We tend to take really good care of our faces, by spending loads of money on facials, face peels, fancy creams, etc and totally ignore the rest of the skin on our bodies. All our skin needs to be taken care of, this is where the new trend of dry brushing comes it. It’s a way to improve the texture of your skin, as well as having loads of other benefits to you.

So, what is Dry Brushing?

It’s exactly what it sounds like… It’s brushing your skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush, that is made of coarse natural bristles. The idea is that the coarse bristles exfoliate and remove dead skin cells while improving the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins through it’s pores.

Benefits of Dry Brushing

I only recently started dry brushing my skin, mostly because I wanted to see if it would improve its texture by making it smoother. And, I have since discovered, it feels great. However, there are other benefits as well, such as:

1. Exfoliation – by dry brushing you remove dead skin cells which leaves your skin feeling smoother and softer. Which, in turns helps you skin better absorb any lotions or cream that you apply after. I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin from the first brush. 
2. Relaxation – similar to a massage, dry brushing can make you feel relaxed. Once you get used to the feel of the coarse bristles on your skin, it feels really great.
3. Reduces Cellulite – I’m not sure how true this really is, as there is no scientific evidence to back it up and I haven’t noticed a difference in the appearance of my cellulite due to dry brushing but I have read many women’s accounts claiming it does. So if you ask me, if it does – bonus!
4. Helps Lymphatic System – the lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. Fluids flow through the system and are filtered through the lymph nodes. Many of these run just below the skin, therefore, dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins by stimulating the normal lymph flow within the body. 
5. Natural Energy Boost – I personally find that I feel energised and invigorated after dry brushing my skin. Therefore, I wouldn’t suggest doing it at night but rather before your shower in the morning. Apparently, it could be because it increases circulation, thus increasing your energy. Who knows, but it feels great and I have included it as part of my morning routine.

Buying a Dry Brush

There are many different dry brushes available both in-store and online. The thing you want to make sure is the bristles are natural, coarse and quite firm.

I personally like one with a long handle as it makes it easier for me to reach  my back, as my shoulders are not flexible, due to an injury. Therefore, I bought The  one from Cactus Brush from The Body Shop.

 However, I have also used this one from Lisa Raleigh – Dry Body Brush, which was also really good, my only problem was that my husband had to brush my back, which made it difficult as he leaves for work quite early. 

Keep in mind that the first couple of times you brush your skin, it will be a little pink and sensitive. That is completely normal, so rather go a little gently and increase pressure as your skin gets used to it.

How to Dry Brush

Dry brushing can be done daily over the whole body, preferably in the morning before your shower. It’s best to start with soft pressure and work up to firm pressure over time.

As with all things, use some common sense when dry brushing. If you have an open wound or inflamed skin, avoid dry brushing over the affected area. As, you could introduce unneccesary bacteria to the area, which could lead to an infection.

Don’t brush your face, unless you have a specialised brush for it, as the normal dry brushes are too harsh for your face.

• Start on dry skin, before bathing. Always begin at your feet and move up your body.
• For lymph flow and drainage, you should always brush towards your heart/chest.
• When brushing your legs, arms and back, use long smooth strokes towards your heart.
• On your mid-section, including your stomach, chest and armpits, brush in a clockwise circular motion. 
• Once you have finished dry brushing, have a shower to remove all the dead skin.
• After your shower, dry off and add some moisturiser to your skin.

Be sure to replace your brush every 6-12 months, as the bristles will wear out. Also be sure to wash your brush once a week to get rid of the dead skin and keep it fresh and hygienic. 

My experience

I’ve been Dry Brushing every morning for the last 3 weeks and can say I have definitely noticed that my skin is softer and I don’t have as much dry skin as I used to. It has also helped with ingrown hairs from waxing and I can feel the difference on my arms where my skin generally breaks out. 

However, I can’t say that I have noticed any difference in terms of my lymphatic system or cellulite. Though, its hard to really measure that anyway. 

I am very happy with my Cactus Brush, I find it’s the perfect firmness for my skin and it having a handle makes my life so much easier. 

Overall, I am happy with the results of dry brushing and will definitely be keeping it as part of my routine, if nothing else, it really can’t hurt 🙂