Benefits of Dry Body Brushing

With the weather getting warmer and drier, now is a great time to embrace dry Brushing.

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Dry brushing involves using a natural-bristle brush to exfoliate the skin, boost circulation, and encourage lymphatic drainage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of dry brushing:

1. Choose the Right Brush

• Look for a natural-bristle body brush with a long handle to reach difficult spots (like your back).
• Soft to medium stiffness is ideal, as stiff bristles can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Some brushes come with detachable handles or straps for a better grip.
• I love this Brush Set from Belula, and it also has a face brush!

2. Clean your new brush and continue to clean it Regularly

• I like Dr. Bronner’s 18 in 1 Hemp Tea tree pure castile soap. Rinse the brush with warm water and mild soap every week to remove oil and dead skin buildup. Let it dry in a well-ventilated area before using it again.

3. Start with Clean, Dry Skin

• Dry brushing is best done before you shower or bathe, as your skin should be completely dry.
• Avoid applying lotions or oils before brushing, as dry brushing works better on bare, dry skin.

4. Begin at Your Feet

• Start at your feet and brush in long, gentle strokes upward toward your heart. This helps with blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
• Work each section of your body, moving systematically: feet, legs, thighs, abdomen, arms, and then your back.

5. Brush Gently and Use Short Strokes

• Use gentle pressure, especially if you’re new to dry brushing. You can gradually increase the pressure as your skin adjusts.
• Use short, repetitive strokes for smaller areas like your knees, elbows, and stomach.

6. Follow a Pattern on Each Body Part

• For arms and legs, use upward strokes.
• For the stomach, use circular strokes in a clockwise direction, which can aid digestion.
• For your back, brush upward or in any comfortable direction you can reach.

7. Avoid Sensitive Areas

• Be gentle around delicate areas like your neck and avoid brushing over any broken or irritated skin, varicose veins, rashes, or other skin conditions.
• Avoid the face unless you have a special, softer facial brush made for dry brushing.

7. Brush Each Area for About 5-10 Strokes

• Spend about 3-5 minutes dry brushing your whole body. You’ll only need about 5–10 strokes per section, focusing more on areas that tend to be dry or flaky, like knees and elbows.

9. Take a Shower to Rinse Off Dead Skin

• After dry brushing, take a warm shower to wash away the dead skin cells exfoliated by the brush.
• Finish with a cold rinse to tighten your skin and close your pores.

10. Moisturize After Showering

• After you’ve dried off, apply a natural moisturizer or body oil to keep your skin hydrated and soft. I finish with my go to – Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum body Firmeza Oil and Brazilian Bum Bum cream.

Tips for Effective Dry Brushing:

• Frequency: Start with 2-3 times per week, gradually increasing as your skin gets used to it. Daily brushing is safe if your skin tolerates it well.
• Use a Quality Brush: The right brush will make a huge difference in both comfort and results.
• Be Consistent: Consistency over time will help you see results, such as smoother skin and improved circulation.

Dry brushing can leave your skin glowing and refreshed but remember that results vary. Enjoy the process as a self-care ritual that also has some lovely benefits for your skin!