While skincare often focuses on the face, all the skin on our beautiful bodies needs love and care. Body scrubs and moisturisers are wonderful, but incorporating skin dry brushing into your routine can help you achieve glowing skin.
Dry body brushing is an ancient exfoliation technique that dates back thousands of years. The method hasn't really changed because it's so simple and effective. You only need two things: your body and a firm bristle brush.
“It’s a great treatment that’s simple and doesn’t cost a lot because there’s no product used,” says Kimberley Conboy, endota Skin Expert and Education Coordinator.
why dry body brushing supports your wellbeing
Dry body brushing has great benefits for our inner and outer wellbeing. Apart from being an excellent way to exfoliate, the technique:
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Encourages fluid movement: This movement helps stimulate the body's natural processes for fluid removal, cleansing and supporting your inner system.
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Awakens the nervous system: It's a wonderful, energising way to start your day, bringing a sense of vitality.
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Encourages cell renewal: Helps to shed dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more radiant skin.
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Promotes circulation: Gently wakes up the microcirculation system, bringing a healthy glow to the skin's surface.
“Waking up the circulation system and getting waste to move out of the body has many benefits,” Kimberley says. “Our system for fluid movement sits quite close to the surface of the skin, and as the brush moves towards key areas, we help encourage this fluid movement.”
how to dry body brush (as a daily ritual)
To dry brush your body, start by using light, flowing strokes in an upward direction, always moving towards your heart. Begin on one side of your body (left or right) and brush each area, repeating the strokes to encourage fluid movement. The entire ritual should be performed on dry skin, ideally before a shower.
the process
Try this simple method for dry body brushing, ideally before a bath or shower:
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Start on the left side of your body before moving to the right side.
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Using light strokes, brush your left arm or leg upwards toward your heart, repeating on the same spot multiple times (we recommend seven strokes per area).
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Continue this process while moving to different parts of your body.
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For your abdomen, brush in a clockwise direction.
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Always adjust pressure to suit your own comfort levels. A slight reddening of the skin is normal; it's a sign your circulation is responding.
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Shower or bathe immediately after body brushing to refresh the skin and wash away exfoliated cells.
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Finish with your favourite body lotion or oil to nourish and hydrate your skin.
your body's best protector
Our skin does an excellent job of protecting our bodies from all kinds of 'nasties,' so it makes sense to take good care of it in return. Dry brushing helps skin regenerate and encourages a habit of whole-body self-care. It’s also the perfect preparation for a flawless tan, sloughing away dead skin cells and smoothing over rough patches for more even application.
how to clean your dry body brush
Maintaining your dry body brush is simple, helping to keep your ritual hygienic.
To clean your dry body brush:
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Tap the brush firmly after each use to dislodge any skin flakes.
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Once a week, gently wash the bristles using warm water and a mild, natural soap. Avoid soaking the wooden handle.
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Rinse thoroughly.
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Allow the brush to dry completely before using again. Do not leave it in a damp area, as this can affect the wood.
dry body brushing FAQs
are there risks for dry body brushing?
Body brushing is a safe and energising practice for most. However, you should never brush on inflamed, broken or damaged skin, such as open wounds, eczema, sunburn, active cancer states, or varicose veins. If you're new to the process, just ease off on the firm pressure. You can increase the pressure as you become used to the sensations.
how often should I dry brush?
Kimberly suggests that dry body brushing once a week is a great addition to your self-care routine. Body brushing in the morning before a shower is ideal, because it wakes you and your skin up. Following it with your favourite body lotion or oil helps you feel fantastic.
can I dry brush my face?
The skin on your face is much thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your body. We recommend using a different, much softer method of exfoliation for the delicate skin of your face. Dry brushing is specifically for the thicker skin of the body.
how do I clean and maintain my dry brush?
As outlined above, gently wash your brush once a week with a mild soap and water. The most important step for maintenance is to ensure the brush is allowed to dry completely after cleaning and is never left in a damp area.
To fully nurture your body and skin, experience dry body brushing in spa with the Detox spa package. It features a full-body dry brush exfoliation, followed by a detoxifying body clay mask. While you're all wrapped up, you’ll enjoy a facial and scalp massage, then a wonderful body moisturisation. Or, bring the spa home and incorporate skin dry brushing into your daily ritual with our Vegan Dry Body Brush, available online and in spa. Crafted from vegan synthetic bristles and ethically sourced wood, it’s not only gentle on your skin, but the planet too.
