Could Dry Brushing Spell the End of Your Dull Skin Woes?

Dry skin brushing is a step in body care routines that is exploding in popularity these days. It boasts a myriad of benefits for both the skin and body and is a quick and easy step to incorporate into your skincare and wellness routine. Here at Gusto & Co, we love dry brushing because it feels amazing! Plus, it only takes a few minutes to carve out a little self-care time with dry skin brushing. Here we’ll dive into some of the benefits of dry brushing - both proven and anecdotal, plus how and when to do it to maximize results. 

What is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing uses a brush with hard or stiff bristles to physically brush the skin. It’s main claim to fame is that it works to help jumpstart the exfoliation process, sloughing off dead skin cells - but it also increases blood flow and circulation as well as aids in lymphatic drainage in the process. You can use it anywhere from your legs and stomach to your arms and chest in order to energize and recharge the entire body. 

When dead skin cells build up on the outer layer of skin, it can start to take on a dull or dry appearance. Using a physical exfoliator like a dry brush removes this buildup and leaves you with smoother, softer and overall brighter looking skin. 

Dry brushing also successfully removes dirt and oil from the skin surface which results in increased cell turnover and,  you guessed it: healthier, more radiant skin. Plus, dry skin brushing allows your skin to more effectively soak up all the nourishing properties of your moisturizer once the process is over.

There is a lot of talk about dry skin brushing working to reduce the appearance of cellulite. While this unfortunately can’t be backed up with any scientific research, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence in favor of this claim. Most likely any effects dry brushing might have on cellulite is merely a plumping of the skin due increased circulation, so any reduction in the appearance of cellulite is probably only temporary.

So, why dry, you ask? Brushing the skin while it's dry as opposed to in the hot water of the shower, allows you to enjoy the exfoliating and circulation-boosting effects without depleting the skin of moisture and hydration. 

Many have found that the best time to dry brush is right before you shower - as it helps to wash away any of the dead skin cells left behind. It is also easier to incorporate dry brushing into your routine at a time when you’re already changing or removing your clothing. That said, you can do it any time of day that works for you!

Dry Skin Brushing Tips 

• The brush itself should be stiff-bristled, like this option in our shop made vegan sisal bristles with a sustainable hemu wood handle for grip and ease of use. 

• Direct the brush upwards and always in the direction of your heart in small, circular movements.

• As far as technique is concerned, you’ll want to use enough pressure when brushing in order to get your circulation flowing, but not so much that it feels painful. 

• The entire process should take about 3-5 minutes, and you can dry brush a few times a week. 

• Skip it if you have a sunburn, any redness or irritation; and don’t dry brush any areas of your skin which have cuts, burns, or scrapes.

• Don’t forget to follow up with a hydrating body oil or butter afterwards to replenish moisture to the skin! We are partial to our Every Body Grounding Body Oil - a blend of grounding and nourishing oils that leaves you feeling calm, connected, and restored post-brush. Or, our thick and luxurious Midnight Bloom Body Butter made with rich organic oils and shea butter infused with calendula to truly take your dry brushing routine to the next level.

Dry brushing is growing in popularity as more and more people become aware of the benefits to be enjoyed from this quick and simple beauty ritual. Add dry brushing to your self-care regimen today for smooth, radiant skin with an energizing bonus!