Dry Brushing 101: Your step-by-step guide

It detoxifies and exfoliates your skin, stimulates the nervous system, breaks down cellulite, leaves you with baby-smooth skin and an overall glow, and it is awfully relaxing—what’s not to like about this centuries-old beauty ritual? Dry brushing has caught on over the last few years but before you jump onto the bandwagon, it’s important to know the right way to do it. Here is a complete guide to acing your dry brushing game. 

What is dry brushing?

The name says it all—it is brushing your skin (gently) with a dry brush, in an upward motion.

Choosing the right brush

Make sure you choose one made with natural stiff-fibre bristles, and one with a long handle so it reaches all areas of your body. The stiffness may vary, and you can choose one that works for you based on your skin sensitivity. If your skin is too sensitive, try a dry washcloth. And never dry brush over moles, warts, raised bumps, cuts, infections, and wounds. 

Steps to dry brushing

The best time to dry brush is before a shower when your skin is completely dry. That way you can wash off all the exfoliated dead skin and moisturise later to replenish the body’s hydration levels. 

Start from your feet and work your way up in upward in long strokes. For your arms, do the same—work from your hands and up your arms. For the stomach, chest, and back, work in circular motions. 

The point of this is to be gentle on your skin and to adjust the pressure as per the body part you are targeting. Go softer on the softer parts, and increase your pressure for the tougher spots. 

Remember, dry brushing can leave your skin feeling a little raw, so don’t overdo it. Once or twice a week is ideal.

How to take care of the brush

Make sure you rinse the brush after every use and dry it in an open, sunny area. Once a week, wash the brush with soap. And, it goes without saying—DO NOT share your brush with anyone. 

Dry brushing, although not backed by science, has been a beauty industry favourite for a few years now. And what’s the harm in a little exfoliation if it helps us with that coveted body glow! Of course, skin condition caveats in mind.