Dry Brushing 101

When I realized that I hadn’t posted an article about dry brushing yet, I was shocked! I couldn’t believe I overlooked one of my favorite rituals. We’ve mentioned it before in social media posts or email blasts, but this exfoliating practice is deserving of an article all its own!

What I come across most often in the shop is that customers are already enjoying this experience or they’ve heard of it but just aren’t sure exactly what it is and haven’t tried it. If you’re already utilizing this tool, I’m sure you quickly figured out that some of the benefits are as good for your mood as they are for your skin, a fact that often comes as a surprise to many. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and HOW to try dry brushing for yourself!

The Why:

The benefit most often discussed when it comes to dry brushing is exfoliation. The bristles act as a physical exfoliator, gently rubbing away dead skin cells from the top layer. This in turn improves skin’s appearance and allows topical products to be absorbed better, therefore making them more affective. Similar to massage, it’s also a great way to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage. Also similar to massage, it can be a very meditative experience. Setting aside a few minutes to only focus on the repetition of the strokes and then enjoy the invigorating sense of renewal you’ll feel when you’re done can be a huge mood booster!

The How:

Most of the time, I use the dry brush on it’s own, but sometimes I add a little bit of my favorite oil to the bristles. I also tend to do it at the end of the day, but many die hards do prefer to do it in the morning because it can be a great way to jump start your energy for the day!

Start at your feet and brush upward toward the heart. Similarly, when you start on your arms, begin at the hands and work upward. Use firm, small strokes upward but don’t apply so much pressure that you damage your skin’s barrier. For the stomach, work in a clockwise direction.

Now you just have to pick the right brush! We carry two options: a handheld and one with a long handle to easily reach tough areas like your back. Click to shop!