What is dry brushing? A guide to Ayurvedic exfoliation

Once you have spoken with a dermatologist or an integrative health practitioner and determined that this practice is appropriate and safe for you, depending on your individual state of health, you can use these tips from the experiences of our experts to start.

Start soft

Traditionally, dry brushing is carried out with raw silk gloves, known as Haasl-Blilie. However, many people prefer to use bath or shower brushes.

“I like a soft natural brush to start,” explains Farris. “Some people have very sensitive skin and cannot use anything that puts too much pressure on the skin.” But, the rigidity of the brushes is a very individual preference, so experiment until you find the one that suits you best.

The texture should please you and soft for your skin, says Haasl-Blilie. Bonus tip: Look for a shower or a bath brush with a long handle for difficult to access areas like your back.

Find the right pressure

You don’t have to apply a lot of pressure to possibly have an effect on your lymphatic fluid.

“If you return your forearm and put your index inside your wrist, this is the pressure you are probably aiming for,” explains Haasl-Blilie. If you use a deeper pressure, it may not be as effective. “Your skin will benefit from exfoliation, but you will potentially miss the traditional advantages of targeting the lymphatic system,” explains Haasl-Blilie. Use enough pressure so that the brush does not slip from your skin, but not so much pressure that you feel it under your skin, she suggests.

Prioritize

Some experts suggest that it is best to dry the brush immediately before showering in the morning. Haasl-Blilie recommends dry brushing in the bathtub or shower, “as skin cells will be unleashed and could leave a little mess.”

“It is recommended to go up and to the heart with your movements,” says Antonov. Light up your pressure if and if necessary, and stop if your skin becomes red or irritated. Shower normally once you have finished, and keep in mind that the dry brushing process should not take more than 5 to 10 minutes, notes Haasl-Blilie.

After a shower, coat the body oil or the lotion to replace the lost humidity and help your skin barrier repair. “If you head for the sun, be sure to use SPF 30 or more, because the freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays,” said Antonov.

Find your frequency

Some people can brush dry four to five times a week, says Haasl-Blilie. However, others can be more sensitive to its stimulating effects and may need to switch to two to four sessions per week, she notes. People with sensitive skin may also have to limit their dry brushing.

Antonov suggests starting with only one to two sessions a week and see how your skin reacts. If pushes occur, be sure to inform your dermatologist or your integrative health professional, so that they can help you respond to your concerns.

Keep your brush clean

Make sure you clean your brush whenever a few uses to eliminate trapped impurities, says Antonov. “You can rinse with a soft cleaner or a shampoo and let the brush harm completely before using it again.”