What is dry brushing? Is it worth a try?
As it sounds, dry brushing is the brushing of your skin while dry. Dry brushing is a method used to exfoliate the skin using a natural bristle brush. You will notice a glowing complexion and smooth skin. Dry bushing is a good option to use between sugar scrub exfoliation. You should avoid dry brushing if you have severe skin irritations or open wounds.
Additional claims on the benefits of dry brushing include an increase in blood circulation, riding the body of toxins through the lymphatic system and minimizing the appearance of cellulite. While there are differing views on some of these claims, dry brushing can be done in a gentle manner at home.
Here is my gentle approach to dry brushing that I use to exfoliate my skin and minimize the appearance of keratosis pilaris.
What to use: Use a soft natural brush or loofah, I recommend hemp for sensitive skin. I’ve owned this hemp body/back scrubber for a long time.
How often: I generally dry brush 1-2 times a week and use a brown sugar scrub once week.
How to dry brush: Use gentle and firm strokes. Some sources recommend brushing toward the heart and other toward the lymphatic system. I opt for the latter. For example, use a sweeping motion from your wrist to shoulder toward your under arm or from your ankle toward you inner thigh.
What you should do after dry brushing: Moisturize!! This is a must to nourish your newly revealed layers of skin and keep dryness and itchiness as bay. Learn more about Sénica’s moisturizer option here, Natural Moisturizer for Dry Skin.
That’s it. If you are looking to try this popular skin treatment option, remember to test the brush before you buy it. The goal is to exfoliate not irritiate your skin. Got it?! I hope this helps.
Photo Credits: Karolina Grabowska
LU: 6/30/21