The benefits of dry brushing

We already know about how exfoliating your face regularly helps your skin, but do you exfoliate the rest of your body as well? Dry body brushing is a great way to rejuvenate your skin, and it’s got loads of other benefits as well.

A body brush is kind of like a really soft hair brush, but with a longer handle (super handy for helping you with those hard to reach areas). You do it once or twice a day on dry skin – I prefer to do it once a day before I shower so that I can wash away dead skin cells and clean my brush at the same time and it’s a regular part of my skincare routine.

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

The most obvious benefit of dry brushing is that it helps to remove dead skin cells from your body – that improves the appearance of your skin, clears clogged pores and allows your skin to “breathe.” The brush stimulates sweat and oil glands, so if you’ve got dry skin you’ll notice that your skin has increased moisture. Dry brushing also stimulates your blood flow, and can help to give your appearance a nice glow.

It can also help to improve skin texture on extra dry areas like your elbows, knees and ankles – if they’re problem areas for you then make sure you pay them a little extra attention! Dry brushing helps to stimulate blood flow to the digestive system and lymphatic system, which helps to remove toxins from the body, so if you’re dry brushing regularly not only will your skin look better but you’ll start to feel better as well.

How to dry brush your skin

1. Using a natural bristled brush (I use one from Manicare similar to this one) start at your feet, moving the brush in a sweeping motion up your leg towards your tummy.

2. Continue to brush, lightly, over your bottom, tummy and lower back. When dry brushing over your abdomen, do it in a clockwise motion – that’s the way things move through your intestines. Try to follow the same direction when doing your lower back if you can.

3. Start again at your hands and arms, working up your arms towards your heart. Finish by brushing the top of your back and chest in the same way, going lightly over your neck and throat.

4. Have a shower to wash away the dead skin cells, and remember to moisturise your skin thoroughly when you get out.

My top tips:

• Always brush towards the heart to promote better blood and lymph circulation through the body
• Avoid brushing your face, your genitals, or any areas with irritations or abrasions (including varicose veins)
• Don’t brush too hard – you should be firm but it shouldn’t hurt. You can expect your skin to turn pink, but it shouldn’t become red or irritated.
• Rinse your brush in the shower after using it to clear out those dead skin cells
• Make sure you moisturise well after your shower

I dry brush every day, and then use a body scrub weekly (I love Exfoliate by Miss Bliss). Not only does it leave my skin smooth and glowing, it’s part of my essential self care practice.

Do you dry brush your skin? Let me know if you have any tips!