Exfoliating your skin is an essential part of your body care routine. But with so many methods available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Have you heard about body brushing? This technique has been making waves on Social Media as a popular exfoliating method. Today’s article covers how body brushing works and explores the benefits and key differences compared to a body scrub.
How is it different from Body Scrubs?
Both body scrubs and brushing exfoliate the skin and help achieve softer skin texture. However, the core benefits of body brushing lie in the circulation and lymphatic system.
If you are simply looking for exfoliation, body scrubs work wonders. They are usually formulated with granules like salts, sugar, and coffee, along with essential oils. The magic of these ingredients enhances hydration, clears impurities and blemishes, and prevents ingrown hairs.
Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic technique requiring a specific type of brush made with natural bristles, such as cactus or agave plants. When used gently on dry skin, it helps lymph flow through the body while removing dead skin cells.
Unwrap the benefits of body brushing
Exfoliation & Relaxation
Dry brushing gently removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and smooth. It also supports collagen production, relaxes the body and mind, and helps skincare products absorb and penetrate.
Stimulates the lymphatic system
The body releases toxins through sweat, which reduces the amount of toxins in the lymphatic system. Dry brushing can help our body open up the pores, which makes it easier for the body to sweat, contributing to a healthy lymphatic system.
May reduce the appearance of Cellulite
Massaging or body brushing can help soften and smooth areas affected by cellulite.
The downside
While dry brushing has many benefits, it might worsen certain skin conditions.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid applying too much pressure when brushing. Additionally, avoid dry brushing if your skin is experiencing flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis, or inflammation.
How to dry brush effectively
It’s suggested to brush gently with upward strokes toward the heart several times, starting from the feet.
The lymphatic system has areas where fluid is drained through urine and sweat, such as the groin and armpits. Moving from the feet and hands to these spots helps effectively achieve lymphatic drainage benefits.