The How-To Guide To Dry Brushing

It's winter. And our husk-like skin requires a little extra coaxing to let its true self shine. Welcome to the beautiful world of dry brushing. A time-honoured beauty ritual with origins in several ancient cultures, from Ayurveda to Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and traditional Chinese medicine. Dry brushing is the act of massaging a firm bristle brush in a specific direction over the body to gently persuade skin cell turnover, promote circulation, decrease cellulite, increase energy, and achieve a praiseworthy all-over body glow 🌟. The benefits are instantly noticeable, and the gain is long-term. Here's everything you need to know about the art of dry brushing. 

How To Dry Brush

1. Choose the right brush - Select a vegan-bristle brush with firm bristles. We love how the Detox Body Brush from MIFA nestles perfectly into the palm of your hand, secured with a handle for an effortless grip. The Bamboo Bikini Brush from Urban Spa is designed to help prevent in-grown hairs on the legs, arms, and bikini area caused by waxing or shaving. The longer handle allows access to hard-to-reach areas like the middle of your back.
2. Dry brush on dry skin - It's called dry brushing for a reason. Perform dry brushing on completely dry skin before showering. Timing is key - experts recommend dry brushing in the morning rather than before bed due to its invigorating qualities.
3. Begin at the feet - Start at your feet and brush upwards towards your heart. Use long, sweeping motions and pay extra attention to areas with thicker skin, like the knees and elbows. Apply gentle, but firm pressure.
4. Circular Motions for Abdomen - When you reach your abdomen, switch to gentle circular motions. Always move in the direction of your digestive system - clockwise - to support natural detoxification.
5. Finish at the Neck - Complete the process by delicately brushing your neck and décolletage. This enhances blood flow and aids in removing toxins through lymphatic drainage. 
6. Shower or Bath - Follow up with a warm shower or bath to wash away the loosened skin cells. Finish with your favourite body butter to nourish and deeply moisturize the skin. (Dry brushing is best done 2-3 times a week, and consistency is key to achieving optimal results, so make it a regular part of your natural skincare routine.)

Benefits of Dry Brushing

• Exfoliation: Dry brushing sloughs off dead skin cells, unclogging pores and promoting cell turnover, resulting in smoother, softer skin and helping to improve the appearance of dullness and rough texture. Hello, healthy glow!
• Improved Circulation: By stimulating blood flow, dry brushing encourages the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, resulting in a healthy and radiant complexion. Better blood flow is like a power boost to the skin!  (Pssst. Hop over to our Gua Sha Pocket Guide to learn about another little powerhouse tool that improves blood flow.)
• Lymphatic Drainage: Dry brushing supports lymphatic drainage, which helps remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. This can reduce swelling and puffiness, particularly in areas prone to fluid retention, such as the ankles and legs.
• Stress Relief: The firm pressure and rhythmic motion of dry brushing can have a soothing effect on the body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Naturally, we're big fans of making space for any mindful self-care practice that allows you to connect with your body and indulge in a moment of tranquillity. 🧖‍♀️
• Enhanced Product Absorption - One of our favourite upshots of dry brushing is the improved absorption and efficacy of your skincare products. By removing the barrier of dead skin cells, dry brushing allows serums, moisturizers, and oils to penetrate deeper into the skin, maximizing their benefits.

Our Takeaway

Minimal effort, major rewards! Dry brushing is a simple yet effective technique that can be a transformative experience. From exfoliating and revitalizing the skin to promoting circulation and relaxation, we can see a noticeable difference with regular practice (i.e. consistency is key). If you have questions about incorporating a dry brushing practice into your natural skincare routine, contact your knowledgeable Green Kiss Educator for an all-over body glow 🌟. 

All copy found on The Green Kiss website is written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.