The Benefits of Dry Brushing

If there is one thing I love doing, but don’t talk about a whole lot is dry brushing. Dry brushing has a ton of benefits and just plain feels good to do, so I thought it was time to share before the air starts to get colder and our skin get dried out a bit more. 

If you’re wondering what it is, it’s exactly what it sounds like! You use a natural bristle brush made specifically for brushing the skin. It only takes a few minutes a day, and can be done right before stepping into the shower. You start at the feet and hands and work your way towards your heart. But why do I do it?

Dry brushing helps with exfoliation. We’re all familiar with using shower poofs, but a dry brush helps lift and remove those dead skin cells before even stepping into the shower. It doesn’t hurt or scratch at all, and feels quite good! You’re skin will feel softer and softer with each time you do it because that build up is being gently removed on a daily basis. It’s also help clearing the pores of dirt and residue – a big reason why I like to do this after using the sauna and before my shower.

Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system. Our lymphatic system helps our body flush excess fluids out, and is important for our immune system. Our white blood cells from the lymphatic system fight bacteria and viruses. Think about when you get sick and you feel those lymph nodes swell in your throat. That’s your lymphatic system at work!  Massage and regular intake of fluids help regulate the lymphatic system (for most), but dry brushing can help stimulate it to get to work when it may be lagging. I like to do dry brushing in hopes of staying healthier, keeping the fluids flowing, and couple it with neurolymphatic trigger point massage. I learned there are parts of the body you can massage while stretching or even sitting in your car waiting for a light to change. (google neurolymphatic points for an easy to see chart. I find that this one is really easy to understand). I think it’s a really fascinating subject and plan to dig into it more.

Dry brushing just plain feels good. I mean this in all serious that life is strenuous at times and we all deserve time for self care — even if it’s just five minutes a day.  I try to make time for exercise, stretching daily but sometimes that just isn’t enough. Little things like doing a face mask while my daughter takes her bath or saving a few minutes to dry brush before a shower just feels good! Why not do it!? I deserve it, and so do you. 

You really don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started dry brushing. I use a small circular one from EcoTools that I got at Target for about five dollars. There are tons of different types with different shaped brush heads and long and short handles to get to those hard to reach areas but this one works for me. I’ve been meaning to get one for the face but just always seem to forget. I tend to use chemical exfoliants on the face so it’s no rush for me.

As usual, I follow with a good body moisturizer or body oil to keep freshly exfoliated skin soft, hydrated and looking glowy.

Have you tried dry brushing before? Do you have a particular brush you like to use?