One Thing You Can Find In My Suitcase: Goop Dry Brush

Yup, it is true, I like to brush my skin when it is dry and I love it. There are a variety of health claims about dry brushing. If you aren’t familiar with the technique, it involves daily body massage with a dry, stiff-bristled brush. It’s been said to help flaky winter skin, increase circulation, detoxify, help digestion and even improve the appearance of cellulite. I am not 100% sure if all of these claims are true but I do know that it helps me feel and look good.

Here are a few common questions that are asked about Dry Brushing.

1. What are the real health benefits of dry brushing?

The mechanical action of dry brushing is wonderful for exfoliating dry winter skin. It also helps detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage. Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also stimulates your nervous system, which can make you feel invigorated afterward.

2. Can brushing aid digestion or reduce the appearance of cellulite?

There is absolutely no evidence in the literature to confirm that dry brushing aids in digestion or the appearance of cellulite. It’s likely that what people interpret as cellulite reduction is really just a temporary “plumping up of the skin” from increased blood circulation. The claim that it actually reduces cellulite isn’t supported by any scientific evidence.

3. Why a dry brush? Why not just brush skin in the shower?

Brushing the skin while it is dry allows you to exfoliate and increase blood circulation without robbing it of moisture, as the hot water in the shower can.

4. What kind of brush should I use?

You want to use a natural stiff-bristled bath/shower brush, preferably with a long handle. Some bristles are stiffer than others, and it depends on your skin’s sensitivity and preference. The long handle helps you reach your back. Here is the brush I use from Goop.

5. How do I do it?

You always start on dry skin using a natural bristled brush. I typically start from the feet/ankles and work my way upward in long fluid strokes on limbs and circular motions on torso and back. I move in the upward direction. It can be sensitive on the abdomen, breasts and neck, so lighten up pressure as needed.

A long handle is helpful so that you can get to the back, which can be brushed in downward strokes. A few overlapping swipes per area is enough. If you go over one area too long, you can actually break the integrity of the skin and cause irritation or bleeding. You generally do this once each day and shower immediately afterward.

6. When should I dry brush?

The best time to dry brush is just before a shower. Then you can wash off any dead skin cells and flaky skin. Be sure to apply lotion afterward to put moisture back into your skin.

7. What if If I have sensitive skin, can I dry brush?

Never brush over skin that is broken, which includes cuts, scrapes, lesions, sores or burned skin, including sunburns. Don’t ever brush over areas of infection, redness or general irritation, inflammation, cellulitis or skin cancer. Stop dry brushing if skin becomes irritated or inflamed. I also do not recommend using the brush on your face.

These brushes have bristles that are usually pretty firm. If your skin is too sensitive, you may want to switch and try a plain dry washcloth.

I hope these tips help you in your Dry Brush journey, especially with the change of seasons happening in cooler climates.