Dry Brushing: What, Why, & How!
What?
Dry brushing is a wonderful method for increasing your circulation/blood flow, exfoliating the skin, and improving your body's lymphatic flow. But the benefits don't stop there! Let's take a look at all the why, how, and questions that come with dry brushing...
Take Care!
I am not a doctor! This information is not to be substituted for medical advice! Make sure to check with your doctor before adding dry brushing to your day. It is not recommend for those with diabetes, circulatory issues, open wounds, sunburn, or some inflammatory conditions.
Why?
For all the benefits dry brushing provides! These include:
Better circulation in general (I feel lighter and less bloated for sure)
Improved lymphatic flow (the benefits of this warrant another blog post ;)
Increased circulation at the surface of the skin which helps with healing and regeneration of new skin (probably why I noticed less razor burn under my arms)
Gentle exfoliation which unclogs pores (perhaps why I am noticing less blemishes on my bum)
May tighten the skin and help reduce the appearance of cellulite (I haven't noticed much of this yet, but let's see after a couple more months)
Boost in energy (I definitely feel more awake and invigorated after dry brushing)
Body confidence! Feel happier with, and more loving toward, your body (I noticed this after a week or so and it was a total surprise for me)
How?
As dry brushing increases circulation, this can feel quite invigorating (read: wakes you up) and is therefore recommended as part of a morning routine. Personally, I love how much more awake I feel afterward and I instantly feel like I've done something good for myself/body and I haven't even had breakfast yet! Since dry brushing is a type of exfoliation, it is commonly recommended to do it before showering and without clothes.
This video is a great tutorial on how-to dry brush correctly. But here is a breakdown of the key points:
1. DO NOT START AT YOUR FEET! (So many websites/videos show this technique and it is just plain wrong). Start by opening up your lymph drainage ports near your clavicle. Here is a great tutorial on how to do that.
2. Always move in the direction of your drainage ports (i.e. clavicle) when doing the upper body and always pull up towards your sternum (i.e. middle of your chest) when doing your lower body.
3. Use short, gentle strokes and don't forget to focus on your joints (as fluid can get "trapped" there).
FAQs:
How often can I dry brush?
Since there isn't enough research on the topic, there is no definitive answer to this...other than to say, as long as your skin isn't becoming irritated, dry brush as much as you find is helpful for you. Personally, I dry brush every morning (and have done so for one month now) and see no negative side effects.
How long should it take?
Dry brushing your whole body doesn't need to take any more than a few minutes. As a light guide, I usually count to 10 and then move on to the next spot.
Does it hurt?
No, it shouldn't hurt. But you might find the bristles are a bit rough and your skin feels sensitive to it at first. It took me a couple days to get the pressure right so it was comfortable. But, of course, if you are using it gently and it still hurts or causes a skin irritation, stop dry brushing and speak to your dermatologist.
Can you dry brush and then use a scrub in the shower?
This will be different to each individual so make sure to check with your doctor if you have any concerns or doubts, and again, pay attention to your skin and stop if there is any irritation. For me, I dry brush every morning and use a body scrub 1x a week and this seems to be fine :)
Can I just dry brush or do I have to do manual lymph drainage as well?
It is imperative that you open your lymph nodes before dry brushing to reap all the benefits and not cause more lymph backup or any damage. This video shows you how to do that :)
Can I use any brush?
Not really. Again, to reap the benefits and perform the treatment correctly, it's a good idea to use the proper technique and that includes using a natural stiff-bristled bath or shower brush* that provides a firm resistance against the skin.
I hope this short guide answered all your questions and you feel properly equipped to give dry brushing a try! (remember to check with your doctor first ;) I truly love it and have seen amazing benefits in just one month. If you have any questions, send me an email or DM on Instagram and I will answer them and add them to the above FAQ section so others can benefit as well :)