lymphatic systems, as well as the sebaceous and sweat glands located there, too.

If such stimulation of the blood system can only be beneficial for the beauty and health of the skin and the body, that of the lymphatic system is all the more important. Indeed, unlike the blood network, the distribution of lymph does not depend on the heart and is only activated by the movement of muscles and breathing, which makes it much slower. Thus, lymphatic drainage often needs to be stimulated in order to prevent the lymph from accumulating in the tissues. This technique is one of the solutions to achieve this.

Why Dry Brushing ?

As I said before, dry brushing has the art of stimulating the lymphatic network, thus promoting the elimination of toxins and activating the immune system, but its benefits are not limited to that. Indeed, this technique also :

• Promotes blood circulation;
• Reduces cellulite;
• Oxygenates and Tones tissues;
• Distributes fat;
• Eliminates dead skin;
• Promotes cell regeneration;
• Exfoliates and improves skin texture;
• Allows better penetration of active ingredients;
• Allows a better penetration of the active ingredients of the cosmetics used afterwards…

In summary, it represents a real deep cleansing that does not simply content itself with sublimating the skin on the surface.

Dry brushing: for whom?

Everyone (or almost everyone) can regularly use dry brushing, which is equally suitable for use on oily and dry skin. It is also particularly recommended in the case of:

• Water retention ;
• Cellulitis;
• Old scars;
• Well established stretch marks.

Dry Brushing : How to ?

It only takes 5 to 10 minutes a day to feel the benefits of this body routine. It can be done daily, as a cure, or twice a week. In maintenance, a weekly brushing is sufficient.

Be careful, it is better to be gentle when brushing so as not to attack the skin. At first, the epidermis may not be used to it, so do not press too hard on the brush to get used to it. As you brush, you will find the ideal pressure for your skin.

It takes an average of three to four weeks of daily use for the results of dry brushing to be visible. However, the sensory and energetic effects can be felt from the first uses.

Dry Brushing for Lymphatic Drainage – Shown the Best way by a Lymphedema Physical Therapist

Which brush to use?

Regarding the choice of the brush, the bristles must be neither too soft nor too firm, and ideally made of natural fibers. If you prefer it with a handle, this will allow you not to have to bend down or contort yourself when brushing the most difficult to reach areas, such as the back.
It is not necessary to clean your brush daily after each dry brushing. On the contrary, it would damage it (hair and wood) and soften the hair too quickly. Just wash it once every fortnight with soapy water.

Here is my selection of the best brushes on the market:

Dry brushing : When should you avoid doing it?

If the skin is very sensitive, damaged, injured, or diseased (eczema, acne, psoriasis, shingles), do not brush your body dry. You can brush very dry (atopic) skin, but not inflamed (red and sore) areas.

Also, do not brush the belly if you are a pregnant woman. Ditto with a recent scar or a recent stretch mark: brushing is avoided. If the legs have varicose veins, avoid brushing too.

If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.

Let me know down below if you dry brush regularly, if you have used any of the brushes listed above, and share with us your experience with dry brushing.

Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!