The surprising benefits of dry brushing

Dry brushing is a classic ayurvedic ritual that involves brushing your full body with a special bristled brush, that’s said to help get rid of flaky skin, increase circulation, detoxify, help digestion – and even improve the appearance of cellulite.

Benefits of dry brushing

I’ve been dry brushing my skin for the past 5 years, mostly because it feels great and makes my skin softer, but there are so many other benefits as well:

1. Lymphatic Support

The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin. Proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and helps the body detoxify itself naturally.

2. Exfoliation

This benefit is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. I noticed less dry skin and much softer skin in the first few days and weeks after dry skin brushing.

3. Clean Pores (& Smaller Pores!)

The added benefit of exfoliating the skin is clearing oil, dirt, and residue from the pores. Use a smaller, gentler dry brush for the face.

4. Natural Energy Boost

I can’t explain why but dry brushing always gives me a natural energy boost. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy. 

How to dry brush daily

1. Find your brush.

Finding your perfect dry brush is highly subjective. You want a stiff bristle but nothing too abrasive. I use something similar to this one.

2. Get ready.

You'll need to be completely nude. It’s best to do it before a shower, as you’ll be lifting up dead skin cells that you'll likely want to wash off right after. 

3. Start at the feet and move upward.

The point of dry brushing is to encourage lymph toward your upper torso and chest, where the lymphatic fluid will reenter the bloodstream: You always want to follow the circulatory system. All brush strokes should be directed to your heart. You can go in long strokes or circular motions. Repeat each section 5-10x. 

4. Then finish with neck and chest.

You'll want to be extra gentle, as it's more delicate skin. Also, here you're deviating from the bottom-up technique—as you are above heart level. Start at the jawline and move down toward your chest. Finish by going over your heart in a circular motion to end your routine. 

7. Afterward, you can take a shower as usual.

This will help clean the body of the dead skin cells that have come loose during the brushing process. As your skin is thoroughly exfoliated, be mindful of how you are washing it—skip the scrubs and abrasive loofahs. 

8. After the shower, hydration is key.

Because the skin will absorb the product more readily, it's important to use healthy, high-quality ingredients after dry brushing sessions. Do it while your skin is damp, as smoothing on oil or cream will seal in water from your shower. Always moisturize with damp skin!

9. Stick to it.

You're not going to see any difference unless you are diligent—as with any routine.