Brushing your body? What a strange idea! And yet, we brush our teeth and our hair without a second thought, so why not our skin? Dry brushing is an age-old practice that has been brought back into the spotlight by countless celebrities. Find out what this technique is, somewhere between massage and skincare ritual, why it’s worth adding to your body care routine, how to do it and which brush to choose.
What is dry brushing?
The dry brushing of the skin is, as the name suggests, a practice that involves brushing your skin while it is completely dry, using a hand brush — most often made from natural fibres.
We tend to forget that the skin is, like the lungs or kidneys, an emunctory organ. It has a protective function, but also an elimination function, through sweat and sebaceous secretions. It also reflects the body’s imbalances: alternately oily and prone to blemishes, or dry, reactive and itchy — it is something of a barometer of our overall wellbeing. Taking care of it is therefore essential!
Just beneath the skin lies a network of blood and lymphatic vessels. This is where the blood flows, carrying oxygen and nutrients and delivering them to the organs, and where the lymph flows through its own network to the lymph nodes.
Dry brushing therefore is first and foremost a mechanical exfoliation technique, combined with a massage. To find out what is meant by the circulation when it comes to cellulite, see our dedicated article.
Why try dry brushing?
Here are the key points to remember:
- It provides a gentle exfoliation of the skin, helping to remove dead cells from the surface
- It uses gentle movements directed towards the nodes (for the manual technique of drainage, see our dedicated article)
- It helps tackle the appearance of cellulite, including deep-set cellulite, and it is a welcome part of your routine when you are prone to stretch marks!
- It is a relaxing moment of self-care
Dry brushing is therefore worth adding to your routine if you are concerned about loss of firmness, sagging skin, stretch marks and cellulite (whatever the type). It is a simple, natural treatment.
How to dry brush?
To dry brush properly, a few simple guidelines are worth following.
1- Frequency
Dry brushing is quick to do. Just 5 to 10 minutes per area, every day for 3 or 4 weeks. As with any routine for orange-peel skin, this is a routine that requires patience and consistency. After that, dry brushing can be done 2 to 3 times a week as a maintenance routine. It is also worth noting that it is advisable (though not essential!) to dry brush before showering.
2- Technique
Dry brushing should be performed using a specific technique. Movements are circular, firm but without excessive pressure — take it gently! Movements should also be directed towards the lymph nodes. Where are they located? At the level of:
- The neck (submandibular, cervical, submental)
- The armpit (axillary)
- The chest (bronchial)
- The abdomen (aortic)
- The lower abdomen (iliac)
- The groin (inguinal)
- The knee (popliteal)
Brushing should always be done on perfectly dry skin.
3- Body areas
All areas of the body can be dry brushed (thighs, buttocks, arms or legs), with the exception of mucous membranes, the face and the chest. It is important to note that dry brushing should only be performed on healthy skin, free from any lesions, whether redness, a skin condition (eczema, hives, psoriasis), a cut, spots, sunburn or a wound. If the skin is irritated, there is no point in aggravating the situation! Also, if you have a recent history of phlebitis, it is best to avoid dry brushing the affected area for a while. If in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.
Which brush should you choose for dry brushing?
The key is to find your preference in terms of softness, firmness and texture. But the main criterion for a good brush is the material: it is best to opt for brushes with bristles made from natural fibres. These can be animal fibres, such as horsehair, or plant-based fibres, such as sisal, loofah or tampico. Another factor to consider when choosing your brush is the grip! Some people prefer small brushes with a handle, while others swear by a long-handled brush.
If dry brushing appeals to you, whether to care for your skin or to tackle the appearance of cellulite, you’ll be pleased to know that we now offer the Brosse Peau Neuve. Featuring both bristles and nodules, this anti-cellulite brush massages the skin, and its firm texture supports surface exfoliation. Our brush honours the dual action of dry brushing: massage, directed towards the lymph nodes as with manual drainage, and exfoliation. Find our tips for smoother skin too!
Frequently asked questions
Is dry brushing safe?
It is done on skin in good condition, with no wounds or irritation, using firm movements without heavy pressure, as described above. If you have any doubts about the condition of your skin or your health, ask your doctor for advice before you start.
