To be clear, those dimples are totally normal, extremely common, and don’t deserve the hate they get. These promises and testimonials are misleading. Dr. Gohara says. The increased blood flow from dry brushing may make skin appear plumper and less dimpled temporarily, but no products—including creams, supplements, or brushes—can permanently eliminate cellulite.
How to drybrush, step by Step
If you’re looking to upgrade your shower routine with dry brushing for the aforementioned beauty and health benefits (or perhaps it’s your skepticism that’s motivating you?Our experts have provided some tips on how to dry brush correctly.
One quick thing before we get into the nitty-gritty though: “As a general rule of thumb, you should only be doing this once a week or every other week, or else it may increase your risk of irritation,” Dr. Pomerantz warns, cautioning against rubbing too harshly, quickly, or often, which can lead to bleeding, cuts, or inflammation.
Okay, here’s what to do:
1. Choose a brush that is suitable for your skin.
If you’re not sure where to start, Ellen Marmur, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Medical, recommends a brush with medium-firm natural bristles. “It should never break the skin and it also shouldn’t hurt,” she says, adding that a brush with a long handle can help you exfoliate harder-to-reach areas, like the back.
Also important to note: In general, dry brushing isn’t recommended for people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and excessive dryness, as, again, it can be irritating. For this reason Dr. Gohara & Dr. Pomerantz advise people with sensitive or dry skin to either avoid the practice or choose gentler alternatives such as a brush made of softer fibers, or even a soft washcloth.
There are a lot of options available for different skin conditions. Here are a few of our favorites:
2. Brush upward in circular motions.
Starting at your feet, brush in a clockwise circular motion, Dr. Gohara recommends, working your way up your legs, butt, stomach, back, then décolletage. She says these movements allow you to apply more pressure (and gentler) than rubbing up-and-down or side to side.
Depending on where you are, you can adjust the speed and pressure. If you have a delicate neck, your soles may need a firmer touch than your neck. If during the process you experience any swelling, pain, bleeding, or—in some skin tones—redness, stop immediately, Dr. Pomerantz says. Because that means you’re going way too hard or your skin is getting irritated.
3. In the shower, wash everything.
Dr. Pomerantz advises that you take a shower after exfoliating (preferably in lukewarm or cool water to avoid irritating your newly brushed body). This will remove any dead skin cells.
“While you’re in there, make sure to wash off lingering flakes or dirt on the brush with soap and water too,” she adds. That way, you’re not continually scrubbing yourself with the same gunk you were trying to get rid of in the first place. As you might imagine, a dirty brush isn’t very hygienic, and it can also clog your pores (which, again, can cause breakouts or ingrown hairs) and infect any open wounds, Dr. Pomerantz notes.
4. Finish by applying a hydrating body oil or lotion.
After all that scrubbing and sloughing, your skin needs some much needed hydration. Ideally you should look for a fragrance-free lotion or oil (since added scents can be irritating), with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, or shea butter—all of which help to lock in moisture and prevent further water loss and dehydration, Dr. Gohara says. Try these options:
Bottom line: Take care when brushing and be realistic about your expectations. No, this beauty tool isn’t a magic wand that will solve all your skin struggles. Still, it’s a relatively affordable (and might we mention, super simple) way to exfoliate and luxe up your body care routine from the comfort of your own bathroom—no spa day necessary.
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