How Often To Dry Brush: A Guide to Frequency and Benefits

Dry brushing dates back thousands of years originating as an ancient Egyptian ritual. Dry brushing made its way through several centuries and cultures. Dry brushing was also included as a form of healing in Hindu and Chinese Medicine 

Dry brushing is known to remove dead skin, increase blood flow, reduce cellulite, soften skin, even skin tone, reduce wrinkle formation and improve digestion. Understanding when, and how to dry brush is crucial to reaping the benefits. I’ll explain the most effective and safe practices for integrating dry brushing into your skincare routine.

Dry brushing has made its name to fame for providing skin and health benefits. One benefit is exfoliation. Using a dry brush on your skin, means dead-skin cells are brushed away revealing your smoother, softer layer of skin.

Dry brushing is also known to help improve circulation. Rubbing the firm brush bristles over your skin can help increase blood flow and improve oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface, revealing a healthier radiant complexion.

Dry brushing helps breakdown fat cells and decrease the appearance of cellulite. Dry brushing will also help you eliminate toxins. The motion of dry brushing is known to help move lymph fluids, which helps with the detoxification processes.

Although many people are raving about the benefits of dry brushing, choosing the wrong brush, and brushing in the wrong direction could cause a traumatic experience.

Dry brushes come in many different sizes, materials and firmness. Dry brushes are made with natural hair, synthetic hair, and even vegetable fibers. The goal when choosing your brush is to select one that is firm enough to stimulate blood flow and remove dead skin without causing scratches or irritation. 

I’d recommend testing the brush on the inside of your forearm. For new dry brushers, use a softer bristle brush and move to a firmer brush in the future. I’d also recommend looking for a brush with a longer handle to help you reach every area.

Begin at your feet and move up in long, steady strokes, always brushing toward your heart to help the lymphatic circulation. Use long overlapping strokes for your arms and legs to assure all areas are covered. Use small circular motions for joints.

Use upward motion strokes for your stomach and armpits to follow the natural lymph flow. Brush each area at least two-three times. Avoid brushing wounds or tears in your skin. 

Everyone’s dry brushing routine should be different. The frequency in your dry brushing routine depends on your skin type and level of experience.

When you first start dry brushing, less is more! It’s Recommended you only dry brush once a week when you start off. As your skin gets use to the process you can slowly increase.

This will allow the skin to adapt to the exfoliation process. Overtime, you can add dry brushing to your routine 2-3 times per week. If you have experience brushing or have oily skin, you can generally dry brush daily since their skin can generally handle more exfoliation.

Follow the guidelines below for your skin type:

Normal Skin: Can typically tolerate daily brushing.

Oily Skin: May benefit from daily brushing to help manage oil production.

Dry Skin: If you have dry skin your key with dry brushing is to avoid over exfoliating. Stick to one maybe twice a week. 

Skin Considerations: During your dry brushing journey, it’s important to listen, watch and listen to your body. Don’t dry brush over areas of irritation, wounds, redness, inflammation, skin cancer or infections.

You should also avoid your face. If you have sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema or rosacea you should speak with a doctor before dry brushing. 

Starting Your Dry Brush Routine: It’s best to dry brush before you shower. This will allow you to loosen and remove dry dead skin and rinse it away.

When starting off your dry brushing journey start slow, usually once per week, and increase to two or three times a week. When you start dry brushing observe your skin. Make sure you aren’t showing signs of excessive exfoliation, such as irritation, acne, skin tightness, and burning.

Morning Routine: Starting off, dry brush 3-5 minutes. Follow your dry brushing with a shower to rinse away dead skin.

Evening: Apply a moisturizer after your shower while your skin is damp to increase hydration. I personally would recommend a vitamin-e oil or pure shea butter or coconut oil. 

Consistency is king when it comes to dry brushing. Although dry brushing is known to produce several health, and skin benefits you shouldn’t expect to see results overnight. 

Moisturize After Brushing: Moisturize after dry brushing no matter your skin type. It’s important to replenish your body’s oils that are removed during the brushing process.

People with sensitive skin can look for a moisturizer with hypoallergenic properties. If you have dry skin, reach for a heavier cream such as shea butter. For combination skin lighter oils such as jojoba, olive or argan oil are best.

Properly cleaning your brush is important to prevent bacterial buildup. Ideally, you should clean your brush after every use. Fill a clean bowl with a few drops of antibacterial soap, warm water and tea tree oil (optional) place your brush inside.

Make sure the water only touches the bristles and not the wood part of the brush. Only let your brush soak for 10 minutes max.

After, rinse your brush with warm water. Shake the brush dry and let your brush dry on a clean towel. Allow the towel to absorb the extra water from your brush. Once it’s dry you can use your brush all over again. 

Chelse

Chelse Collins is a millennial entrepreneur with a diverse background in broadcast media, beauty, health, and wellness. Holding a bachelor's degree in journalism from Florida A&M University and earning her nail specialist license at just 16, she now leverages her expertise to educate women on unique spa experiences, treatments, and overall wellness.