Dry body brushing or skin therapy for beauty and health have been used by almost all historical civilisations including the ancient Egyptians, Indians, Greeks and Romans, Chinese, Japanese, Scandinavians, Russians, Turks and Native Americans.
This ritual of stimulating the skin by dry brushing has been used in several cultures from Ayurveda (an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent) to Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Ayurvedic dry brushing is a traditional practice known as garshana and is a technique that has been used for those who experience ama, which consists of toxins or undigested metabolic waste products in the body. These toxins can manifest in feelings of fatigue, dullness, constipation, or an overworked immune system.
The Egyptians were said to have used dry brushing techniques thousands of years back as well as exfoliating in sour milk and wine. The ancient Ayurvedic practice of Gharsana (which means friction by rubbing in Sanskrit) also involves dry brushing and massaging certain points in the body.
Always start with DRY skin, beginning with your feet move the brush in long light strokes in one direction on your limbs, towards your heart. Continue moving up your body, be sure to brush the lymph nodes clustered behind your knee, under your arms (armpits), and inner thighs.
Using gloves or a brush, massage vigorously to stimulate the skin and lymph. Keep the direction of the stroke always toward the heart. Use circular strokes on the joints (shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, hips, and ankles), and long sweeping strokes on the arms and legs (toward the heart).
- HENRI-FREDERIC AMIEL 1828-1881. The Ancient Egyptians were the pioneers of an authentic concept of beauty and extraordinary beauty rituals. They were said to have used the dry body brushing technique going back thousands of years; exfoliating with sour milk and wine.
Dry brushing will exfoliate the skin, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance when used regularly over a period of time. Dry brushing your hands, arms and legs is particularly useful for exfoliation, since most people only bother to exfoliate their face and neck.
While many health claims surround dry brushing, there is no firm evidence that it has benefits. It is possible that dry brushing improves circulation and helps lymph to drain, as similar forms of light massage do. However, there is little possibility that it helps with cellulite.
Stop dry brushing if skin becomes irritated or inflamed.” Dr. Khetarpal also points out to avoid using a dry brush on your face since the skin is more sensitive than on the rest of your body. “If you want to exfoliate your face, use more gentle products and methods that are designed for specifically for it,” she says.
According to the same study, dry brushing is a big no-no. The breaks in your skin can lead to cuts or wounds, especially if you're using a coarse brush and your skin is sensitive. You should also avoid brushing over an open wound. That could potentially cause an infection.
However, avoid dry brushing skin affected by eczema, psoriasis, acne, infection, sunburn, cancer, moles, warts, or open wounds, Haasl-Blilie says. People with sensitive skin may want to use a soft natural bristle brush and be especially careful not to apply too much pressure.
Chances are you've heard of dry brushing. In recent years, celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr, and Molly Sims have all touted the ancient Ayurvedic practice as an integral part of their beauty and wellness routines — and dry brushing videos have racked up more than 84 million views on TikTok.
It is possible that the release of toxins during dry brushing can cause temporary feelings of sickness. Overstimulation: Dry brushing can be quite invigorating, especially if done vigorously. This can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may result in feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.
Dry brushing is not recommended for anyone with sensitive skin, especially those with eczema, rosacea, psoriasis or cystic body acne. Manually rubbing a coarse-bristled brush against an already irritated area may exacerbate skin issues and lead to pain or hypersensitivity.
In general, practice dry brushing (and all exfoliation) with caution, as overdoing it can cause irritation. If your skin skews extra sensitive or you have eczema, psoriasis, or other serious skin conditions, steer clear of dry brushing, as it can exacerbate your issues.
If you have sensitive skin and think dry brushing might be too harsh a treatment, opt for a lymphatic drainage paddle instead. While it essentially has all the same benefits—increases circulation, reduces puffiness and water retention, and aids in digestion, a paddle is much lighter on the skin.
Nussbaum also says dry brushing promotes an increase in collagen, boosts your circulation and helps activate the lymphatic system, leaving you with smooth, plump skin.
“The skin is our largest organ, about 1/3 of toxins are excreted through the skin. Dry brushing works by helping to unclog pores and excrete toxins that can get trapped beneath the skin.
You don't have to shower after dry brushing, but it's recommended—you don't want to loosen all those dead skin cells and gunk from your skin and then go on with your day! Wash it off and then seal in moisture and keep your skin smooth by applying your favorite body oil or lotion.
“Dry brushing stimulates collagen production, which helps thicken the skin and lessen the appearance of fat cells,” explains celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas.
Bacteria in a dirty brush can leave you with skin breakouts and acne. A brush that is full of gunk is also not going to exfoliate your skin effectively. Scrubbing using a dirty body brush can make minor inflammations such as red bumps even worse.