Boost your Glow

Have you ever heard of dry brushing? If you're looking for a simple way to improve your skin health and overall wellness, dry brushing might be the secret sauce you’ve been missing. This simple self-care technique promotes healthier skin, supports the body’s natural detoxification pathways, and offers a wide array of benefits in just a few relaxing and refreshing minutes at the beginning and ending of each day.

Dry brushing involves gently brushing the skin with a dry, natural-bristle brush in sweeping motions. The result? A range of benefits that go beyond just soft, glowing skin.

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like: brushing your dry skin with a soft, but firm, natural-bristled brush. The technique is typically done before showering morning and evening for best results, using long, sweeping strokes that follow the direction of lymph flow (always toward the heart).

This practice doesn’t require any products other than the brush and a few quiet moments of intentional care.

Top Benefits of Dry Brushing

1. Exfoliates the Skin

Dry brushing helps slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and encourage skin renewal. Over time, it can lead to smoother, softer skin and may even enhance the absorption of moisturizers or oils applied afterward. 

I have chronically dry skin. Since starting dry brushing I have significantly reduced the amount of moisturizer I use and some days forget about it all together (something that I would have never done before starting dry brushing).

2. Stimulates Lymphatic Flow and Improves Blood Circulation

One of the most significant benefits of dry brushing is its effect on the lymphatic system. This network helps the body eliminate toxins, waste, and pathogens, reduce puffiness, and improve overall skin tone. By brushing toward the heart, you stimulate lymphatic flow, supporting your body’s natural detox processes. 

The friction of brushing activates surface blood flow, which can improve overall circulation. This increased blood movement brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin and helps carry away metabolic waste. 

When I first started dry brushing it was after my alpha-gal flare-up episode which left an unraised “rash” of red and purplish dots on my thighs. After a couple weeks of dry brushing, morning and evening, the dots were gone!

3. Enhances Energy, Invigoration, and yet is also Relaxing

Many people find that dry brushing leaves them feeling refreshed and energized—similar to the effects of a brisk walk or cold shower, in the morning (even better if you do all three😉). It’s a natural, caffeine-free way to start your day with a boost. I personally love the feel of the dry brushing and find it invigorating in the morning and yet it is relaxing in the evening, and I enjoy its relaxing effects right before going to bed.

4. Supports Mental Clarity and Stress Relief

Taking time to care for your body by enhancing our God-given natural physiology always results in a peaceful, inner calming effect from head to toe. We can cast our care on our Burden Bearer (1 Peter 5:7) Who cares for us and the result will be reduced stress, reconnection with God Who loves us and will give us clarity of purpose. We can take His promises to the Bank: “Come unto Me, all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. And did you know He wants to Glow through you? That’s right! In Psalm 43:5 we are reminded to hope in God, Who desires to be the Health our Countenance. So let His Glow shine through you as you cooperate with Him to enhance the natural physiology He has created in us to function our best.

How to Dry Brush:

1. Choose the Right Brush Use a brush with natural, soft to stiff bristles and a long handle to reach your back.

2. Start at the Feet Begin gently brushing from your feet upward in long, sweeping motions. Always brush toward your heart.

3. Move to Arms and Torso Brush from the hands to the shoulders, then from the lower abdomen upward.

4. Avoid Sensitive Areas Do not brush over broken, irritated, or sunburned skin. Use lighter pressure on areas like the neck.

5. Shower After Brushing for Added Benefit This helps wash away the exfoliated skin cells and any toxins released during brushing.

6. Moisturize As Needed After showering, apply a nourishing oil or lotion to soothe and hydrate your skin, if desired.

How Often Should You Dry Brush?

I like to dry brush morning and evening. Do it as many days, or as often as, your skin will tolerate. Remember to be gentle; your skin should feel invigorated, not scratched or inflamed afterwards. 

Your skin is your body's largest organ, and dry brushing can assist in keeping it clear and functioning at its best. Dry brushing is a quick, inexpensive, and effective way to refresh your skin and support overall well-being. Give it a try, and you might find yourself hooked on the glow it delivers!

And, your skin—and your whole system—will thank you.

Blue Skies,

Dana West, RD, LD, ACLMDIP