But what is dry brushing, exactly, and is there any science behind it? Should you be doing it? We caught up with a team of experts to answer all of your dry skin brushing questions.
What is dry brushing?
Per Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, dry brushing is the process of exfoliating dead skin cells on the body by using a brush with firm, natural bristles. This is typically done throughout your entire body. “The technique originated in India over 5,000 years ago,” reveals Michele Green, MD, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital. Dry brushing has been a popular treatment at spas and amongst aestheticians, but with a number of brushes available, it’s found its way into home use as well.
Dry brushing benefits
Improved circulation. One great benefit of dry brushing, according to Jailman, is better circulation. “Stimulating certain areas of the body with dry brushing helps to bring oxygen to that area,” she says. This, she explains, can also help with anti-aging “because collagen production increases as blood flow increases via the massage with the brush.”Exfoliation. Another much-discussed benefit of dry brushing is exfoliation—it’s a safe, inexpensive way to loosen and get rid of those dead skin cells. “As debris, dirt, and excess oil are cleared away, skin becomes smoother and more toned,” says celebrity esthetician, Mila Moursi. She adds that an exfoliated skin surface can more effectively retain moisture and absorb nutrients from body care products and treatments. “It’s important not to neglect the body and show the same love and care as you show your face by exfoliating it on a regular basis,” says Green. “It does not matter whether you have sensitive, dry, or oily skin type—exfoliation is necessary for healthy cell turnover.”Reduced appearance of cellulite: “Having increased circulation from dry brushing will cause vasodilation—that’s when your capillaries widen, causing an increased amount of blood flow in the area,” explains Green. This, she explains, will cause a temporary “plumping up of the skin,” making your cellulite appear less visible. It’s worth noting that this isn’t permanent, though. “It just makes it less visible for a short period of time,” Green clarifies. Since the effects of dry brushing on cellulite are temporary, Green recommends performing the technique before a special occasion to achieve the maximum benefits.It can reduce swelling: Green explains that the practice can also be beneficial for tired feet and swelling in the legs and ankles. “Dry brushing stimulates the blood flow, therefore improving circulation,” she says. “The increased blood flow improves lymphatic drainage reducing swelling, aches and discomfort in the legs and ankles.”Relaxation: “Similar to a massage, dry brushing may make you feel relaxed,” says Anna Guanche, a board-certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert in Calabasas, California.
Dry brushing equipment
In order to dry brush, you’ll need a brush that is designated specifically for the technique. Claire Molyneaux, founder and CEO of The Clean Beauty Box, a bi-monthly subscription box for clean, conscious and cruelty-free beauty, recommends a natural bristle brush made of sisal fibers. “There are softer versions for more sensitive skin and longer handles for hard-to-reach areas like the back,” she says. Molyneaux also adds that it’s important to clean your brush once a week or so with a mild soap and let it air dry away from humidity and moisture. And Guanche says that while there are many brushes on the market, it’s important to use brushes “that have stiff bristles but not too stiff that they are going to harm the skin.” Here are several dry brushes recommended by experts: goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush: “The shape helps get areas you might have trouble getting with other brushes,” says Jaliman. “It has a cord, which is good for when it’s time to put away and its bristles are made of fibers that come from the agave plant.” SpaRitual’s Dry Brush: “We created the SpaRitual dry body brush in a customizable shape to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand for ergonomic handling and ease of brushing. We wanted it to be an intuitive tool that could be used for daily self-care,” Shel Pink, author of Slow Beauty: Rituals and Recipes to Nourish the Body and Feed the Soul. Biossance Dry Body Brush: “This is a good option, as it’s made with vegan nylon,” says Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, a dual board-certified dermatologist with offers in New York City and Long Island. Rosena Dry Brushing Body Brush Set: This kit comes with a dry skin brush that is outfitted with a long handle, which works well for hard to reach places, as well as a handheld and facial variety.
Dry brushing how-to
“Dry skin brushing is just what it sounds like,” explains Dr. Adam Mamelak, an Austin-based dermatologist. It uses a brush with stiff bristles and typically a long wood handle to brush the skin, even in hard to reach areas. “More often, it’s referred to as dry brushing as neither your skin or the brush should be wet during the treatment,” he adds. “Start on soles of feet and brush in long strokes up each leg. Next, brush in long strokes from hands up to shoulders,” suggests Moursi. “When brushing chest and upper back, focus the strokes toward the heart. When brushing the abdomen, brush in counterclockwise, circular motions to follow the movement of the lymph system. Going over the area multiple times is essential.” Mamelak adds that skin brushing aficionados generally recommend long smooth strikes, brushing towards the center of the body. “Five to 10 strokes per area is a good starting point,” he says. The process, says Guanche, is “invigorating and a little stingy.” The skin may turn a little pink after you run the bristles over it but you should not be brushing so hard that you feel pain. “If you apply too much pressure, it can irritate and break the skin. Start gently and see how your skin tolerates it,” Guanche suggests. And Jaliman says to “apply more pressure than if you were applying moisturizer and just enough pressure as if you were massaging someone.”
Consider dry brushing your face
To do this, you’ll want to purchase a smaller facial brush, but Moursi says you can speed up the process of skin rejuvenation, leaving skin with a fresh, rosy glow. “The gentle stroking action has a light massage effect that relaxes stressed facial skin, accelerates cell turnover, maximizes oxygen intake, and cleanses the pores of impurities,” she explains. It’s important to be extra gentle when dry brushing your facial area so as not to irritate the skin.
The science behind dry brushing
“The bristles physically remove dry dead skin revealing new healthier skin underneath,” Mamelak explains. Physical massage in general, he says, can increase circulation to the area and mobilize fluid in tissues, which is one of the main ideas behind massage for athletes and lymphatic drainage in wound care clinics. “The firm bristles help dilate blood vessels, encourage blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin,” he adds. “Furthermore, the physical pressure can mobilize lymph fluid in the lymphatic vessel, bringing it back into circulation to eliminate toxins.”
How often to brush
Moursi tells her clients to practice dry brushing twice a week in order to keep their skin in the best possible shape. And Molyneaux says it’s especially crucial for people over 30 “when cellular turnover begins to slow down.” She recommends doing it either in the morning for an energizing ritual or in the evening to relax. “Always shower afterwards to rinse away dead skin cells,” she explains.
Who should be cautious with dry brushing
“Those with extra sensitive skin should not do it too often,” says Jaliman. And in these situations, less pressure should be applied. She adds that anyone with open wounds or active infection should also refrain from dry brushing. “If you have eczema or psoriasis, you should be very careful with dry brushing because it might make condition worse,” she explains, noting that it’s best to avoid dry brushing any area with an active irritation. For those with conditions like sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis, Green suggests using a very soft bristle brush a with body oil, such as the Frangipani Monoi Body Oil by Elemis to gently dry brush the skin. Next up, refreshing salt and sugar homemade body scrubs.
