As early as the Middle Ages, nuns and monks are said to have brushed their skin with a brush made of fine bronze wire. These brushes are also used in Chinese medicine to stimulate energy flows and revitalise the body and mind.
Nowadays, "dry brushing" has been rediscovered as a trend by prominent people. Hollywood stars have long since integrated the traditional beauty ritual into their care routines and have triggered a worldwide dry brushing craze by raving about its benefits.
The dry brushing technique is usually used during detoxifications, as it is said to have a detoxifying effect and a positive impact on the immune system. Regular users and fans report other benefits when it becomes a permanent habit - from removing dead skin cells to improving skin texture.
Dry brushing is one of the few massages that also feels great when you do it for yourself. It's so easy to incorporate this beauty ritual into your routine. We reveal 5 benefits of dry brushing and the best tips for an effective self-care session - from which brush to choose to which technique to use.
5 Benefits of Dry Brushing
There is little official research on dry brushing and its effects on the skin or body system. However, experts agree that in practice, dry brushing has many benefits.
Benefit 1:
Simple, daily massage. No matter how short or long - dry brushing massages the whole body and directly provides relaxation and a clear body and mind.
Benefit 2:
Massage with a dry brush can stimulate the cardiovascular system through its movement on the skin, resulting in rosy skin and a fresh energy boost. Dry brushing is therefore recommended in the morning to make the start of the day easier, even if you are not a morning perspn.
Benefit 3:
The massage also stimulates the drainage of the lymphatic system. As part of the immune system, the lymphatic system helps to drain out unwanted end products of the metabolism and accumulated fluid.
Benefit 4:
Skin that is soft to the touch! That's right, because gently brushing your skin has an exfoliating effect, removing dead skin cells and opening clogged pores. This prepares your skin perfectly for the next steps in your skincare routine. It also stimulates skin renewal and the formation of healthy cells - body-glow? Yes please!
Benefit 5:
Dry brushing is a super easy and quick way to incorporate more self-care routines into your daily routine. No time for an hour of yoga a day? Not a fan of meditation? Then dry brushing could be a wonderful way to take a little more time for yourself.
Glowing, young skin, more energy and a regular massage? We are so on board!
This is how it's done
We'll give you a clear, step-by-step explanation of the best way to dry brush your body. Use a brush with soft, natural plant fibres. There are brushes with a short handle, for a particularly close treatment to the body, or with long handles to reach all parts of the body.
- Always brush in the direction of the heart, making short upward strokes.
- Gently massage your body with the dry brush in upward strokes, starting at the feet. Apply light pressure according to your needs.
- Work upwards from the front and back of the calves and thighs, all the way to the lower back.
- The abdomen and chest are brushed in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Finally, brush your arms from the hands to the shoulders and neck.
Tips to make dry brushing even more effective
- Brush for at least 3-5 minutes a day and plan regular repetitions for best results.
- Avoid massaging your face with the body brush. The bristles may be too coarse and can damage sensitive facial skin. Instead, use a facial dry brush.
- Take your time and reduce the pressure if the brush irritates your skin. If you suffer from eczema or open wounds, dry brushing should be skipped in its entirety or on the affected areas.
- Tap the brush after each use to remove old skin cells and follow the instructions for long-term care and disinfection of your brush.
- Most dry brushes should not get too wet, so we recommend dry brushing before showering when your skin is dry.
- Don't forget to apply a moisturising lotion or body oil after showering to nourish your new(er) skin. If you want to use body oil with your brush, doing so after showering is recommended.
Please note: Your skin's needs change with the seasons, so dry brushing and especially the intensity should be adjusted accordingly.
We are excited and believe that dry brushing can enrich your self-care ritual. So get started right away with your full-body massage.
