I know what you are all thinking.. “Now what are you adding to our routine, Kim”?! Or maybe you just learned may name is Kim and that’s super cool too. If you know me, you know I use the term “life-changing” pretty frequently. Though frequent, never out of context, and never a lie. Dry brushing will change your freakin life!
I was given a dry brush as a gift about six months ago and I honestly didn’t know what it was at first. It looks like the type of thing you might use to brush a horses mane. Horses always look soft and silky so I figured it was worth a try. That’s when my research began.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which, if clicked on, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you. I want to reiterate that I have personally bought, used, and loved everything I promote.
So, What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is a wellness practice that involves using a natural-bristle brush to gently massage and exfoliate the skin, typically before taking a shower. The idea is that the coarse fibers on the brush will help to remove any dead skin cells and improve your skin’s ability to eliminate toxins by way of your pores.
![woman dry brushing her body and standing next to a flower bath](https://beauty-and-the-babes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pexels-photo-6728315.jpeg)
The Benefits of Dry Brushing
While dry brushing has been used for centuries, it has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health and beauty benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of dry brushing:
- Exfoliates the Skin: Dry brushing helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving it smoother and softer. This exfoliation can improve the overall texture of your skin and give it a healthy glow. I can 100% attest to this benefit! I struggle with Keratosis Pilaris on my arms and dry brushing has definitely helped smooth my skin.
- Stimulates Lymphatic System: One of the primary benefits of dry brushing is its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body by removing waste and toxins. Dry brushing may help enhance lymphatic flow, which can promote detoxification and reduce the risk of lymphatic congestion.
- Boosts Circulation: Dry brushing can increase blood circulation to the skin’s surface. Improved circulation can have several benefits, including better oxygenation of the cells, reduced fluid retention, and enhanced skin health.
- Promotes Relaxation: The gentle strokes of the brush can be relaxing and provide a sense of well-being. Many people find it to be a calming and meditative practice.
5. Prevents Ingrown Hairs: Dry brushing can help prevent ingrown hairs. This is particularly useful for those who struggle with ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing.
6. Enhances Product Absorption: By exfoliating the skin and removing the barrier of dead skin cells, dry brushing can improve the absorption of skincare products.
7. Supports Stress Reduction: The ritual of dry brushing can be a mindful practice that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your body and your well-being can have a calming effect.
How To Dry Brush
To get the most out of dry brushing, it’s important to use a proper technique. Choose a natural-bristle brush designed for this purpose.
Like most other beauty products, there are a range of different brushes available to you. I prefer using two different types of brushes to serve the purpose that each of them is intended for.
My favorite brush has over 16k positive reviews on Amazon and I am just one more reviewer who sings its praises. I use it for the majority of my body. The second brush I use is from the same company but it has a long handle and is used for those hard-to-reach areas like my back. They are both super cost-effective (less than 10$ each at the time of this post) and will last you a long time!
As previously stated, this practice is typically done prior to showering. I prefer this method so that I can wash away all of the dead skin and debris left from the process. Post shower is also an option but make sure you use a body oil like this one to avoid causing dry skin.
You are going to want to brush towards the heart, starting from your feet and working your way up. It might be slightly sensitive at first, but you will get used to it and you will quickly find it relaxing. Be gentle, especially on sensitive areas, and avoid brushing over broken skin or irritations.
It is typically recommended that you brush 1-2 times a week and slowly work your way up to 4-5 times a week. The entire process should take around 5-8 minutes to complete. See, I’m not asking you to add toooooo much to your routine.
Final Thoughts
I’d love to hear your experience with dry brushing if you are familiar with it or have tried it after reading this post. I hope you find this wellness practice as soothing and beneficial as I have found it to be!
Please note, while dry brushing has many potential benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have skin conditions, open wounds, or underlying health concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a dry brushing routine.
Happy Dry Brushing!
![dry brushing](https://beauty-and-the-babes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/signature.png)
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