What is Dry Brushing? A How-to Guide

How to dry brush

DID YOU KNOW

One third of your body’s toxins are excreted through the skin and dry brushing helps to unclog pores and excrete toxins that become trapped in the skin. This is why it is important to dry brush your skin. Not to mention the amazing benefits of dry brushing and the simple fact that: it simply feels GOOD!

Let’s kick the brush party off with choosing a good brush.

You will want to look for the following qualities

Firm bristles made of NATURAL fiber (not synthetic)
Long handle for hard to reach places (like your back)
A smaller more soft brush for your face (yes that needs brushed too!)

I found dry brush at TJ Maxx. I have seen them at Ross Dress for Less as well. We have two brushes at our house, one for me and one for my husband. My husband’s brush has two pieces, the brush can be removed from the handle and used in the palm of the hand with a macrame loop to hold in place.

Benefits of dry brushing:

Exfoliation: This is a pretty obvious benefit and will be noticed almost (if not) immediately. The bristles loosen and remove dead skin cells. This will result in softer skin.
Clean Pores: You are clearing oil, dirt and other residue from your skin at a deeper level than you can achieve with soap and water alone.
Increased Energy & Blood Flow: Dry brushing awakes the skin and it receives a blood rush of energy. You are literally waking up your skin which in turn provides an increase in energy for your pleasure. How much energy experienced varies by person and you may want to move your brushing routine to morning so you can jump start your day out of the morning fog.
Lymphatic Support: This is extremely important as the Lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune defense. Lymph vessel are found just below the skin and in providing the blood rush to the skin will flush toxins, naturally detoxing the body and boosting immunity.
Cellulite Help: Dry brushing softens the hard fat deposits under the skin and in turn it distributes the fat evenly (which will help remove the dimples ya’ll!) It is also said that removing the toxins will may break down the connective tissue further reducing the cellulite appearance.
Stress Relief: When done in a quiet place the act can feel like a light full body massage and be meditative in nature. Calm your mind. Relieve stress. Reduce muscle tension.

Now that we got all the reasons why dry brushing your body is so great for your overall well being…how DO you dry brush? There are a few key elements to dry brushing but nothing that can not be easily learned.

How to Dry Brush:

I leave my brush hanging on the towel hook by the string. I’m already getting nik-ked before showering, which is a requirement to brush yourself yo.

I stand on the rug while I wait for the water to warm up. Others like to stand in the tub/shower stall. You will find your preferred method and groove.

I start at my toes and work my way to my heart using circular motions with the brush. Front and then back. Then start at the finger tips and work your way to the heart again. Don’t forget your neck and shoulders!

Make sure you are overlapping the circular motions so you brush every square inch. Ten sets of brush strokes for each area will ensure you’ve got it covered and provide maximum benefits.

If you find it hurts, you are applying too much pressure. This should feel vibrant and lively. I find that when I start at my toes, my arms will get goose bumps. Hello, skin, it’s your cup o’joe for the day! Rejuvination…ahhhh yassss!

Don’t brush too hard! A soft and smooth stroke often works best.
Your skin may be slightly pink after brushing, but should never be red or sting.

Your skin will become less sensitive as you continue to dry brush daily. You’re basically bringing every skin cell to a bright eyed and bushy tailed state of attention with your nerve endings are on high alert. When I first started it was slightly uncomfortable (so a 2-3 on a pain scale of 10). When I turn the shower on and stand on the rug my skin is tingly with anticipation of a brush down…it feels SO good!

That’s it, you’re all finished! Jump in the shower and pat dry. Apply your favorite body oil and you’re ready to tackle the day or enjoy a night’s rest.

how to dry brush cleaning your dry brush

Quick note on brush hygiene:

Clean your brush with soap and water once a week. Let it hang dry.

The brush will flake off dead skin cells and let’s not forget any bacteria on
the skin that may be present will get transferred to the brush as well.