Moyo Studio / Getty Images By India Espy-Jones ·Updated April 5, 2024
Building a “body skincare routine” is a must this year. As the largest organ on our body, the skin extends far past just the face. That said, why not add new body care techniques, like dry brushing, to your weekly ritual? “Dry brushing is the act of long or short >Terra-Tory, Kimberly Waldropt tells ESSENCE.
While many may prefer to use a dry brush for full-body exfoliation, others may use the tool for lymphatic drainage and depuffing by dry brushing the face. For Waldropt, brushing her skin a few times a week benefited her postpartum body. For example, “I now dry brush my legs and arms to promote blood flow and circulation,” she says.
Below, Waldropt breaks down all the techniques and benefits of brushing your body.
When do you use it?
You may be familiar with using a body brush in the shower. But have you tried brushing before you get in? As the name suggests, dry brushing works best before the brush is wet. With a dry brush tool, >brush upward in long, fluid >lymphatic drainage.” Like a lymphatic massage or using a gua sha tool, dry brushing helps detoxify your body by targeting the lymphatic system (a part of the immune system), draining the fluid back into your bloodstream to release the buildup of toxins in the body and reduce cellulite.
Reduces puffiness
With softer-bristled brushes– like the Tata Harper Cleansing Kabuki Brush or the Shiseido Polishing Brush– “some people dry brush the face to reduce puffiness,” she says. With the help of lymphatic drainage in the body, massaging your face with a brush can help reduce swelling and puffiness in your cheeks, forehead, and neck, with additional benefits like wrinkle reduction and product penetration.
Increases blood flow and circulation
“Childbirth had done so much to my body,” Waldropt says. “Now, I dry brush my legs and arms to promote blood flow and circulation.” As the bristles stimulate the surface of your skin, the blood flow underneath your skin is stimulated as well, increasing circulation.
Boosts metabolism
In addition to skin benefits, “I found that dry brushing offers me a boost in my metabolism,” she says. With increased circulation, lymphatic drainage, and other benefits, Waldropt says the tool helps stimulate her body’s energy. Not only that, taking time to care for your body helps activate your parasympathetic immune system, which helps relax your body, regenerating your energy.
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