With winter on the way, you may be starting to think about how to keep your skin looking smooth and feeling soft. Body lotions are a great way to start, but a dry brush will be your new best friend. Dry brushes are handheld tools typically made out of coarse bristles that can be used to exfoliate away dead skin cells, provide lymphatic drainage, improve blood flow and circulation, and leave your skin looking fresh.
But how exactly do you dry brush? Esker Beauty founder Shannon Davenport says dry brushing should be done before a shower or bath. She says to “begin by brushing upwards towards your heart (in the direction of natural lymph flows) using medium pressure. We start at our feet and brush up in short, small strokes as we move up our legs. Follow this same motion on your arms using short, small strokes towards your heart. For your stomach, chest, and bottom area, brush in a lighter, clockwise motion.” Then wash away the dead skin cells in the bath or shower. Then you’ll be left with firmer and smoother skin. Sold right? Well, scroll on for 12 of the best options to achieve your silkiest skin yet.
“Dry brushing the skin detoxifies the body by helping to drain the lymphatic system, releasing toxins and promoting lymph circulation. Lymph is a fluid that exists in vessels that circulate around the body. It carries immune cells that help the body’s cells survive, but this fluid also carries metabolic waste, which dry brushing can help eliminate from the body. Dry brushing is also known to reduce the appearance of cellulite, and exfoliates and sloughs off dead skin cells for brighter, firmer skin,” explains Davenport.
How often should you dry brush?
“Dry brushing doesn’t have to be an everyday ritual, especially if your skin runs on the sensitive side. Try dry brushing at least once a week in order to start seeing smoother, firmer skin,” recommends Davenport.
Do you have any techniques or tips you recommend when dry brushing?
“Make sure to follow up with a body oil or moisturizer. Dry brushing can be drying (unsurprisingly), so take some time to replenish your moisture barrier and to lock in that softness and glow your skin just got from the dry brush,” says Davenport.
Is there anything you shouldn’t do with your dry brush?
“Avoid submerging in water,” says Davenport. Getting your dry brush wet can affect the integrity of the bristles, as well as promote bacteria growth.
Emily Burns Assistant Beauty Editor Emily Burns is the assistant beauty editor at ELLE Magazine.
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