Dry Brushing/Body Brushing: What Is It & How Do I Do It?

You know what a brush is. You know what dry means. But do you know what Dry Brushing is?!? You probably have seen dry brushes around and just assumed they were fancy loofas (totally guilty). They have a wooden handle (long, short, and oval-shaped), and their bristles are usually made of natural soft bristles, but you can find synthetic bristles, boar bristles, as well as other options. Dry Brushing is exactly what it sounds like: It’s the act of using a dry brush along your bare skin. Why? To detoxify, energizing, stimulates blood flow, exfoliates the dead skin cells off, and some claim it tackles cellulite (tell me more!!).

Now, there isn’t any conclusive research to back all these claims…I know, bummer. However!!! Dry Brushing has been around for many, many, many years. I’m talking Cleopatra era! As someone who works in this business, I can tell you that if a treatment doesn’t work, it does not stand the test of time. Simply put, there are too many new techniques and tools coming out every year; the competition would blow it right out of the water. The fact that dry brushing has been around since ancient Egypt is astonishing and no small feat.

As someone who uses Dry Brushing since 2018 (thank you, hubby, for the Christmas present – xo), I can say that it’s an amazing physical exfoliant for the body! Let me stress this – only practice dry brushing on your BODY, not your beautiful angelic, delicate face. The skin on your body is much thicker and can handle the bristles. The skin on your face and neck is much thinner and needs more gentle forms of exfoliation.

How does one Dry Brush?

Get Naked! That’s right; you’ll be in your birthday suit when dry brushing. For ideal results, you want to do this in the morning before you shower. Starting at your feet, use long uniform strokes going up your body towards your heart. Follow your circulatory system! Use light pressure; you shouldn’t be red or scratched up after you dry brush. Once you reach your heart level, you want to start brushing down towards your heart, again following your circulatory system. After you’re done hop in the shower and wash off those dead skin cells. Remember you just exfoliated your body, so skip the harsh loofas and body scrubs. Once your done showering, replenish your skin by using body oil while you’re still damp. I like to use a body lotion after as well, 60 years old me is going be very grateful!!

How often should I Dry Brush?

You could dry brush every day, as long as you are gentle on your skin during and after each practice. I personally do it about 2-3x a week. I find that’s enough for my body to reap the benefits, without irritating or over sensitizing it. If you’re just now starting to get into Dry brushing, I suggest you start 2x a week and see how well your body tolerates it, then incorporate it more or less into your routine.

Who doesn’t benefit from Dry Brushing?

If you have eczema, psoriasis, an active rash, or sunburn – skip this. Irritating the skin is never the goal, and inflammation can worsen any existing condition.

Is Dry Brushing something you think you’d like to get into? Let me know in the comments below!!

XO – Pachee