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3 steps to better dry brushing

By Hayley McKinnon

Dry brushing the skin really is as simple as it sounds—a firm, bristled brush is swept across the skin, from toe to head. It’s called “dry” brushing because you do it before you bathe or shower when your skin and the brush are completely dry.

A woman uses dry brushing to improve her skin appearance

There are so many good things that come from the regular practice of dry brushing:

  • It’s wonderful for exfoliating dry skin and unclogging pores.
  • It helps the body detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promotes lymph flow/drainage.
  • Dry brushing also stimulates your nervous system, leaving you feeling invigorated!

Want to experience these benefits? Here are our favorite tips for getting the most out of dry brushing:

1. Pick the perfect brush. We actually have two favorites that we use: a handleless natural bristle brush for our arms and legs and torso (it comes with a hand strap for an easy grip), and a long-handled natural bristle brush for the back and backs of the thighs and other hard to reach spots. You can find brushes in the bath and beauty section of your favorite store. Designate your brushes for dry brushing your skin only. You can rinse and dry your brushes after use.  

2. Brush towards your heart. When you dry brush, use long, sweeping strokes in the direction of your heart to work with your body’s lymph flow. The lymphatic system, found just under the skin, helps to rid your body of toxins and waste. So, start from your toes and make sweeping motions up your legs, and tummy, finally releasing the brushing as you near your heart, where a key lymph drainage point is found. When you are brushing your arms, start at the wrists and brush up towards the shoulder, then down from the collarbone to end near your heart.

3. Follow up with an oil massage. Some people like to jump in the shower after dry brushing, but for a real treat for skin, follow up dry brushing by massaging warm coconut oil or sesame oil into the skin. You can warm oil over the stove. Test to make sure it is warm to the touch, not hot. You can warm oil quickly by rubbing it between your palms before applying.

Our skin is our largest and one of the most active organs in the body. Every minute old skin cells die and new ones are created. Brush your skin while standing on a cloth and you will notice just how many flakes of old skin are removed! Dry brush your skin weekly for best results, or as needed.

Bonus tip? For inside-out care of your skin, get more Omega-3 fatty acids and try an antioxidant supplement to give skin cells key ingredients for healthy renewal. Healthy skin cells help clear the way for easier detox!

star Love the skin you’re in! Read our article: 7 tips for stunning skin in menopause.
Last Updated: February 15, 2022
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