THE ART OF DRY BRUSHING

This revitalising skincare technique not only feels indulgent but offers amazing benefits for your skin.

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The idea of taking a brush and rubbing it over your dry skin may seem weird. We get it. But don’t knock the idea down just yet! ‘Dry brushing’, also called ‘Garshana’ (gar-shun-uh), is an ancient Indian practice that involves running a dry brush over your skin in a specific pattern, promoting circulation, exfoliation and an overall improvement in your skin health. In India,dry brushing is classified as ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’, which is an alternative, holistic approach to physical and mental health that is now practiced globally.

LEARN THE TECHNIQUE

STEP 1: THE RIGHT BRUSH
Choose a brush with natural bristles that are firm but not too harsh. A brush with a long handle can make it easier to reach your back and other challenging areas. Make sure your skin and the brush are completely dry before you begin.

STEP 2: START AT THE FEET
Start dry brushing at your feet, using upward strokes to the direction of your heart. Gently brush over each area multiple times. Move up your legs, thighs, and buttocks.

STEP 3: ABDOMEN & BACK
Brush over your abdomen in a circular clockwise motion following the natural flow of your lymphatic system. When brushing your back and shoulders, use long strokes across and down. You can also switch to brushing your back in an upward motion.

STEP 4: SENSITIVE AREAS
Practice extra caution when dry brushing more sensitive areas like your chest, breasts and neck. Use a lighter touch and avoid brushing directly over any cuts, wounds or irritated skin.

STEP 5: END AT YOUR ARMS
Brushing your arms should be the final step. Start from your hands, gently brushing in strokes towards your heart. Pay attention to the elbow and underarm areas and be gentle on the delicate skin of your chest and shoulders.

STEP 6: SHOWER & MOISTURISE
After dry brushing, take a shower to wash away the dead skin cells. Follow up with your favourite body lotion or body oil to hydrate and nourish your skin. Hydrate your body from the inside out by drinking lots of fresh water, too.

WHAT THE SKIN DOCTOR ORDERED
Dry brushing is an effective exfoliation method that promotes cell renewal through the removal of dead skin cells. Regular dry brushing helps to reveal fresh, healthy skin and can improve the absorption of skincare products.

“When there are dead, dry cells on the skin’s surface, they absorb any topical treatments. Removing those dead skin cells with dry brushing allows for better delivery of [skincare] formulas,” says the founder of Skin Science Dermatology, Dr. Geeta Yadav.

Dry brushing also stimulates lymphatic drainage, which ensures that lymph fluid isn’t trapped under the skin, thus improving circulation. This allows for more oxygen and nutrients to be absorbed into the skin, reducing inflammation and giving you a radiant complexion. The technique can be particularly beneficial for those who are prone to ingrown hairs – due to the prevention of clogged pores – and cellulite.

“The stimulation of the skin will lead to short-term increases in blood circulation, as would happen with any sort of massage,” says dermatologist Dr. Katie Beleznay.

Used for hundreds of years and assimilating into our society, dry brushing might be just you need to unveil healthier skin that radiates from within.

HOW TO GET IT RIGHT
–  Frequency matters: Aim to do dry brushing one to two times a week. You can adjust this based on your skin’s sensitivity.

–  Keep your brush clean: Regularly clean your dry brush with mild soap and warm water to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells and bacteria.

–  Listen to your skin: If you experience irritation or discomfort, reconsider your technique or the pressure applied. Dry brushing should invigorate, not irritate.

–  Apply sunscreen: Dry brushing can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Make sure to apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher throughout the day.

Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photos & Illustrations: Gallo/Getty Images