The Benefits of Dry Brushing for Your Hair, Scalp and Body
Flaky, dry skin is a common skincare issue for women. Especially as aging reduces sebum production, leaving us less oil to moisturize our skin and scalps. And this is even worse in the winter when the cold winds and hot showers converge to heighten skin dryness.
As skin cells build up on the surface and flake off, you'll likely experience itchiness, clogged pores and blocked hair follicles. Dry brushing is one method to rid your epidermis of buildup and has a wide range of benefits for your hair, scalp and body systems.
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is a skincare technique that involves running a firm-bristle body brush over your skin. Body brushes tend to have longer handles than a typical hairbrush, which allows you to access those hard-to-reach areas like your feet and back. You can also use body brushes on your scalp.
The bristle stiffness can vary, so you should select an ideal brush for your level of skin sensitivity and tactile preference. In other words, pick the body brush that feels best to you!
As the bristles pass over your epidermis, they loosen buildup and reveal the fresh, glowing skin cells that were hiding just beneath the surface.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?
To maximize dry brushing advantages, you should take a shower afterward to wash away the dead skin cells and follow up with a rich moisturizer to restore your skin’s hydration. When dry brushing your scalp, follow with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like Wake Up Call Volumizing Duo. Additionally, be sure to avoid brushing warts, raised moles and skin that is irritated or damaged.
If you follow these basic guidelines, dry brushing is a technique that can benefit your hair, scalp and body in the following ways:
Exfoliates Your Skin
The brush’s bristles act as a mechanical exfoliant, sloughing off old, dull layers of skin cells. Exfoliated skin looks better and feels healthier. Plus, when you exfoliate your scalp, your follicles will be better enabled to produce stronger, longer hair.
Unclogs Pores and Follicles
When your pores and follicles are clogged, natural processes are hindered. For example, sebum can build up and lead to blemishes, while clogged follicles can cause hair loss. Dry brushing can help alleviate these issues.
Supports Your Lymphatic System
The benefits of dry brushing are more than skin deep. Brushing from your extremities toward your body will also promote the flow and drainage of lymph fluids. This can reduce the painful symptoms of lymphedema.
Reduces Cellulite
Dry brushing can help makes your skin look smoother, reducing the appearance of dimpled cellulite. However, researchers are still trying to understand what causes cellulite and whether dry brushing influences the condition itself or just temporarily plumps your skin, making it less noticeable.
Relieving Stress
Like other forms of massage, dry brushing can relieve tension and cause a decrease in your stress level. This is good for your overall health, as it may help lower your blood pressure and improve your mental state.
Since stress is one cause of premature hair loss, this might also lead to the secondary benefit of thicker hair.
Improving Blood Circulation
The friction produced by dry brushing stimulates your blood circulation, optimizing your body’s immune system and nutrient transportation. Stimulation of your scalp’s blood supply is especially vital for hair production.
Preventing Ingrown Hairs
Dead skin buildup contributes to those painful ingrown hairs that develop after you shave or wax. Dry brushing on areas with unwanted hair, especially if you brush against the direction of hair growth, clears buildup to prepare for your next hair removal session. Doing this will help make ingrown hairs much less likely to occur.
How Many Times a Week Should You Dry Brush Your Skin?
Dry brushing too often can leave your skin feeling raw. Therefore, the strength of your skin will dictate how often you should do it. As a rule of thumb, dermatologists recommend dry brushing no more than one to three times per week.
If your skin is on the thinner side or ultra-sensitive, we suggest dry brushing less frequently. Once you establish a tolerance, you can start brushing more. Be sure to use baby shampoo to wash your skin brush a couple of times a month to clean out the buildup of dead skin.
Turn to Better Not Younger for Better Hair, Scalp and Body Care
When you add dry brushing to your beauty routine, you’re taking steps toward a thicker mane, reduced flaking and improved blood flow. Better Not Younger's full range of holistically designed products bolster these benefits with solutions formulated to serve the needs of your body’s changing physiology.
From cleansing and exfoliation to nutrition and styling aids, we’ve got you covered. Visit our Shop Page today to learn more.
Tell Us: Have you tried dry brushing? Share your experience in the comments below!