Helping you achieve smooth, glowing skin, dry brushing is a simple skincare practice that offers multiple benefits for both your skin and overall wellness. Practiced for centuries, read on as we explore the key benefits, the how to, and why you need dry brushing in your daily beauty routine.
The Benefits
- Exfoliates and smooths: Dry brushing removes dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother, and more radiant skin.
- Boosts circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system: By gently brushing the skin, you increase blood flow to the surface, which can enhance circulation. This stimulation may also activate the lymphatic system, supporting your body's natural detoxification processes.
- Enhances the absorption of moisturisers: By clearing dead skin cells, dry brushing improves the skin's ability to absorb moisturisers for better hydration.
- May reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks: Many people, including some experts, believe that the increased circulation and lymph flow from dry brushing can support the body's natural processes in ways that may help reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. While there is limited scientific evidence to confirm this, some users report a firmer, smoother look over time.
- Helps prevent ingrown hairs and unclogs pores: Dry brushing can prevent ingrown hairs and keep pores clear, but regular brush cleaning is essential for best results.
How to
- Start with dry skin: Dry brushing is most effective on dry skin, so do it before showering or bathing.
- Begin at the feet: Start at your feet and use long, sweeping strokes upward toward your heart. This promotes circulation and lymphatic flow.
- Brush in an upward direction: Always brush toward your heart to support circulation. For the stomach, use circular, clockwise motions. For areas like the chest and neck, use softer strokes as the skin is more sensitive.
- Brush all areas: Work your way up the body, brushing legs, arms, back, and torso. Don’t forget your hands and armpits, where many lymph nodes are located.
- Shower afterward: After brushing, shower to wash away dead skin cells and any impurities loosened by the process.
- Moisturise: Apply a nourishing moisturiser to rehydrate and protect your skin after dry brushing.
The Brush
Featuring natural bristles for gentle exfoliation, the ACCA KAPPA Beechwood Body Brush has been designed with dual function in mind. Complete with a removeable handle as well as a practical cotton ribbon, the brush can be easily extended to target those harder-to-reach places. Hand-finished and never varnished, our beechwood brushes are made from reforested wood, making them as practical as they are beautiful.
FAQ
Can I body brush in the shower?
Dry brushing is typically done on dry skin, as the friction between the dry bristles and dry skin helps to effectively exfoliate and stimulate circulation. Brushing in the shower, when your skin is wet, will not have the same exfoliating effect, and the bristles may become less effective.
How often should I dry brush?
For best results, dry brush 2-3 times per week, or as often as your skin can tolerate without irritation.
How do I maintain my body brush?
After each use, tap your brush against a hard surface (like the edge of your sink) to shake out any dead skin cells or debris trapped in the bristles. Once a week, wash the brush with warm water and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. Allow it to air dry bristle-side down to prevent bacteria build-up.
