Dry skin brushing has health and beauty benefits, it is a type of Ayurvedic medicine that has been around for centuries. Some of the benefits include; stimulating the lymphatic system, exfoliating the skin, helping the body rid itself of toxins, increasing circulation and energy, exfoliation, aiding digestion and help to break down cellulite. Dry skin brushing involves using natural-fibre bristles over the body in a particular pattern, generally working your way upwards towards the heart area to improve circulation. The idea is that the coarse fibres will help to remove dead skin and improve the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins through the pores. The possible benefits of skin brushing extend to both health and beauty. Dermatologists and skin specialists recommend dry skin brushing to aid the decreased appearance of cellulite.

• Reduce appearance of cellulite

Cellulite is a condition that mostly affects women. Areas affected by cellulite have a rippled appearance. The cause is not fully known. Massage has been shown to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Some claim that dry brushing can reduce the appearance of cellulite because it has similar effects on the body as massage.  Having increased circulation from dry brushing will cause vasodilation (that’s when your capillaries widen, causing an increased amount of blood flow in the area). This will cause a temporary plumping up of the skin, making your cellulite appear less visible. Dry brushing can not only improve the appearance of already-established cellulite but prevent more from forming, too. It is thought that brushing helps to gently dissolve cellulite by breaking up fat deposits and preventing new cellulite from forming because the massage improves the circulation of the lymph areas that are prone to cellulite. Which, over time shows a smoother appearance difference if done regularly.

• Exfoliation

The coarse bristles can brush away dry, dead cells from the skin. This can leave your skin more smooth and soft. The best time to dry brush is just before a shower. Then you can wash off any dead skin cells and flaky skin. Be sure to apply lotion or oil afterward to put moisture back into your skin.

• Giving your skin a more radiant glow

Removing dead skin cells can help make your skin smoother and softer. It can also give your skin a brighter appearance temporarily. Hot water inflames your skin and even strips away oils, fats, and proteins that keep your skin healthy which can cause redness and itching. Brushing your skin while it is dry allows you to exfoliate and increase blood circulation without robbing it of moisture the way the hot water in your shower can.

• Detoxifying

The lymphatic system helps your body fight off infections, fluids flow through the system and are filtered through the lymph nodes. Dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins through sweat. The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. This makes it easier for the body to sweat, which in turns reduces the amount of toxins flowing through the lymphatic system.

• Relaxation and invigoration

Similar to a massage, dry brushing may make you feel relaxed and relax the muscles, to make the most of this benefit, practice dry brushing in a dark, quiet space. Dry brushing can make you feel good since it has the additional benefit of stimulating your nervous system. It can also leave you feeling invigorated like a massage often does.

The basics of skin brushing

So if you are wondering about the best way to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin, dry brushing is an option that offers many benefits. But before you grab a brush, it’s important to know how to do it correctly and which areas should be avoided during the process.

What brush should I use to dry brush?

To get the benefits of dry brushing you’ll want to use a natural stiff-bristled bath or shower brush, preferably one with a long handle. Some bristles are stiffer than others, and it depends on your skin’s sensitivity and preference. The long handle is helpful for tough-to-reach areas like your back. A soft bristle brush is best for delicate areas and your face.

Can I dry brush with sensitive skin or other skin conditions?

It’s possible to use a dry brush if you have sensitive skin, juts pick a softer brush and use more gentle strokes. If you notice redness, swelling or inflammation while brushing, stop right away. Also, never dry brush over moles, warts, or raised bumps among many other things and take advice from your doctor or  your dermatologist if you have questions. Do not use dry brush or cloth on skin that’s broken, this includes cuts, scrapes, lesions, sores or burned skin, including sunburns. Don’t ever brush over areas of infection, redness or general irritation, inflammation, cellulitis or skin cancer. Stop dry brushing if skin becomes irritated or inflamed.

How do I dry brush my skin?

Using a natural bristled brush, start from the feet or ankles and work your way upward in long, fluid strokes on limbs. Next, move the brush in a circular motion on your torso and back. Since this process can be a little too much for sensitive areas like the abdomen, breasts and neck, lighten up the pressure as needed. A few overlapping swipes per area is all you need. If you go over the same area for too long, you can cause irritation. Dry brush once a day and shower immediately afterward and moisturise your skin. At The Candle Tree we stock a varied range of bathroom accessories including a collection of bath and skin brushes to suit, see below for a selection, available at our Gloucester based shop and online.

Face Brush with Beechwood Handle

This oiled beechwood facial brush has a soft light bristle made from natural goat hair. Regular use of the facial brush promotes soft fresh supple skin and prevents breakouts. Facial brushing speeds the healthy turnover of skin cells leaving your face looking radiant! Hand crafted from oiled beechwood with an integral, contoured, long, flat handle, our facial massage and exfoliating brush will gently remove dead skin cells, improve circulation and deep cleanse pores for a fresh, clean, bright complexion. Set with soft, light bristle around the perimeter and softest, light goat hair in the centre, it is a gentler brush for sensitive and delicate skin. Regular use can help you achieve smoother, healthier skin, making this bath brush a valuable addition to your skincare regimen. Finished with a cotton rope loop, it measures 14.5cm long and can be used wet or dry, but should be stored away from direct heat to dry out properly after use. Brush skin in gentle, circular movements and avoid eye area.

Massage Brush with Soft Bristle

A soft, light bristle massage brush with a fabric belt for ease of use. Hand crafted from untreated beechwood, simply slip your hand into the belt to use for improving circulation, skin exfoliation and dry skin brushing. 13.5cm long, this soft texture brush is also available in stiff tampico fibre option for firm, brisk brushing. Massage brushes come in a variety of wood types and bristles, both plant fiber and animal hair. The brush head can vary from soft to extremely firm bristle, so choosing the right materials for your own personal preference is important. Oiled, waxed, thermo treated and steamed wood will repel water and makes brushes more suitable for storing in bathrooms and wet rooms. Massage skin using small, circular, clockwise motions across the stomach, chest and back and long strokes towards the heart on limbs, starting at extremities of feet and arms then gradually working towards the torso and heart.

Oiled Beech Wood Round Bath Brush

This beautiful oiled beech wood bath brush with a light natural bristle would make a wonderful addition to any bathroom. These brushes are hand crafted by Redecker, a German family owned business that place sustainability and good craftsmanship at the heart of what they do. Well known for their sleek, utilitarian style, each brush is made with natural, raw materials. can be used for dry skin brushing and skin cleansing with your favourite soap bar. The Oiled Beech Wood Round Bath Brush is an elegant and functional bath accessory designed to enhance your bathing experience. With its natural materials and thoughtful design, it offers effective exfoliation, improved circulation, and a relaxing experience. Regular use can help you achieve smoother, healthier skin, making this bath brush a valuable addition to your skincare regimen. Whether used for dry brushing or in the bath, it combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their personal care routine.

Oiled Thermowood Oval Bath Brush

This contemporary styled, oiled Thermowood bath brush has a long, flat, streamlined, fixed handle and a stiff, bristle brush head. Excellent at repelling water thanks to the thermo treatment which gives it a dark, rich colour, it is perfect for modern bathrooms using dark colours and highlights. Finished with a cotton loop for hanging up to dry after use, it measures 45cm long. Bath brushes are not just for scrubbing skin clean and washing hard to reach areas, but help to improve circulation and exfoliate dead skin cells, just as dry massage benefits skin and circulation before bathing. Regular use can help you achieve smoother, healthier skin, making this bath brush a valuable addition to your skincare regimen. Designed and developed by Redecker in Germany, quality brush manufacturers since 1935. With over 80 years experience in brush making, the family owned business continues to work using traditional methods and natural materials sourced from across the globe.