Body brushing, whether wet or dry, is a much-loved practice known for its ability to remove dead skin and improve the skin's ability to eliminate toxins through the pores. It’s an especially great practice to start in cooler, dryer weather, as it helps remove flaky, scaly, winter skin.
But how do you do it, and is it for everybody? Read on to find out, and of course, you can shop body brushes at Biome anytime!
What are the benefits of body brushing?
Body brushing has been around for centuries and is believed to have health benefits, including:
- Stimulating the lymphatic system
- Exfoliating the skin
- Helping the body rid itself of toxins
- Stimulating blood flow
- Increasing circulation and energy
Some claim that body brushing will also get rid of cellulite, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it actually does. What you may see is a temporary plumping up of the skin from increased blood circulation. Cellulite is common and normal—embrace it!
Dry or wet body brushing: which to choose?
DRY BODY BRUSHING
Why People Love It:
- Amazing Exfoliation: Dry brushing is fantastic for sloughing off dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling ultra-smooth and soft.
- Circulation Boost: It’s a great way to get your blood flowing, which can give your skin a healthy glow.
- Detox Delight: By stimulating lymphatic drainage, dry brushing helps your body get rid of toxins.
- Energy Surge: Many find dry brushing invigorating, a perfect pick-me-up to start the day!
How to Do It:
Using a natural bristle brush, like those available here, start from your feet and work your way up your legs in long, fluid strokes.
When it comes to your abdomen, breasts, neck, and back, focus on gentler circular motions.
Do your arms last, brushing upwards towards your armpits in long, fluid strokes.
Avoid your face, as there are different, softer brushes available for that.
Shower immediately afterward, using a natural body wash or soap, followed by a natural body oil or moisturiser.
Avoid any other forms of body exfoliation on days you body brush.
WET BODY BRUSHING
Why It’s Awesome:
- Hydration Heaven: Wet brushing can be more hydrating for your skin, especially if you use a moisturising soap or oil.
- Gentle and Soothing: It’s typically less abrasive and feels more soothing on the skin.
- Super Clean: This method helps to cleanse your skin deeply, removing dirt along with dead skin cells.
- Easy to Include: You can seamlessly integrate wet brushing into your shower routine.
How to Do It:
Opt for a brush designed for wet use, often with softer bristles. While you’re in the shower or bath, brush your skin using gentle circular motions. Rinse off and follow up with a good moisturiSer.
Enhance Your Routine with Body Oil
Why Use Body Oil?
- Smoother Brushing: Applying body oil makes the skin more slippery, which helps the brush glide more smoothly over the skin, making the process easier and more effective.
- Glowing Skin: Regular use of body oil can leave your skin looking radiant and healthy.
- Deep Moisturisation: Body oils penetrate deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration that goes beyond the surface.
- Nourishment: Many body oils are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that nourish the skin, promoting health and radiance.
- Better Absorption: Oils are absorbed more easily by the skin compared to creamy lotions, which often sit on the surface. This allows for better hydration and nourishment.
- Non-Greasy Finish: High-quality body oils can leave your skin feeling soft and supple without a greasy residue.
How to Use Body Oil with Your Brush:
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Before Wet Brushing: Apply a small amount of body oil to your skin before you begin wet brushing. This helps to soften the bristles' impact and provides additional moisture.
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After Dry Brushing: Once you’ve completed your dry brushing routine and showered, apply body oil to your damp skin. This helps to lock in moisture and maximize the benefits of the exfoliation.
Body Oil vs. Creamy Lotion Moisturiser
Why Body Oil is Often Better:
- Smoother Application: The slippery nature of body oils allows for a smoother application and enhances the effectiveness of body brushing.
- Penetrates Deeper: Oils can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, providing more effective hydration compared to many creamy lotions that often only moisturize the surface.
- Natural Ingredients: Body oils are often made from pure, natural ingredients without the added preservatives and chemicals found in some lotions.
- Balanced Skin: Oils help to balance your skin’s natural oil production, making them suitable for various skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
- Long-Lasting Moisture: The hydrating effects of body oils last longer, keeping your skin moisturised throughout the day.
What body brush should I use?
A body brush that has been ethically made from sustainably sourced timber and natural fiber bristles is recommended. They come in many shapes and sizes. Some prefer body brushes with long handles as they help with difficult-to-reach areas, while others prefer those with ergonomic short handles or brushes held in the palm of your hand.
How to look after your body brush
Once a week, clean your brush using natural soap (like castile soap) and water, and dry it in an open, sunny area to prevent mildew.
Spritz with Tea Tree Oil in water solution.
To prevent the risk of infection, do not share your brush with anyone.
Is body brushing not suitable for some?
For dry body brushing to be effective, the bristles of the brush should be quite firm, which could pose a problem for those with sensitive skin. If you have broken or inflamed skin, including eczema or psoriasis, avoid brushing over the inflamed area. Also, avoid brushing over any cuts, wounds, rashes, infections, moles, warts, or other bumps.
In the end, both dry and wet brushing have their perks. You might even decide to switch it up depending on how your skin feels or what you’re in the mood for!
