How to use a dry body brush (English)

To have smooth and elastic skin, a slender, toned figure, you don’t have to spend large sums, visit fashionable salons or wait months in line to see a highly advertised specialist. You can take care of your beauty and health without outside help by mastering affordable and safe body care methods. This is what drybrushing or massage with a dry brush is.

The technology, which appeared in the East thousands of years ago, does not require special expenses, knowledge and skill, but at the same time it amazes with incredible efficiency. Famous top models Cindy Crawford, Miranda Kerr, Italian diva Monica Bellucci believe that they owe the beauty of their body to this procedure. It's time for you to get to know the rubbing technique better and include it in your daily routine.

Benefits and results

Time flies inexorably: before you have time to look back, the 30-year mark has already been passed. During this period, the first age-related changes begin to appear:

Due to decreased production of collagen and elastin, the skin loses its elasticity.
The number of cells producing melanin decreases, which causes the formation of age spots.
The first wrinkles appear.
Due to disruption of the sebaceous glands, the epidermis becomes thinner and more vulnerable, many complain of dryness and flaking.
The subcutaneous fat layer thins, cheeks sag, jowls appear, and the corners of the lips and eyes droop.

Unfortunately, old age cannot be avoided, but daily massaging the body with a dry brush will help delay its approach, and at the same time eliminate a number of other problems. As a result of the procedure:

Blood flow increases, improving access to tissues of nutrients and oxygen, eliminating congestion in the body.
Non-viable exfoliated cells are mechanically removed, the skin is cleansed, its texture is evened out, the regeneration process is activated, and the depth of wrinkles is reduced.

Photo: before and after massage treatments

Judging by the reviews, dry massage delivers a lot of pleasant sensations, relaxes the body and nervous system, and fights stress, depression, and emotional stress.

Contraindications

Be careful: even such a seemingly harmless procedure has a number of prohibitions. First of all, this:

damage to the integrity of the epidermis: cuts, wounds, abrasions, bruises;
inflammatory diseases, rashes;
dermatitis;
psoriasis;
varicose veins;
moles, papillomas, nevi;
thin and sensitive skin;
increased body temperature;
acute stage of an infectious disease.

During the massage course, you should limit your exposure to the sun and avoid visiting the solarium. Rubbing with a brush exfoliates the top layer of the epidermis, causing the skin to become thinner and more vulnerable. Even a small dose of ultraviolet rays after the procedure can harm a person, causing severe burns.

How to do a massage correctly

It seems that it could be simpler than regular brushing. You will be surprised, but this massage has many subtleties, and the technique changes depending on the location of the effect, the condition and health characteristics of the patient.

During pregnancy

Not every type of massage is suitable for an expectant mother. Rubbing the body with a dry brush is precisely the procedure that will not harm the fetus and will significantly improve the woman’s well-being.

The fact is that during pregnancy the load on the expectant mother’s body increases significantly. Hence the pain and heaviness in the back and legs, swelling, stretch marks on the stomach and hips. A regular brush with natural bristles will help combat these unpleasant phenomena:

We begin the massage from the foot: with light movements we stroke the sole from the toes to the heel, along the outer surface we move towards the ankle joint, creating an outflow of lymphatic fluid.
Using the same techniques, we work the lower leg and outer thigh, following the direction of the massage lines.
We go through the upper chest area with smoothing movements from the center to the shoulders.
We work the back from the lumbar region towards the nearby axillary lymph nodes.
We rub our hands along the lymph flow.

You will learn more about performing these techniques in the video.

Massage of the abdominal area causes a lot of controversy among specialists. Some believe that this procedure should be prohibited for pregnant women, others argue that light stroking will be the best prevention of the appearance of stretch marks.

In any case, you should not proceed with the procedure without first consulting your doctor, who will assess all existing risks and give professional recommendations.

It is important to know that the skin on the face is very thin and delicate, as it is practically devoid of fat, and is also very susceptible to stretching. Inept actions will not eliminate the problem, but rather will only make it worse. Therefore, before massaging with a dry brush, carefully read the instructions and rules for its implementation.

To begin, thoroughly cleanse your face of makeup. The massage is performed lying down: in this position it is possible to relax the muscles as much as possible and achieve a good result from the procedure. Light sweeping movements are performed strictly in the direction of lymph flow: from the center line to the sides in the forehead and chin or diagonally on the cheeks. The lymph node itself is not massaged. The face should turn pink. An intense red color indicates the wrong choice of brush, too much force, or growing health problems. The first sessions last 3-4 minutes, gradually increasing the time to 7-8 minutes. The procedure is repeated 2 times a week. After the massage, it is recommended to wash your face with cool water and apply a soothing mask or cream to your face.

It is worth considering that during the session, keratinized scales literally fall off the face, so it is better to carry out the procedure in the bathroom. Another important point is the cleanliness of the brush. It should be thoroughly washed and dried after each session, otherwise there is a risk of introducing bacteria and causing inflammation of the skin.

Anti-cellulite

Poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, sedentary lifestyle, and aging of the body lead to excess accumulation of fat. Especially a lot of it collects on the stomach, thighs, buttocks and shoulders. Over time, swelling forms here, the skin loses its elasticity, becomes uneven, resembling an orange peel in structure.

But this can be corrected - just take several courses of massage with a dry brush to get rid of the signs of cellulite and gain even and smooth skin. The main condition of the procedure is that all movements must be carried out along the lymph flow, from the periphery to the heart area in the following order:

After the procedure, drink a glass of water, take a shower and apply a special anti-cellulite cream to the skin to enhance the healing effect of rubbing.

Belly

The stomach is the most vulnerable part of the body. And not only because the most important internal organs are located here, protected only by the anterior abdominal wall. It is in this area that the most fatty tissue accumulates. The subcutaneous layer - the one that we can grab and pull back along with the skin - spoils the figure, but does not pose a great threat to the body, and is easily removed with the help of diets, exercise and massage. Much more dangerous is the deep-lying visceral fat, which entwines the internal organs, disrupts their functioning and sometimes leads to serious consequences.

Of course, dry rubbing does not have a direct effect on fat capsules. But they are actively burning due to a locally increased temperature, increased blood flow, and increased metabolism.

Excess weight and cellulite are not the only indications for massage with a dry brush. The procedure helps when digestive problems appear: bloating, constipation, colic, impaired peristalsis.

The abdomen is massaged clockwise with soft, smooth movements until slight redness occurs.

How to use a drainage brush

It is no coincidence that brushes for dry massage are called drainage brushes. With their help, muscle fibers are activated, acting as a kind of pump and forcing the lymphatic fluid to move through the vessels, neutralizing harmful substances and taking with them decay products.

The main thing is to adhere to a certain technique of influence:

Let's start with the feet. We work the feet and legs with straight-line movements from bottom to top. We rub our knees in a circle. We increase the pressure on the hips by massaging the surface in different directions, shown in the figure below. This does not apply to the internal area, which requires particularly careful handling: after all, large main vessels are located here, damage to which is life-threatening. Gently rub the stomach clockwise. We go through the lower part of the back with direct sweeping movements from bottom to top, from the collar area we move in the opposite direction, towards the heart. We work on the arms following the trajectory of hand–forearm–shoulder. Particular attention is paid to the palms and the reflex points located on them. At the end of the session, massage the delicate skin of the upper chest and neck with smooth sliding movements.

All movements are carried out strictly along the lymphatic system, according to the scheme:

The groin, popliteal fossa, mammary glands and axillary area are not touched.

The body is worked out evenly, alternately making the same number of movements, first on the left and then on the right side. The strength of the impact is adjusted individually and depends on the condition of the skin and the threshold of pain sensitivity. After a skillfully performed lymphatic drainage massage, there are no scratches left, and the skin acquires a delicate pink tint.

Features of choosing a brush

As you know, demand creates supply. The popularity of dry rubbing has led to the emergence of many different types of massage brushes.

Reliable drainage brushes for drybrushing are produced by Wishmore. They have a range of kits with a dense thick coating of varying hardness.

Set of 3 gradual effect brushes Wishmore Complete.

When buying one of these for home use, pay attention to:

Stubble. It can be natural or synthetic. The basis for the first type is sisal, cactus, palm or animal hair. The advantages of such brushes are that they have medium hardness, do not cause allergies, eliminate rubbing, scratches and irritation, and are perfect for beginners. For those whose skin is not particularly sensitive, thin and delicate, samples with synthetic nylon bristles are suitable. More rigid, they allow you to achieve results faster.
Base material. Wooden brushes are considered the safest - they are stronger, more durable and environmentally friendly, unlike plastic or silicone ones.
Form. Round or oval brushes with a handle on the back are suitable for working on the limbs and abdomen. It will be more convenient to massage your back with a brush with a long handle. Rough mittens worn on your hands will allow you to reach hard-to-reach places.
Size. For facial massage, you should choose small toothbrushes similar to toothbrushes. For large surfaces of the body, larger devices with a significant coverage area are suitable.

The low price of brushes, ranging from 500 rubles, makes the technique even more accessible and attractive to everyone who wants to have a healthy and beautiful body.

Skin care tips before and after the procedure

In order to get smooth, young, elastic skin with a healthy glow after a rubbing massage session, you must adhere to the following rules:

It is not recommended to use any cosmetic products before the procedure.
When it comes to facial massage, it is important to thoroughly remove makeup.
Rubbing should be carried out with a dry brush over a dry body, otherwise irritation of the skin cannot be avoided.
During the massage, the keratinized particles of the epidermis are exfoliated, so after the procedure they need to be washed off the surface of the skin with warm water.
It is very good to take a contrast shower, changing the temperature of the stream several times.

Afterwards, you should apply any soothing product you are familiar with to your skin: lotion, gel, cream, serum. The effect of anti-cellulite massage will be enhanced by fat burners: emulsions or special oils with the addition of essential components. After the detox program, any cosmetics are undesirable. The best way to help your body is to drink a glass of warm water with lemon.

Noticeable positive changes will appear after the first sessions of dry rubbing massage. They will be the incentive for you to work long and hard, the result of which will be a blooming appearance and ideal health.

Dry brushing is an increasingly popular body massage that takes just 5 minutes a day and helps the body rid itself of toxins, gives you beautiful, soft skin, and allows you to perform lymphatic drainage at home. The body massage brush is very easy to use and further you will learn why and how to use it correctly.

How exactly does dry brushing massage affect the body?

A third of all toxins are eliminated from our body through the skin. A dry massage brush helps unclog pores and remove these toxins along with dead cells from the skin. In addition, body massage with a brush always leaves behind a pleasant feeling of freshness and vigor, thanks to increased circulation. Here is a list of all the main benefits of dry body brushing:

1. This is a good way to do lymphatic drainage

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the body's immune system, consisting of organs, nodes, ducts and vessels that carry lymph throughout the body. Many of these vessels are located just under the skin, so when used regularly, a dry massage drainage brush stimulates lymph flow and helps the body eliminate toxins naturally.

2. A body brush with natural bristles will remove dead cells.

This body massage brush with natural bristles is moderately rough, which allows you to remove dead cells from the skin without damaging it. After the first use, you will notice that your skin has become significantly softer, just like after using a well-exfoliating scrub.

3. Body massage with a brush will cleanse and tighten pores

An additional benefit of massaging your body with a dry brush is that it removes oils and dirt from your skin that clog your pores. You can also invest in a softer brush with natural bristles for your face to leave it feeling soft, clean, and pores less noticeable. Clean pores help the skin better absorb moisturizers and nutrients, so following this massage it is recommended to apply your favorite oil or natural skin care cream.

4. Massage with a dry brush helps get rid of cellulite

One possible cause of cellulite formation is toxins that accumulate in the fat cells of the body. And since massaging your body with a dry brush increases circulation and stimulates lymph flow to remove toxins, there is no reason not to try getting rid of cellulite with such a simple and beneficial procedure.

What kind of brush should be used for body massage?

As we said above, for massage it is better to buy a brush with natural bristles.
The stiffer the bristles on the brush, the better it will stimulate your body's lymphatic system. However, it is still recommended to start with soft brushes until you get used to it and can move to the next level.
It’s good if you have a set of brushes: with coarse bristles for the hips and buttocks, a little less stiff for the chest and neck, and the softest for the face.
It will be much more convenient for you if your body brush has a long handle that allows you to easily reach your back, feet and all other parts of the body.
Body massage brushes with natural cactus bristles are considered one of the best of their kind as they gently exfoliate the skin without damaging it.

Whatever brush you choose, try to wash it thoroughly with soap and water at least once every 2 weeks and dry it in a clean, sunny place so that dead skin cells do not accumulate on it. It is also recommended to change your body brush every 6-12 months, as the bristles eventually wear out and cease to perform their useful functions.

How to properly massage with a dry brush? Scheme and basic rules

How to massage with a dry brush? To begin, buy a soft brush and massage your body with light, lightly pressing movements. As you get used to it, purchase increasingly stiffer brushes and press harder on the skin.

If you prefer a dry massage, it is recommended that you take a shower afterwards (to wash away dead cells, toxins and dirt) and moisturize your skin with a cream or oil of your choice. Many people also prefer to apply a little oil to the brush itself. Then you should take a shower before this procedure. The figure below shows a diagram of body massage with a brush. By the way, it is very useful to combine it with a sauna or steam room.

Here's how to properly do lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massage with a dry brush:

To begin, rub your body in light circular motions, using a little more force when massaging your knees, elbows, ankles, outer thighs (where cellulite is usually deposited), buttocks and shoulders (the area that sags with age). Be tough on areas where the skin is rough or has bumps.

2. As a rule, massage of different areas of the body is performed in the following order: legs, stomach, arms, chest and neck. After you have rubbed one area in a circular motion, perform a drainage massage towards the chest or heart - where the lymph naturally moves. That is, first perform long movements from the legs to the heart, then from the arms to the heart. On the stomach and armpits, use circular movements in a clockwise direction.

3. Gently stroke the delicate area of the chest and neck. Over time, skin sensitivity will decrease throughout the body and you will be able to move on to more forceful movements, such as rubbing strokes. Finally, you can perform a light facial massage according to the pattern below.

4. Immediately after massaging your body with a brush, take a contrast shower. It perfectly stimulates blood circulation and promotes blood flow to the upper layers of the skin.

5. After showering, apply a mild nourishing or moisturizing product to your skin, such as shea or coconut butter. Additionally, using a scrub or aggressive acne cream is not advisable, since you have just removed the surface layer from the skin and made it temporarily more prone to irritation.

With daily use, the body brush will rejuvenate your skin by the end of the 1st month. All it takes is a little self-control. Do not handle the brush as if you were scrubbing pots and pans. Start with stroking movements and make sure that the skin after the massage is slightly pinkish, but not red.

Does dry brushing really get rid of cellulite?

There is no scientific evidence that dry brushing helps with cellulite. Some experts are sure that this is a genetic pathology, others blame Omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, which are present in abundance in the diet of many people.

At the same time, no one denies that cellulite is characterized by insufficient nutrition of fatty tissues and impaired blood and lymph circulation, which is what brush massage ultimately affects. Moreover, there are many reviews on the Internet that regular massage of the skin with a brush with natural bristles helped get rid of cellulite or at least reduced its appearance. This treatment also helps strengthen the skin and can prevent stretch marks, which is another reason to try it for yourself!

Dry brush massage: reviews

Forest Fairy

Nature's lover. I believe that natural cosmetics and food help maintain health and prolong youth. I write articles on this topic based on research data and other sources that I myself consider reliable. All like-minded people are welcome!

1 comment

Yes, a massage with a cactus brush is really cool! I bought one with a handle from Bandida. Very comfortable, big. I massage on dry skin, go into the shower and then apply body oil to wet skin! I recommend it to everyone!

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What products contain

Why is everyone talking about this massage?

Body massage with a dry brush, or brushing, is very popular among beauty bloggers. They claim that the procedure gives noticeable results after just a few sessions.

This is the effect they promise:

blood flow and lymph flow improves, due to which swelling subsides;
toxins are eliminated;
dead cells are exfoliated and the skin becomes smooth;
metabolic processes are normalized;
digestion improves;
cellulite and stretch marks disappear;
blood vessels are strengthened;
mood improves and immunity increases;
the nervous system is restored.

Typical massage description on Instagram

However, all talk about the effectiveness of dry brushing is based only on the personal feelings of bloggers - there is no scientific research on this topic yet. Moreover, doctors not only refute most of the promises, but also warn about possible harm from the procedure.

How dry brushing massage actually works

The essence of this type of brushing is a mechanical effect on the epidermis - the top layer of skin. Bristles exfoliate dead cells - cosmetologists call this process exfoliation. That is why the procedure is carried out dry: the friction is stronger than with wet cleaning, and the particles come off better. At the same time, massage movements temporarily increase blood flow.

Exfoliation and a temporary increase in blood supply are the real results of the massage.

Why most of the promised effects are myths

Myth 1. Dry massage breaks down fat deposits and tones muscles.

The dermis, that is, the middle layer of the skin, and subcutaneous fatty tissue are not involved in brushing. It is even more difficult for the brush to reach the muscles, so it does not affect their tone in any way.

Myth 2. Brushing improves lymph flow

The brush only works on the epidermis, which has no lymphatic vessels, and therefore cannot improve lymph flow. In fact, it is provided by muscle contractions, so if you want to avoid lymph stagnation, then just move. 10 minutes spent walking or exercising will benefit the lymphatic system more than the same 10 minutes of brushing.

Myth 3. Cellulite and stretch marks disappear

Orange peel occurs when fat cells (adipocytes), held back by connective fibers, protrude through the skin. The larger the adipocytes, the weaker the connective tissue, the thinner and more inelastic the skin, the more noticeable the bumps and depressions. Dry massage cannot change the thickness of fat deposits and does not stimulate collagen production in any way, which means it does not increase skin elasticity. Therefore, it will not remove the “orange peel”.

Sometimes you can see claims that brushes break down toxins in tissues and this is how they fight cellulite. But the cause of the problem may be hormones, age, unbalanced diet, physical inactivity and bad habits. The visibility of the result after the massage lies in the effect of light reflection, which Dr. Joshua Zeichner from the Mount Sinai Medical Center talks about Here’s What Dry Brushing Your Skin Actually Does - and Doesn’t Do. After exfoliation, the skin becomes smoother and reflects light better, making unevenness less noticeable. But you won’t be able to get rid of them completely with a brush.

Myth 4. Brushing removes toxins

Only the liver and kidneys are responsible for removing toxins from the body. Massage with a dry brush has nothing to do with it. The procedure does not affect digestion.

Myth 5. Dry brushing prevents varicose veins

Varicose veins develop when the walls of blood vessels lose their elasticity and become deformed, and the valves that allow venous blood to pass through cease to perform their function. Not a single massage affects the structure and properties of the tissue of the venous walls or the functioning of the valves. Therefore, dry brushing is useless in this regard. Moreover, too much rubbing with a brush, on the contrary, provokes the appearance of spider veins.

For whom dry brush massage is not suitable?

Exfoliation is not always necessary. According to You Asked: Should I Dry Brush My Skin Tina Alster, director of the Washington Institute of Dermatology and Laser Surgery, young skin copes with cleansing itself. It’s worth helping her after 30 years.

Sometimes dry massage not only makes no sense, but is also harmful. The bristles of the brush, especially hard ones, can injure the epidermis. Rubbing too hard also irritates the skin, depriving it of its protective barrier and making it drier.

Therefore, the procedure is contraindicated:

people with any dermatological diseases, be it eczema or urticaria, since massage will only intensify the symptoms;
for abrasions: this can enlarge the wound and cause infection;
if your skin is too dry or sensitive, prone to irritation;
after sunburn;
for varicose veins: excessive friction can further damage the vessels.

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

Although most of the miraculous properties turned out to be myths, this massage still has some positive effects:

It exfoliates old cells well, after which the skin looks better. The effect appears gradually, so do not be upset if nothing is noticeable after the first procedure.
Helps with keratosis pilaris. This is the same goose bumps on the thighs and arms that appear due to clogged hair follicles. Mechanical cleansing, according to You Asked: Should I Dry Brush My Skin dermatologist Mark Glashofer, can remove these blockages.
Stimulates nerve endings: using a brush in the morning helps to perk up.

Important: the procedure will be useful only if done correctly.

How to do dry massage

Choose the right brush

Try to touch it in the store to find the optimal stiffness of the bristles. To begin with, it is better to take a softer one so as not to injure the skin.

The softest brush is with synthetic bristles, made from a little coarser cactus, the stiffest is made from boar bristles. The form can be any, it all depends on your convenience. Some people like the long handle, which makes it easy to massage their back, while others find it more convenient with two small brushes that can be placed on their hands.

Before and after the first use, the brush should be rinsed and dried.

What to buy

Remember the main rules

Massage on dry skin. You shouldn't wet the brush either.
After the procedure, take a shower to wash off any exfoliated particles. Contrast water procedures will enhance the effect and strengthen blood vessels.
Moisturize your skin. Use a moisturizer or product with added oil, but never pure oil. Doctor Yael Adler in the book “What the Skin Hides. 2 square meters that dictate how we live” explains that it combines with the valuable lipids of our epidermis and simply flushes them out.

Practice your technique

You can massage using circular or straight movements. There will be no fundamental difference in the effect, the main thing is to move along the lymph, from the limbs to the heart, bypassing the lymph nodes. Do not massage the areas under the arms and knees, inner thighs and chest.

Movements should be soft and pleasant, without excessive pressure. The whole procedure will take 5–10 minutes.

Great news for the lazy: one brush exfoliation per week is enough. More frequent sessions can be harmful: they disrupt the protective barrier and moisture balance in the skin.

If you do not have dermatological problems, dry brushing is a good home care option and an alternative to scrub. The main thing is to carry out the procedure carefully and not expect much from brushing.

How to use a dry body brush