There are endless tips and tricks out there promoting smooth, covetable skin -- so many so that sorting through them may get a tad overwhelming (let’s be real, it’s a lot overwhelming). We at 10 Degrees Cooler who are all about simplicity, seek help from time-tested techniques. One such technique is dry brushing, an ancient practice of massaging the skin that works well for myriad reasons (from simple exfoliation to improving one’s complexion). Learn from our guide below what dry brushing is, what its benefits are, and how to do it effectively.
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is the practice of taking a wooden, natural bristle brush and gently brushing the skin (pretty self-explanatory, no?). The rule, however, is that in order to achieve maximum benefit neither the skin nor the brush are wet.
The traditional technique of dry brushing is rooted in Ayurveda, a 3000 year old Indian whole-body healing system that focuses on promoting health rather than fighting disease. The dry brushing ritual, originally intended for daily practice, was thought to stimulate blood flow, smooth the skin, and detoxify the entire body.
Why Dry Brush? Glad You Asked. Let’s Explore Some Of Its Health Benefits:
Dry Brushing For Exfoliation
This is one of the simplest, most important, and effective benefits of the dry brushing technique. When the bristles brush against your skin, you slough away dead skin cells, which promotes a smoother complexion.
Dry Brushing And Lymphatic Drainage
While there’s no steadfast research to confirm this yet, traditionally dry brushing has been thought of as a means to improve lymphatic circulation. Our lymph system, which is essentially our bodies’ garbage disposal, does not move on its own. Deep breathing and exercise are great ways to stimulate it, but dry brushing, with its skin contact and upward, circular motion, is also thought to improve movement of the lymph system, thus helping to detoxify the body.
Dry Brushing And Your Skin’s Appearance
A noted effect of dry brushing regularly is a plumping of the skin. While cellulite is normal and can’t just magically disappear, this “plumping” gives skin a smoother appearance.
So That’s The “Why” Of Dry Brushing. What, Then, Is The Best Dry Brushing Technique?
First, it’s believed that the best time to dry brush is in the morning before you shower.
For best results, dedicate 3-5 minutes to your brushing ritual.
Exclude your heart, chest and face, but do begin at your toes and move up in an effort to get the whole of the rest of your body.
Start at the feet and move in gentle, small motions, pointing upward toward your heart.
Pay attention to your motion, and make small circular brush strokes around your knees and other joint areas.
Move up to your abdomen and make counter-clockwise circles around your belly button.
After your abdomen, you may move to your back. Here, you’ll make long brush strokes from the center of your back outwards towards the shoulders.
Finally, approach your arms and make long, broad strokes from your hands to your shoulders.
That’s it! You’re glowing!
Pro Tip: If the brushing is too intense on its own, feel free to add some oil to your body or brush beforehand to help soften the process.
Which Dry Brush Is Best?
Buy a dry brush with a long, wooden handle. This will help ensure easy reach of your back and legs. It should also have medium-soft bristles made from vegetable fiber. While you can find synthetic fiber options, note they may be harsher on your skin.
That’s all! We hope you enjoyed this quick-start guide to dry brushing. As fans of the practice ourselves, we can say you will have glowing results when you follow through and do it consistently. Aim for 2-3 times a week!
Want to extend that glow to your face? Grab yourself our 03 Midnight In Corsica Face Oil; it’ll be the perfect complement to your next dry brushing session.
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