Dry body brushing is an ancient beauty and health technique. Better known in Asia than in the western world, it consists of using a body brush to exfoliate your dry body, without the addition of any water, soap or skincare products.

Also known as lymphatic brushing, the main purpose is to boost blood and lymph circulation. Still relatively unknown, the number of enthusiasts is nevertheless on the rise for its anti-ageing and invigorating virtues, but the practice hides many other secret benefits that we will reveal. 

A simple and efficient practice, dry brushing improves not only the look and feel of your skin, but also your overall health inside and out. Explore its multitude of wonderful benefits:

1. Drains the lymphatic system and detoxifies

The lymphatic system is part of our immune system, keeping our body fluid levels balanced and protecting us against infections. It removes toxins and waste from our body by filtering our blood and energising and boosting our immune response. Our blood plasma carries oxygen and important nutrients to our cell tissue, then returns to our bloodstream, leaving some fluid called lymph behind.

Lymph is carried by a network of vessels called the lymphatic system. The lymphatic fluid surrounds cells throughout the body (except in the brain and spine).However, lymphatic circulation is much slower than blood circulation because it depends on our muscular movements and breathing. The more dynamic the lymphatic circulation, the more effective its cleansing action is, and the better our health will be.

The upward strokes of dry body brushing encourage the lymphatic circulation and drainage of toxins, leaving you feeling more invigorated and even reducing bloating and water retention. 

2. Exfoliates and removes dead skin cells

One of the great benefits of the brush is that it helps to gently eliminate dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface, without irritating the skin, as some conventional scrubs may do. The exfoliating action of the brush allows the skin to breathe more freely allowing new cells to grow. This leaves your skin feeling smooth, refreshed and balanced.

3. Eliminates ingrown hairs & brightens underarms

The gentle dry brushing strokes also aid the elimination of ingrown hairs that can often lead to folliculitis, which is when the hair follicles become trapped and inflamed. Many people may experience this particularly under their arms as painful red bumps, which can be from a combination of ingrown hairs and pores that have become clogged through the use of aluminium containing deodorants. Exfoliating with a dry body brush in this, or other affected areas, brightens and smoothens your skin.

4. Boosts collagen production

Skin regeneration is a cyclical process. In fact, our skin cells renew themselves every 28 days. This cycle slows down as the years go by leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as it gradually loses its sebum and therefore elasticity, making it drier and more fragile.

Stimulation by dry brushing is an effective solution to reactivate this renewal thanks to its effect on collagen production. The skin is thus brightened, plumped up and regains its firmness and glow.

5. Clears pores

Brushing also drains toxins, eliminated in part by lymphatic circulation but also by the skin itself, via the open pores. A real surface cleanser, it will make the skin soft, and the penetration of skincare much more effective. Also suitable for the face, include it in your beauty ritual and you will experience longer lasting results.

6. Achieve a closer shave

Whether your face or your body, dry brushing the desired area prior to shaving allows the blades to bypass the normally built-up layers of dead skin cells, achieving a closer shave and banishing the five o’clock shadow.

7. Reduces the appearance of cellulite

Cellulite is natural among men and particularly women of all ages. However, if you desire to diminish its appearance, the practice of dry brushing is known to have a significant effect on the persistent subcutaneous fat. As a matter of fact, regular dry brushing will improve blood circulation and consequently regulate the dimpled appearance of the skin.

8. Minimises the appearance of stretch marks

Stretch marks develop when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The sudden change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks are left behind.

Dry brushing has a significant impact on the elasticity of the skin and therefore reduces the likelihood of skin breaks and marks that some might prefer to avoid. 
9. Increases Blood Circulation

Thanks to the repeated friction of the soft brush on the skin, the blood flows into the dermis, helping to nourish and oxygenate the tissues, leaving your skin looking healthy and supple.

10. Relieves stress and provides an invigorating massage

Similar to the relaxing effects of a spa massage, taking this time for yourself to mindfully connect to your body and senses can bring stillness to a busy mind. With its invigorating, energising properties you will feel renewed without leaving the comfort of your home.  

11. Strengthens your immune system

All the benefits listed above have as a common result: an accelerated stimulation and regulation of cells and blood flow which represent a significant benefit to your health and overall vitality. This means a more efficient immune system.

Dry body brushing is in fact suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily and is particularly beneficial for minimising water retention, often experienced in legs, old scars, cellulite and stretch marks.

But you may wonder which brushes to choose and how to use them effectively.

It is important to use a brush with soft bristles made of natural fibres. The brush should be neither too hard nor too soft, and above all, easy to handle.

The beautiful dry body and facial brushes from ELYTRUM are made of jute and sisal, which are one of nature's strongest vegetable fibres. Jute is known as the ‘Golden Fibre’ due to its golden colour and silky and lustrous appearance. 

These brushes truly compliment your natural skincare routine, as jute is biodegradable, has a low carbon footprint and to top it all off, the plant helps to clean the air. Jute plants absorb three times more carbon dioxide (CO2) than the average tree during growth, converting the CO2 into oxygen.

These soft, almost silky brushes are the perfect introduction to dry body brushing novices and enthusiasts alike, as well as a great self-care gift to include in a set of natural products.

To be fully effective, here are a few guidelines to lymphatic brushing:

• To help the lymph circulate, the movements must always be upwards in the direction of the heart towards the lymph nodes.
• As the lymph system sits right under our skin, gentle pressure is all you need to let the brush work its magic.
• Always brush in long sweeping strokes, starting with the soles of your feet and working your way up, always brushing up towards the heart.
• Use circular motions in a clockwise direction on your stomach and underarms.
• When you get to your arms, work the brush upwards, starting at your hands, and moving up to the armpits.
• When you reach your neck and décolletage area, brush down towards your heart.
• Take deep breaths while sweeping the soft bristles along your skin.
• Once you are done, rinse off in the shower or soak in a nice warm bath.

As you repeat this beautiful ritual, you will quickly see and feel the wonderful benefits. Enjoy!