For all the apparent health benefits, I was most interested in trying a new exfoliant.
Ive lived withkeratosis pilarison my upper arms for as long as I can remember.
I use a product that claims not to contain plastic microbeads.
Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Dry brushing, if nothing else, is a seemingly environmentally sound way to exfoliate the body.
It made all the difference.
Dry brushes differ mostly in the shape and length of the handles.
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
Some are made with natural bristles while others are synthetic.
The brushing itself is pretty straightforwardsimply buff your skin using long circular motions.
First-timers should be extra gentle.
Lee recommends dry brushing only once a week to once every two weeks.
Brushing too frequently or too aggressively may cause harmful irritations and abrasions.
The tough thing is we live in a culture where moderation can be hard.
Using lotion when the skin is still damp will help it to sop up the extra moisture.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?
Gentle dry brushing will help to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.
Lee said theres not a ton of evidence on these benefits, but the effect on circulation is intuitive.
And youre applying pressure, so theres an element of massage as well, Lee said.
Doing so could help clear toxins from the body.
King said that dry brushing wont get rid of cellulite or scar tissue.
Are There Any Risks to Dry Brushing?
Regular cleaning can make one brush last for months.
Dry brushing isnt for everyone.
Manual exfoliation can exacerbate eczema, psoriasis, and other serious skin conditions.
People with rosacea-prone skin may experience irritation and flares with even gentle dry brushing, King said.
And avoid brushing open sores or any areas of the skin that are scratched or inflamed.
Manual exfoliation also isnt necessarily best for all parts of the body.
Our skin is our natural barrier to the outside world.
Its meant to protect us from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and outside trauma, Lee said.
We want to verify that were not being too aggressive to disrupt that.
Final Verdict
Dry brushing has absolutely found a place in my evening self-care routine.
There arent that many proven health benefits to the practice besides exfoliation.
But its inexpensive, soothing, and leaves my skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
