Dry Skin Brushing: Benefits and How to Do It Properly
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What Is Dry Skin Brushing?
Skin Brushing has been used throughout the world for centuries, and is making its way back into popularity. Dry skin brushing is one of the best ways to cleanse the skin without removing the protective mantle of acid and oils. It gently and effectively removes the top layer of dead skin cells, along with their build-up of dirt, and deeply cleanses the pores.
Why Skin Health Matters
Dry skin brushing offers our skin and body many healthy benefits. It is super easy to do and really makes a difference in the appearance of your skin. Our skin is much more than a wrapper – it is the body’s largest organ! Some people refer to it as our third kidney. It is waterproof and protects us from heat and cold by keeping our body temperature constant. Our skin has two main parts. The outermost part is the epidermis. The epidermis consists of several layers of cells. These cells constantly divide and move from the inside to the surface, where they flatten, die, transform into a material called keratin, and finally shed as tiny, barely visible scales. It takes 3-4 weeks for a cell in the lowest layer to reach the surface.
The second layer of our skin is the dermis. The dermis is the underlying layer of the epidermis. It has tiny finger-like bulges that fit into the epidermis, sometimes creating bulges like the bulges in our fingertips, giving us our fingerprints. The dermis is made up of sweat glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and nerves. The dermis is held together with the proteins collagen and elastin fibers. The nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles in our dermis can penetrate the epidermis, but the blood vessels are confined to the dermis. Boy, that’s a mouthful for two paragraphs!
Our skin plays an important role in protecting the body and regulating temperature. Through perspiration, it contributes in a small way to waste removal, although the liver, kidneys, lungs, and digestive system are the body’s primary detoxification organs. Removing dead skin cells and promoting healthy circulation can help maintain youthful, glowing, and supple skin.
Potential Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing
Dry skin brushing is often used to support healthy lymphatic movement because the lymphatic system relies on body movement and muscle contractions to circulate lymph fluid. While research on dry skin brushing is limited, many people enjoy it for exfoliation, improved circulation, and as part of their self-care routine. The brisk movement of the brush can temporarily increase circulation near the skin’s surface, helping the skin appear healthier and more radiant.
The brisk movement of the brush promotes circulation locally, helping your skin have more glow.
Gut health also plays a role in skin health. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can contribute to inflammation that shows up in the skin. Supporting gut health through whole foods, fiber, and fermented foods is one of the best foundations for healthy, clear skin.
Skin brushing is sometimes used as part of programs aimed at improving the appearance of cellulite. Although it does not eliminate cellulite, some people feel it temporarily improves skin tone and texture.
How to do Dry Skin Brushing
There are different theories about the most effective method for brushing the skin. Here is a simple method that works well and that I use myself
The best time to skin brush is right before your shower or bath, when your skin is dry. If you have poison ivy, skin rashes, infections, or inflammatory problems such as psoriasis, do not brush that part of the skin. Begin with very gentle strokes and adapt the intensity of the brushing to match the sensitivity of your skin.
The basic principle is to brush from the outermost points of the body (hands and feet) towards the center (your heart).
Start by brushing your feet and up your legs with smooth, gentle strokes. Brush your hands and up your arms. Brush across your upper back and down the front and back of the torso. Cover the entire surface of the skin except for the more tender skin of the face and breasts. A slight flush due to increased blood circulation is normal and shows that your skin brushing is working. Be careful not to brush so hard that your skin turns bright red. The total process takes only two or three minutes. When you are finished, step into your bath or shower. You will feel an invigorating, tingling sensation over your entire body.
What type of Dry Skin Brush Should You Use?
Skin brushing is most effective with an all-natural vegetable fiber brush, such as the Tampico Skin Brush. Make sure the brush isn’t made of synthetic fiber since this can irritate the skin. A long handle is also helpful for reaching the back and entire body. I really like this Skin brush.
Dry Skin Brushing to Move Your Lymph
If your lymphatics are truly sluggish and dry skin brushing isn’t enough to promote lymphatic drainage, you can also add the Chi Machine to your daily routine, which really promotes lymphatic movement and circulation. There are also herbs that can help as well. My favorites are Lymphatic Drainage and Lymphomax. Many of you may also be dealing with cellulite. You can’t really get rid of cellulite; however, you can lessen its appearance with exercise, water, and eating healthy.
I enjoy dry skin brushing because it is simple, inexpensive, and only takes a few minutes each day. While it is not a cure-all, it is one more healthy habit that helps me care for my skin and body naturally.
References: Know your Body by Emmet B. Keefe, MD; James Jenks, HMD;
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy, MD.