If there's one beauty ritual that's managed to stand the test of time while maintaining its place in traditional Ayurvedic practice, it's dry body brushing. This ancient wellness tradition has found its way into modern routines worldwide, and for good reason.

While most skincare trends require investing in expensive serums or booking treatments, dry body brushing is refreshingly accessible. All you need is a dry brush and five minutes before your morning shower to experience benefits that may include smoother skin and a sense of invigoration.

But what exactly makes this simple practice so popular? And more importantly, how can you incorporate it into your own routine? We've explored the tradition to bring you everything you need to know about this time-honoured ritual.

What is dry body brushing?

Dry body brushing, also known as garshana in Ayurvedic tradition, is a pre-shower ritual that involves brushing your completely dry skin with a natural-bristled brush made for the body. This practice dates back centuries, appearing in virtually every historical civilisation from Ancient Egyptian, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine to the bathing rituals of the Greeks, Romans and Japanese.

The Ancient Egyptians were true pioneers of beauty rituals, using early forms of dry brushing with natural materials and exfoliating with sour milk and wine thousands of years ago. In Ayurveda, India's 5,000-year-old holistic health care system, the practice (called Gharsana) has been a cornerstone of wellbeing, later becoming popular with the French spa-going set. The Black Chicken Remedies Garshana Dry Body Brush pays homage to this ancient Ayurvedic tradition, providing a modern tool for this time-tested practice.

Dry body brushing is traditionally associated with stimulating the skin and is considered in Ayurvedic practice to help with the appearance of skin. The skin is the body's largest organ, and dry body brushing is valued in traditional practices for its cosmetic effects. As the ancient Ayurvedic saying reminds us, "In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties."

Unlike exfoliating mitts that you use in the shower, dry brushing is performed on completely dry skin to create optimal friction. This friction helps buff away dry skin cells while providing a pleasant sensory experience.

What might dry body brushing do for your skin?

The benefits of this simple practice may include:

Exfoliates dry skin cells: The most immediate effect is the removal of the dry, flaky layer that can make skin look dull. This physical exfoliation reveals the fresher cells underneath for instantly smoother-looking skin. Many people find it helpful for addressing keratosis pilaris (those small bumps that often appear on the backs of arms), as regular brushing may help improve the appearance of these bumps.

Associated with healthy-looking circulation: The firm brushing action may temporarily increase blood flow to your skin. This could contribute to that coveted healthy glow and improved overall skin appearance.

May enhance the appearance of skin texture: While no topical treatment can permanently change skin structure, many women report visible improvements in skin texture with regular dry brushing. In fact, a small observation featured in a BBC documentary noted some participants reporting satisfaction with skin appearance after regular brushing. If skin texture is a concern, explore our collection of natural body care products to complement your dry brushing routine.

May help with smoother hair removal: Regular dry brushing helps exfoliate the skin surface, which some find helpful before and after hair removal methods like shaving or waxing.

Preps skin for fake tan: Dry brushing the day before applying self-tanner helps ensure an even application by removing dry skin cells that could cause patchiness.

May enhance product absorption: By helping to remove the layer of dry skin cells, any moisturiser or body oil you apply afterward may be better absorbed, potentially maximising its effectiveness.

Many report an invigorating sensation: Many practitioners report feeling refreshed after their dry brushing session, making it an enjoyable addition to your morning routine.

How do you properly dry brush your body?

Mastering the technique is simple once you know the basics:

1. Choose the right brush: Look for one with natural bristles rather than synthetic ones. The Hydrea Professional Vegan Dry Body Brush is made in Italy with specially cut cactus plant, curved to flow with the natural curves of the body.
2. Timing is everything: The ideal time is in the morning before your shower. For first-timers, trying out the method in the morning before your shower allows you to wash away the loosened skin cells afterward.
3. Begin at your feet: Always start at the furthest points from your heart. Begin with the soles of your feet, working in upward strokes.
4. Use the right technique: Start with firm upward strokes from the feet moving up to the legs, torso, arms and neck, keeping all movement heading towards your heart as a good rule of thumb.
5. Change direction for your abdomen: Brush your belly area in a clockwise direction.
6. Adjust pressure appropriately: Use light pressure on thin-skinned areas and firmer pressure on thicker skin like the soles of your feet. Never brush so hard that it hurts or causes redness.
7. Keep it brief: A full-body dry brushing session should take only 3-5 minutes. Consistency is more important than duration.
8. Shower immediately after: Following your brushing with a shower helps wash away the loosened skin cells.
9. Moisturise while damp: Apply body oil or moisturiser to slightly damp skin to seal in hydration and nourish your freshly exfoliated skin.

Who should avoid dry body brushing?

While this practice is enjoyed by many, it's not suitable for everyone. You should avoid dry brushing if you have:

• Open wounds or cuts
• Extremely sensitive skin
• Sunburn or inflamed skin
• Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea

If you're unsure whether dry brushing is appropriate for your skin, consult with a dermatologist first. And regardless of your skin type, always start with gentle pressure to see how your skin responds.

How to maintain your dry body brush

Keep your brush in optimal condition with these three simple steps:

1. Store properly: Always keep your brush in a dry, well-ventilated area between uses. After each session, tap the brush gently to remove any loose skin cells.
2. Clean weekly: Once a week, wash only the bristles with a mild, liquid soap. Be careful to keep the wooden handle dry.
3. Dry thoroughly: Pat the bristles onto a towel and leave your brush to dry completely with the bristles facing downward before your next use.

How dry body brushing fits into your wellness routine

Immediate post-brushing steps: Follow brushing with a shower to wash away any dry skin. For an invigorating experience, try ending your shower with 30 seconds of cool water.

Hydrate your skin: Apply body oil to slightly damp skin immediately after showering. This is the optimal time as your warm, damp skin will easily absorb the oil, helping to maintain moisture. Since dry brushing has helped remove dry skin cells, your moisturiser may be more effective.

Exploring other traditional wellness practices

If you're interested in incorporating more traditional practices into your daily routine, consider these complementary additions:

• Oral care: Traditional Ayurvedic oral hygiene includes tools like the Dr. Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner to help freshen the breath. Learn more about this practice in our article on the traditional practice of tongue cleaning.
• Oil pulling: Another traditional Ayurvedic oral care practice is oil pulling, which involves swishing oil in your mouth. The Black Chicken Remedies Oral Swishing Oil combines organic coconut oil with essential oils and herbs for this traditional practice.
• Natural mouthwash: Complete your Ayurvedic oral care with Auromere Ayurvedic Neem Peelu Mouthwash, which uses traditional herbs like neem and peelu for oral freshness.
• Self-massage: Known as "abhyanga" in Ayurveda, self-massage with warm oil before or after dry brushing is another traditional practice to consider.
• Mindful movement: Complement your dry brushing routine with gentle yoga to enhance overall wellbeing.

By incorporating dry body brushing into your morning ritual, you're not just potentially improving your skin's appearance – you're participating in an ancient wellness tradition that has been valued for centuries. This simple practice may be a lovely addition to your modern self-care routine. For more ideas on integrating Ayurvedic practices into your daily life, check out our guide on how to incorporate Ayurveda into your daily routine.