A step-by-step guide to Dry Brushing
You take care of the skin on your face, but what about the skin on your body? Dry brushing is a classic Ayurvedic ritual that involves brushing your full body with a special bristled tool in long, sweeping strokes. Some people use it as part of their skin routine to try to restore firmness, get rid of dry skin flaking, or encourage blood flow to certain areas of the body. It takes between 5-10 minutes and can help you destress as well as support an energy boost first thing in the morning. Rooted in the healing practices of ancient cultures, you can find dry brushing as an expensive treatment on the menu in many spas today. However, you don’t need a fancy spa treatment to enjoy the benefits of dry brushing – you can dry brush at home for as little as 5 minutes a day. It is the perfect self-care ritual that can be tailored to your mood and schedule. Some days, you might choose to dry brush in a quick and invigorating manner, other days it can be a slow and meditative process. Either way you choose, it’s a luxurious feeling!
How to choose the right brush?
There are many options for dry brushes on the market, and while at first glance they look pretty similar, there are a number of differences, too. Find the best brush for your own unique skin using our handy guide.
Bristle strength
Choosing a dry brush with the appropriate bristle strength for your skin is very important to avoid irritation. Soft-bristle brushes are ideal for sensitive and dry skin as well as for beginners, because you can learn proper techniques for dry brushing without irritating your skin. For sensitive areas of the body such as the face, neck, chest, stomach, and breasts, use a brush with extra-soft bristles. Medium-bristle brushes are great for general dry body brushing and shower exfoliation. Firm-bristle brushes are fab for tough or oily skin and are best used by experienced dry brushers.
Handle
Dry brush options range from tools with handles to help you reach your back to ones that fit flush against your hand. If you want the best of both worlds, look for a dry brush with a detachable handle – you can remove the handle for more control when you’re going over your arms or legs, and you can leave it in place when you’re brushing your back and other areas.
Extras
Some brushes come as a set that includes more than one brush. If you want to brush your face in addition to your body, look for a set that includes a soft-bristle brush for your face and a medium or firm brush for your body. Some dry brush sets include a wet brush – this can be used in the bath with soap or shower gel for extra exfoliation. Finally, no matter what you choose, make sure to find one with natural bristles, which are better for your skin.
