Dry Brushing: The Simple Trick to a Better Body
Dry brushing can help give you a better skin and body. (Photo: Trunk Archive/Ian Rubin)
You brush your hair and teeth daily on autopilot, but there’s actually another very significant body part that could use brushing as well: Your skin. Dry brushing is a multitasking technique that, given its many benefits, should really be much more prevalent and popular than it is. “Dry brushing increases blood flow, which is healthy, but its main purpose is to stimulate collagen production, which will help to thicken the skin and lessen the appearance of fat cells,” says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and an eponymous skincare collection.
The beauty guru to stars including Karlie Kloss and Julianne Moore says there are countless perks to scrubbing without suds. “It’s actually incredible as a cellulite treatment,” says Vargas. “It also dramatically increases elasticity, so it’s great for lifting and toning a problem area.” Another perk is softer, smoother skin thanks to the exfoliation achieved by the brush’s tough bristles. Even better, according to the expert: “Results usually appear within the first two weeks.”
So why isn’t everyone on the dry-brushing train? Perhaps because it can be hard to add a step into a well-established routine. Even finding two more minutes can sometimes be tough. But it’s worth prioritizing. The important part is to do it before showering, on dry skin. “Start at the tops of the feet and brush upwards towards the heart,” says Vargas, whose preferred tool is the Bernard Jensen Dry Brush ($12). “Spend extra time on areas that tend to be more stagnant, like the inner thigh. And don’t forget to include the backs of the arms and the back.”
After tending to your largest organ, shoulder to toe, don’t be concerned if you feel warmer, as the method immediately increases circulation. It also helps the lymphatic system, and can have a positive effect on the metabolism, too. And while the tingly, hot feeling that occurs might make the idea of adding a moisturizer or oil into the mix appealing, Vargas stresses that it’s best on bare skin. “The whole point is to do it dry, without product — hence the name,” says Vargas. “It won’t work if you are introducing product that will reduce friction.” And never fear: Any slight discomfort will disappear a few days in.
Our faces need to be exfoliated a couple times a week, and the rest of our skin is no different. Along with brushing, body exfoliants are a good thing to add to the shower routine. Grown Alchemist Purifying Body Exfoliant with Pearl, Peppermint, and Ylang Ylang ($34) further decongests and removes dead cells gently using proteins from pearls. Coffee-based formulas like Babescrub ($24) also target cellulite, while Bottega Organica Rejuvenating Body Scrub ($68) has a balm-like texture that incorporates rejuvenating elements from carrots, apricots and prawn sage for radiance.
Post-shower, Vargas suggests a body lotion with antioxidants to help strengthen elasticity, and coconut oil that detoxifies and also tends to cellulite. “It serves not only to hydrate and restore the lipid layer with omega 3 fatty acids, it also increases the metabolism at the cellular level so you will be detoxed and hydrated,” says the skin expert. “A thin layer of coconut oil rubbed all over should do the trick.” Just don’t forget to brush first.
Related:
The Benefits of Dry Brushing in the Winter
