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Dry Brushing: The Benefits, How To Do It, & The Contraindications

a dry brush used for dry brushing

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If you’ve never heard of dry brushing you may be wondering what it is.  Well, dry brushing is when you massage your body with a dry stiff bristled brush.  May sound a little odd, I know.  But try thinking about it like this, it’s like when you get up and you brush your hair in the morning.  But with dry brushing, you’re brushing your skin instead of your hair!

So why would anyone want to “brush” their skin anyway?  Besides the fact that it feels good, dry brushing has been said to have positive effects on the body and skin!  But even though there is little scientific research to prove the benefits of dry brushing, many people still love it and continue to do it.  

Curious to know what the benefits of dry brushing are?  Keep reading and find out!

(This page may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  You can read my full disclaimer policy here.)

 

If you wanna skip all of this and just want your dry brush now you can check out this full set here!

 

Benefits of Dry Brushing

 

Improved Skin Appearance & Health

Dry brushing does wonders for the skin!  Dry brushing is excellent for exfoliating your skin and cleaning clogged pores.  It may even help shrink them!  Doing it daily will help soften and tighten your skin as well!

Helps the Body to Detoxify

I’m sure you’re wondering, how can dry brushing help detoxify?  Well, dry brushing has been said to help promote lymph flow and drainage.  In case you’re unsure what that is, your lymphatic system is what helps the body get rid of toxins and waste.  And when you’re dry brushing you’re doing similar motions of how someone would try and stimulate the lymphatic system, thus helping the body to get rid of toxins and such.

May Reduce Cellulite

Even though there is no scientific evidence that proves this, many people claim that dry brushing helps with the reduction of cellulite.

Improves Blood Circulation

Dry brushing has been said to improve blood flow and circulation.  Why is this a good thing?  Well, the circulatory system helps supply oxygen and nutrients to our body’s cells!  AND it helps remove toxins and waste from the body!


May Improve Digestion and Kidney Function

Though many people claim that dry brushing does improve digestion and kidney function there is no scientific evidence that says this is true.

Energy Boost

There are many people who say that dry brushing helps give them an extra boost of energy.  I for one, am definitely one of those people!  Cause every time I dry brush I always feel invigorated afterward!  They say the reason why you may feel so energized after dry brushing is cause you’re also stimulating your nervous system which may make you feel more invigorated.

Feels Good

I love dry brushing!  It feels amazing and I love how I feel afterward!  Dry brushing actually relaxes me.  When I’m done dry brushing I just feel more peaceful.  In fact, many other people who dry brush say the same thing!

Ready to Start Dry Brushing?

 

Choosing a Dry Brush

There are many different kinds of dry brushes, small ones that are used on the face, bigger ones for the body, ones with long handles, and others that have no handles.  Some dry brushes have softer bristles and others have firm bristles.  This set here has both!

I would recommend getting one with natural bristles that has a long handle so you can get your whole back and other hard to reach areas.  If you’ve never dry brushed before I would get a dry brush with softer bristles first.  You can get one with firm bristles later when your skin isn’t as sensitive. 

You can check out a dry brush set here that has all-natural bristles, a long handle and includes a soft brush, firm brush, and a face brush!


Dry Brush Care

Yes as your dry brush cares for you, you must care for your dry brush.  Which means washing it with soap and water every 1-2 weeks to help wash out any dead skin in the brush.  And be sure to leave it out somewhere it can dry out properly.  Leaving it in an open and sunny spot is a great place to let it dry!  It will help prevent mildew as well.  And remember to replace the brush when the bristles start to wear down.

How to Dry Brush

Dry brushing is typically done once or twice a day using long soft smooth strokes.  Many people do it in the mornings and before they shower to rise of any dead skin and other impurities that came off during your dry brushing session.  Then apply lotion afterward to help put moisture back in it.

Note: Be sure to brush toward the heart.

REMEMBER TO GO LIGHTER ON MORE SENSITIVE AREAS!

      • Start at your feet and do long smooth strokes brushing up your leg.  Give extra attention to places like your heels.  Brush each area about 6-10 times. 
      • Then go to your hands and do long smooth strokes starting at your palm and going up your arm toward the heart.  Brush each area about 6-10 times as well.
      • When doing your stomach, armpits, and back brush in circular clockwise motions.
      • Continue on switching to your small soft-bristled dry brush for your face and being sure to overlap areas.

USE CAUTION: Dry brushing should NOT hurt!  And your skin should NOT turn red from it.  If it starts to hurt or sting while dry brushing USE LESS PRESSURE!!


When NOT to Dry Brush

 

Contraindications

Unfornetly, dry brushing may not be for everyone.  If you have any of the following you may not want to take up dry brushing.  Always consult with your doctor first before doing any kind of dry brushing.

        • Sensitive skin
        • Eczema
        • Psoriasis
        • Or another type of skin condition

Places to Avoid

Always avoid areas of the skin that are:

        • Inflamed
        • Burnt
        • Has rashes
        • Infections
        • And open wounds

 

(Please keep in mind that I am not a doctor.  I am only a Mom who is going off her own experiences and research.  If you’d like to know more you can read my full disclaimer policy here.)

Dry Brushing the benefits, how to do it, and the contraindications pinterest

What do you think about dry brushing?  Tell us below in the comments!  And if you liked this post, give it a share!  Thanks!

Learn How dry brushing can improve your skin and health pinterest
Dry Brushing the benefits, how to do it, and the contraindications pinterest
Everything You Need to Know About Dry Brushing pinterest
Why You Need to start dry brushing today pinterest

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