Is dry brushing the key to unlocking beaming, beautiful skin?

Dry brushing – you may have heard of it but are not entirely sure what is it. The name is pretty self-explanatory. It tells you that this trendy body care activity involves a typical brush which you then use to brush your skin.

At first sight, it looks and sounds terribly painful with risks of abrasion, irritation, and redness (especially for sensitive skin types).

Before we pass this beauty trend off prematurely, let’s deep dive into this body care trend that’s been wildly popular in Western countries and dissect the pros and cons:

What is dry brushing?

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CNjAQ9lhRQk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

As its name suggests, dry brushing quite literally involves taking a brush to gently run it over your bare, dry skin. For the face, you’ll use a flat-headed soft bristle brush.

For the body, people used to use the typical massive toilet-looking coconut fibre brush years ago when the trend started. Now, there are really beautiful and luxe brushes by reputable skincare brands available for you to choose from:

• Bass Brushes Facial Cleansing Brush ($16.30)
• Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush ($40)
• Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush ($36)

How to do it?

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CKoxeedHLbW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

Generally, there are two schools of thought here: dry brush before or after showering. You will need the help of a body oil or lotion as well. No matter which website you read, the steps are pretty much all the same – brush in circular motions.

Start from the bottom up – from your feet and ankles upwards to your torso; from your hands upwards to your armpits and shoulders. For your tummy, brush in a circular motion.

And, remember, be gentle. You do not want harsh exfoliation, abrasions, or irritated skin.

Benefits of dry brushing

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CLFhm4jp4on/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

Three undisputed benefits of dry brushing include:

• Exfoliation: Physical removal of dead skin cells which may be causing your skin to look dull and tired
• Improves blood circulation
• Improves lymphatic drainage, removing toxins along the way

Other unproven benefits that online users have claimed to experienced include firmer skin, improved dry skin, better digestion, reduced stress levels, and reduced cellulite.

ALSO READ: What's the difference between sensitive and sensitised skin?

Does dry brushing remove cellulite?

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CPljv8PnNyg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

If you were to search for “dry brushing” on YouTube, the first suggestion you will probably see is “dry brushing cellulite before and after”.

[[nid:522857]]

It won’t be surprising, then, to know that dry brushing was featured on the sensational American reality TV show, DoctorOz.

So, does dry brushing help get rid of cellulite?

You may find that many ladies say that dry brushing indeed helped them get rid of cellulite – but some online citizens were quick to correct these claims, explaining that it’s the increased blood flow that may have caused some swelling and hence the appearance of reduced cellulite.

Scientifically? Unfortunately, no. Dry brushing hasn’t been proven to be an effective method to remove cellulite.

Anyway, every lady out there with cellulite will know how stubborn and complex it is – and dry brushing definitely seemed unbelievably easy (don’t get us started on the shower slimming gels from the 2000s which promised to scrub cellulite away).

Sensitive skin, steer clear!

Before you get your cleaning brushes out to try out the dry brushing trend, here’s one last thing you need to know.

If you have sensitive skin, any skin conditions like urticaria, or eczema, you should know better than to try beauty trends like dry brushing lest it agitates or worsens your skin condition!

ALSO READ: Best ways to keep your neck healthy and supple, from creams to stretches

This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.