I was selling so many dry brushes I could barely keep them in stock.
That was about a decade ago, when dry body brushing was one of the most popular wellness trends going, everyone was talking about it and we had Hydrea brushes flying out the door. While it might not be the huge trend it was back in the day, the benefits are just as good and it's still one of my favourite wellness practices.
Dry brushing is an old Ayurvedic practice known as Garshana, and the benefits include stimulating circulation, getting the lymphatic system moving and sweeping away dead skin so the whole body feels smoother.
Does Dry Brushing Actually Work?
I know it sounds woo woo, but there is research to back this up. One five-week study by researcher Deborah Adejokun at the University of Sunderland compared dry brushing, exercise and anti-cellulite cream, and dry brushing won: a 25.8% improvement in the appearance of cellulite, against 12.7% for exercise and 14.7% for cream. The firm sweeping motions also bring blood flow to the surface, which gives the skin a beautiful healthy-looking glow.
Does Dry Brushing Help Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is those rough little bumps that can show up on the backs of our arms (and thighs). They're harmless but can be annoying, and they come from a buildup of keratin that plugs the hair follicles. So yes, dry brushing can help, because it's exfoliating the skin, which can help keep the follicles clear. It's helpful to keep the area moisturised too, and for me personally, the combination of dry brushing and using the oils afterwards has made a big difference to how my arms look and feel.
How Do I Dry Brush My Body?
The traditional way is to brush on completely dry skin, before you shower. Start at your feet and use long, sweeping strokes upwards towards your heart, and when you reach your stomach, switch to gentle circular motions in a clockwise direction. The pressure should feel firm, never scratchy, so go gentler anywhere the skin is thinner, like the chest and neck. Three to five minutes is all it takes, then jump straight into the shower to wash away the exfoliated skin cells, and apply a rich body oil while the skin is still damp to lock in the moisture.
I also like to do it my own way. Dry brushing is part of my Sunday everything shower, or a bath when I have the time, and I love to brush first, then oil, then get into the bath or shower, and then oil again after.
You'll want a firm, natural bristle brush that sweeps the skin without scratching it. The Hydrea Professional Vegan Dry Body Brush is the next generation of the original Hydrea brush I was selling back in the day (that OG one was a bit full on). This new one has soft nylon woven in with the cactus bristles, so it's a lot more comfortable on the skin. It's made from FSC-certified beechwood, the bristles are cut on a curved angle to follow the contour of the body, and it's made in the UK and vegan.
If you have broken skin, sunburn, eczema, or rosacea, it is best to avoid dry brushing over those areas entirely.
My Favourite Body Oils to Use After Dry Brushing
After dry body brushing the skin feels so soft and ready to absorb our creams and oils. I always pick a body oil instead of a cream or butter, but that's just a personal preference, and these are three of my post dry brushing favourites.
Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil
Ahh, this is my summer-time body oil. Because it helps with cellulite, it's the perfect follow-up oil after a dry body brush to help smooth the appearance of dimpled skin, and I've written a whole blog about it here. It has a citrusy woody scent, and it just reminds me of balmy summer days.
Weleda Harmonising Wild Rose Body Oil
And my winter oil. I love using it on damp skin, it soaks in really fast and I can get dressed right away. Organic wild rose oil blended with sweet almond and organic jojoba, with a delicate Damask rose scent, and it has a 28-day clinical study of its own: 26% smoother skin and 21% firmer skin.
Black Chicken Remedies Love Your Body Oil
From Black Chicken Remedies, the Love Your Body Oil blends avocado, rosehip and hazelnut oils for rich daily hydration. It has a gorgeous natural fragrance to it, sandalwood and geranium bourbon, and sometimes I will use it instead of perfume. It's my pick for daytime events.
I'm a huge fan of anything Ayurveda, and have a blog here on the benefits of tongue cleaning and another on how to incorporate Ayurveda into your daily routine.
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