How Often Should You Dry Brush?
Exfoliation can bring new skin cells to the surface, creating a radiant glow.
Physical and chemical exfoliants help eliminate dead skin, making way for soft, healthy skin.
While most people exfoliate their faces, the body is often neglected.
Dry brushing is a unique approach to body exfoliation.
It incorporates the use of a bristle brush to invigorate the skin.
Additionally, there have been claims that dry brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, promote soft, supple skin, and boost the immune system.
This method of exfoliation may not be the most comfortable, but there has been a recent surge in dry brushing thanks to its potential benefits.
It can make the skin feel raw or slightly sensitized because you’re brushing away dry skin.
So, how often should you dry brush?
Because dry brushing can be harsh on the skin, it may be wise only to do it a few times a week. Some individuals with less sensitive skin can exfoliate daily, but over-exfoliation can also lead to unwanted effects.
Dry brushing can awaken your body’s senses and help bring new skin cells to the surface of your skin.
However, what are the benefits of dry brushing, and how can you incorporate it into your beauty regimen?
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is a body exfoliation technique that incorporates a coarse or denser bristle brush (if you don’t already have one, this one on Amazon is perfect for dry brushing).
The brush typically features natural fibers and is used to gently dry-exfoliate the skin. It’s also a kind of Ayurvedic medicine used in multiple cultures.
Most dry brushing is done in circular or sweeping motions on dry skin before a shower.
Dry bristle brushes can be found in most beauty or health stores. However, this exfoliation method can be pretty harsh on the face and body.
Potential Benefits Of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is gaining popularity due to its potential benefits. Some individuals claim that dry brushing can boost immunity, reduce cellulite, or improve circulation.
Unfortunately, not all of these claims are proven.
Most of the results from dry brushing are based on anecdotal evidence, but it can still help refresh and revitalize the skin.
Some of the expected benefits of dry brushing include exfoliation, massage, and increased circulation.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the number one benefit of dry brushing.
It will sweep away dead skin cells sitting on the surface to promote glowing skin.
Dry brushing is a form of physical exfoliation that applies light pressure to the skin to create a softer result.
The bristles of a dry brush are typically natural and coarse, allowing them to create a rugged effect on the skin.
It’s best to follow up dry brushing with a shower.
Lymphatic Massage
Another reason why more people are gravitating towards dry brushing is its potential to reduce toxins.
The effectiveness of dry brushing in eliminating toxins from the body is unknown, but it can be a beneficial form of lymphatic massage.
There is anecdotal evidence that dry brushing may help reduce swelling and produce a more slim appearance.
Regardless, dry brushing can still be a relaxing act of self-care and make an excellent massage.
Increase Circulation
Most people assume that dry brushing can increase blood flow or circulation within the body.
Increasing circulation, combined with lymphatic massage, may potentially boost your immune system.
This may be possible temporarily, but there is still little evidence that these provide long-term results.
Dry brushing can potentially create a relaxing experience, reduce stress, and help boost the body’s immunity.
You may notice a slight flush of redness on your skin after dry brushing, which indicates increased circulation; however, this is usually temporary.
Reduce Cellulite
Most potential benefits offer a temporary solution with little known about their long-term effects.
Many claim that dry brushing can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Dry brushing may initially reduce the appearance of cellulite, but there is limited evidence to suggest that it can restructure the fat and muscle beneath the skin.
It may give a boosted and tightened appearance after your dry brush session.
The Risks Of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing may not be for everyone.
Additionally, it can exacerbate various skin conditions or interact with underlying medical concerns.
If you fall into either of these categories, please consult your doctor before incorporating dry brushing into your routine.
Dry brushing can feel quite harsh and uncomfortable on the skin, especially since it’s done dry.
Other risks of dry brushing include increased irritation, the spread of wounds, or damage to the skin barrier.
Harsh On Sensitive Skin
Avoid dry brushing if your skin is particularly sensitive.
Dry brushing utilizes a coarse, natural-fiber brush to exfoliate the skin gently. Because the skin is dry, it can feel extraordinarily harsh and cause pain or soreness.
It’s possible that dry brushing can increase irritation and create an unwanted effect.
You may notice that redness appears on the skin immediately after dry brushing, but it should subside over time.
You may develop a tolerance to dry brushing, but it won’t be worth applying excessive pressure or force.
Discomfort
Whether you have sensitive skin or not, dry brushing can cause discomfort.
Most people become accustomed to the sensation of dry brushing and soon find the exfoliation process relaxing.
However, the bristles can initially feel rough and rugged, making the experience uncomfortable.
If you find that dry brushing causes discomfort, it’s best to stop or limit the frequency of dry brushing.
Ignite Skin Conditions
Dry brushing may not be suitable for individuals who struggle with or have specific skin conditions.
For example, eczema and psoriasis can be further aggravated with dry brushing.
This exfoliation method can be harsh and may even spread or worsen your skin condition.
It’s wise to avoid applying pressure while dry brushing, as this technique can add scratches or minor injuries to the skin, especially if you have a skin condition.
You can also help reduce the appearance of skin growths, such as moles, with dry brushing.
Infection
Dry brushing can also potentially spread infection or viruses.
It is best to avoid dry brushing altogether if you have an open wound on the body, as the brush can spread the skin irritant. This can include warts or moles.
Infection can increase rapidly if the dry brush isn’t sanitized or maintained.
Additionally, dry brushes can quickly pick up mold and mildew, which can pose risks to the body or face.
How Effective Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is an excellent method of physical exfoliation. It will eliminate dead skin cells from the surface, making way for softer skin.
However, it is unclear how effectively dry brushing reduces cellulite, boosts immunity, or helps drain toxins from the body.
Most evidence supporting these claims is anecdotal, with limited substantiation from scientific studies.
However, dry brushing can still create a relaxing effect and may temporarily flush or tighten skin.
You may consult a doctor before dry brushing if you have a medical or skin concern.
When Is The Best Time To Dry Brush?
The ideal time to dry brush is right before a shower.
Some people will dry brush first thing in the morning and shower afterward to get ready for the day.
Others may decide to exfoliate at night to drain stress before sleep.
You can invigorate your senses with a cold shower after dry brushing.
It’s usually best to dry brush before a shower to wash away dead skin cells.
How Often Should You Dry Brush?
How often you dry brush can depend on your skin’s sensitivity levels.
Since dry brushing can feel harsh on the skin, it may take some time for your skin to adjust.
It’s ideal to start dry brushing once a week to see how your skin reacts.
If your skin can tolerate dry brushing, you may increase the frequency of dry brushing.
Dry brushing three to five times a week can help keep your skin soft and smooth.
Also, you’ll want to avoid over-exfoliating with your dry brush.
Where Can You Dry Brush?
You can dry-brush the body and the face.
However, it’s more efficient to dry brush the face with softer bristles because the skin is more delicate and thinner than the rest of the body.
Additionally, apply extremely light pressure to avoid irritation.
Dry brushing is meant for the body and can be done on the legs, butt, back, arms, and chest.
It may be wise to avoid sensitive areas to prevent pain and discomfort.
Additionally, passing over an area once or twice is often sufficient to exfoliate the skin.
Can You Over-Exfoliate?
Dry brushing is already a particularly harsh exfoliation method, so limiting its use is ideal.
It can be easy to over-exfoliate your skin with a dry brush, especially if you apply too much pressure on the skin.
Dry brushing daily could potentially damage the skin.
Additionally, it may be challenging to reap the benefits of dry brushing, such as smooth skin or reduced stress, if the skin feels raw from overexfoliation.
How To Dry Brush
Dry brushing is a simple practice almost anyone can incorporate into their routine.
In addition, dry brushing will only take a few extra minutes, so you don’t have to worry about spending more time in the bathroom.
Start Bottom To Top
First, start with dry skin. Dry brushing typically begins at the feet and works its way upwards.
So, you can start from the bottom and work your way up.
Additionally, work from the outside in and create your strokes towards the center.
You can also research proper dry brushing techniques from Ayurvedic medicine or direct the strokes towards the lymph nodes to create the effect of lymphatic drainage.
Circular Motions Or Light Strokes
Now, decide which brush pattern you will use on the body.
The most common methods include sweeping the brush in circular motions across the body or continuous light strokes.
Which one you choose is up to your preference.
The brush patterns may potentially boost circulation, and you may notice a slight flush on the skin.
Additionally, these patterns will effortlessly remove dead skin cells.
Brush Towards The Heart
Brush towards the heart when in doubt.
This will temporarily and potentially drain any lymph within the body to create the illusion of a slimmer appearance.
Additionally, it may help increase circulation before finishing your shower routine.
Also, apply light pressure while brushing to avoid any unnecessary skin irritation.
It can also make the gliding or brushing process more bearable.
If you’re more of a visual learner, take a look at this tutorial from Goop on YouTube.
Shower
It’s crucial to complete your dry brushing routine with a shower.
Showers, icy ones, will provide their own health benefits to the body.
Additionally, a shower can create a relaxing atmosphere that enhances the stress-reducing effects of dry brushing.
The main reason why it’s crucial to shower after dry brushing is to wash away all the excess dead skin cells.
A quick rinse will reveal smoother and softer skin.
Moisturize
How can you ensure your smooth dry brushing results last?
You’ll want to nourish your skin after an intense dry brush session.
It’s beneficial to moisturize your skin after showering to hydrate and soothe it post-shower (we love this lotion from CeraVe that melts into your skin).
Your moisturizer can also contain chemical exfoliants to promote a deeper exfoliation if you suffer from dry or rough skin.
Regardless, a moisturizer will lock in hydration and give the skin a boost of nutrients.
When Will You See Results?
How long will it take to see results from dry brushing? You may notice softer or smoother skin after dry brushing once or twice a week.
Each time you dry brush, you’ll notice that your skin appears and feels more youthful.
It can take several weeks to notice any long-term benefits from dry brushing.
A safe timeline is to wait 28 days or one skin cycle and monitor any changes in your skin during dry brushing.
Tips For Dry Brushing
What else can you do to ensure a successful dry brushing session?
Dry brushing may not be for everyone, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution and consult a doctor.
You can also incorporate other dry brushing techniques to make exfoliation more tolerable.
Stop immediately if you notice any adverse reactions from dry brushing.
Additionally, ensure your brush is clean and sanitized.
Stop If Pain Occurs
While it may be expected for dry brushing to feel uncomfortable at first, it shouldn’t cause continuous pain or soreness.
Most side effects, such as redness or discomfort, typically disappear quickly after a shower.
If you experience adverse reactions to dry brushing, discontinue exfoliating your skin and consult a doctor.
Keep Your Brush Clean
Another essential tip is to clean your dry brush after every use.
You may use water and antibacterial soap, and let the brush dry in a well-ventilated area.
A dirty bristle brush can be a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially spreading infections across the skin.
Dry brushes are quite porous, so it’s easy for mold or mildew to appear on your brush.
So keeping your brush clean and dry will ensure you always have a safe, dry brush exfoliation.
Takeaway
Dry brushing is an easy exfoliation technique that can be incorporated into your beauty regimen a few times a week.
It may feel uncomfortable initially, but your skin may take some time to adjust to dry brushing.
You can quickly eliminate dead skin cells to make way for glowing skin.
Dry brushing may not be ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, skin conditions, or medical concerns; therefore, it is recommended to consult with a doctor beforehand.
Will you try dry brushing?
