Dry Brushing On Dry Skin 101

Team Soul Story was curious about the ancient beauty ritual of dry brushing the body that is known to stimulate the skin and keep skin pores clear.  It is best to avoid your face in this process as many people’s facial skin is too sensitive.  Here’s what we discovered from our research and tryout, including external and internal benefits, techniques, tips and history.

Positives benefits of dry brushing

1. Improves appearance of cellulite
2. Unclogs pores and allows your skin to breathe
3. Boosts circulation
4. Increases lymphatic drainage system
5. Eliminates toxins
6. Relieves stress
7. Smoother and softer skin
8. It may also help you relax

Negative side effects

1. You may feel light headed and queasy since one of the positive side effect is getting the lymphatic system moving
2. Brushing too frequently or vigorously or using a brush with rough bristles could cause ‘micro-cuts’ in your skin that may lead to infection

Best technique to dry brushing

Dry Brushing On Dry Skin 101. Image Cr: Allure

Start with the soles of your feet, use swift upward strokes and brush from the feet, ankle, shin, calf and knee, up to the front and back thighs, working towards your upper body.

Once you’ve covered your lower body, move to your hands and brush each arm, starting with the palm, brushing inward towards your heart. Gently brush the chest area in a circular motion.

Brush the neck area by starting at the back of the neck and stroking towards the front.

Next, brush your back. A dry brush with a handle is extremely helpful for the back.

Last, work on your abdomen – moving in a clockwise direction to follow the movement of the colon.

Brush for about five minutes until your skin is rosy and slightly tingly.

Tips To Know Before Dry Brushing

Tips To Know Before Dry Brushing Image Cr: Vive Health

Select a brush that has natural bristles. Avoid buying synthetic brushes because it can scratch your skin.

Avoid dry brushing your face (unless you are already familiar brushing your face).

If you are new to skin brushing, you may want to start with a loofah before moving to a natural bristle brush.

Dry brush for 5 to 7 minutes before you shower.

Don’t brush with water, lotions, or oil.  When you brush on just bare skin it helps remove the maximum amount of dry skin cells and gives you the most benefits.

If you’re just starting out with dry brushing, start by doing it three times a week and then work up to doing it every day.

Don’t forget your back, tummy and the back of your arms.

Spend extra time on areas that tend to be more stagnant, such as the inner thighs.

People with open or inflamed skin, including people with eczema and psoriasis, should avoid dry brushing over these areas.

Avoid open wound as dry brushing could introduce bacteria, which could lead to infection.

Wash your brush about two times a week with shampoo, rinse it out very well and hang it to dry completely.  (Here’s how to keep other beauty tools in tiptop shape)

How To Keep Beauty Tools In Tiptop Shape

Here are tips on how to keep other beauty tools clean

History of Dry Brushing

The beauty ritual of dry brushing has been used by many ancient civilizations including Egyptians, Romans, Indian, Scandinavians and North American Aboriginals.  The method was viewed as a means to keep the body healthy as brushing stimulates the skin and keeps skin pores clear so the body can perspire freely.

Do you dry skin brush?  If so, do you find it beneficial or have you experienced some downsides?

Will you be trying out dry skin brushing?

Hope you enjoy the benefits of this ancient beauty ritual and share your feedback.

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