Dry Brushing – What do celebrities love it for?

Dry brushing is a body massage performed with a dry brush, without the use of additional cosmetic products. This procedure is loved by many stars: Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr, and Cindy Crawford often share in interviews how they maintain their beauty with its help. This method is far from new – it dates back centuries to Ayurvedic medicine. Back then, garshana, a dry massage using silk gloves or a brush with a long handle, was traditionally performed to remove toxins and cleanse the lymphatic system. Additionally, dry brushing was known in Greek and Japanese cultures as one of the main ways to maintain beauty and body health.

Today, dry brushing is at the peak of popularity among celebrities and trending on social media, widely used for health and beauty maintenance. From light lymphatic drainage to peeling effects and cellulite reduction – using a brush brings undeniable benefits to the body. You can order this service at a spa, but we’ll tell you how to easily perform this procedure at home.

How does dry brushing work?

Lymphatic drainage massage with a dry brush can tone the body, stimulate blood circulation, and refresh the skin by renewing it. The procedure improves the functioning of the lymphatic system and eliminates swelling. Dry brushing helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, open pores, smooth the skin’s microtexture, reduce cellulite, and prevent ingrown hairs. The result is smooth, radiant, firm, and toned skin.

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Who Should Avoid Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing provides more visible results than scrubbing or brushing in the shower (wet brushing). However, those with sensitive skin should opt for the second or third option. The procedure is also not suitable for individuals with any dermatological conditions, sunburns, varicose veins, irritations, or skin damage.

How to choose the right brush?

Choose products with a wooden handle and natural bristles (such as cactus, palm, or boar bristles), or synthetic bristles (which reduce the risk of breakouts since bacteria are less likely to develop).

The shape of the brush is not crucial (the main thing is that it’s comfortable to hold), but pay attention to the stiffness of the bristles. The more sensitive your skin, the softer and finer the bristles should be. 

After each use, rinse the brush with warm water and soap. With proper care, it will last you for many years.

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 How to do the technique?

Your skin should be dry, without lotion or oil. However, for example, Miranda Kerr applies ‘dry oil’ before the procedure, which allows the brush bristles to glide and not injure delicate skin.

Start at the soles of your feet and smoothly work your way up, with movements directed towards the center of your body. The same goes for arm massage – move from the hands upwards.

Make even, brisk movements without rubbing the skin, combining circular and longitudinal strokes. The direction should always be towards the heart, against the hair growth, to activate lymph flow. If the skin becomes slightly red and tingles a bit, that’s okay, but there should be no burning or significant discomfort.

In sensitive areas (bikini, abdomen, underarms), reduce the pressure of the brush. You can skip massaging the décolleté and chest area altogether, as the skin there is thin.

A shower will help remove the exfoliated particles, and afterward, use oil, body cream, or anti-cellulite products to replenish moisture. Thanks to the peeling effect and enhanced blood circulation after the procedure, it will absorb and start working faster.

According to cosmetologists, one session per week is sufficient. Dedicate 5-10 minutes to this, and within a month, you will see the results.