Dry Brushing Face: Benefits, How To Do It, And Dos & Don’ts

Exfoliation is a must to improve your skin health. But, if you wish to exfoliate your facial skin naturally, dry face brushing is the best bet. This ancient skincare ritual helps exfoliate your skin and may also tighten sagging skin. But, how does dry face brushing work? Is it safe for delicate facial skin? This article explores dry face brushing and delves deep into its benefits, risks, and how to do it properly. Keep reading.

What Is Dry Face Brushing?

As you age, it gets difficult for your skin to shed the dead skin cells on its own. This leaves it looking dull and unhealthy, making your skincare products less effective. Dry brushing is a chemical-free way to exfoliate your skin with a brush after cleansing. It helps remove dead cells, boosts blood circulation (maximizes oxygen intake), and makes your skin smooth. You can use any natural soft-bristled brush to eliminate the dry, flaky skin on your face.

Check out the following section to explore how dry face brushing is beneficial for you.

Benefits Of Dry Face Brushing

1. Exfoliates Your Skin

Dry brushing involves physical exfoliation that helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, and flakes. When you dry brush your skin, friction is produced, which helps unclog your pores and allows your skin to breathe.  It improves skin health, reduces the risk of acne breakouts, and makes your skin smooth and radiant.

This process stimulates blood circulation that makes your skin look youthful. It prepares your skin to absorb moisture and nutrients from skin care products. Dry brushing your face helps stimulate the sensory nerves and improves the skin renewal process.

Alicia, a blogger, shared her experience of using dry brushing multiple times a week. She found her skin rejuvenated after the use. In her blog, she wrote, “Stimulating, energizing, invigorating, tingly, cleansing…those are just a few words I would use to describe the experience of dry brushing (i).”

2. Improves Lymphatic drainage

Did you know that stimulating your lymphatic system can remove waste and toxins from the body? And dry brushing does exactly that. Many proponents claimed that dry brushing helps detoxify your skin. This technique speeds up blood circulation. Weak functioning of the lymphatic system can lead to the formation of cellulite, clumpy or dimpled-looking skin.

3. Reduces The Appearance Of Wrinkles And Fine Lines

Gentle brush strokes on your face can stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, which speeds up cell turnover. This minimizes the appearance of aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines. Also, the increased blood circulation helps make your skin supple and plump.

You should dry brush your face the right way to reap its maximum benefits. Scroll down to explore the steps involved in dry face brushing.

How To Dry Brush Your Face – A Step-By-Step Process

Step 1:

Start with the collarbone area. Brush with 5-10 short strokes towards the heart on each side.

Step 2: Stretch the neck and lift the chin. Give 6 gentle brush strokes in a downward motion, from the jawline to the collarbone.

Step 3: Brush the bottom portion of your face – upper and lower lip areas. Start from your lips and move outwards until the corner of your jaws.

Step 4: Buff the nose gently in the direction of the cheek hollows in inverted U-shaped strokes 6-8 times.

Step 5: Move your brush from the inner portion of the eyebrows towards the temples.

Step 6: Brush the forehead going up and over the temples.

Check out this video tutorial to know more about the process in detail:

Tip:Rinse your face with water after dry brushing

to remove any dead skin cells and flakes. Apply a moisturizer to keep your skin protected and prevent dryness.

Note: Avoid brushing the delicate under-eye area. Never be in a hurry or get rigorous while dry brushing your face. Always use gentle strokes to prevent redness and inflammation.

Quick Tip

Consider dry brushing in the morning to invigorate your skin and kickstart circulation. It can provide a refreshing start to your day and reduce puffiness.

Now that you know how to dry brush your face, the immediate question is how often you should be doing it? Let’s find out in the next section.

How Often Should You Dry Brush Your Face?

You should dry brush your face not more than once or twice a week. Dry brush only when you are not using any exfoliating products on your face. For sensitive skin types, dry brushing once every two weeks is recommended. If you have an oily skin type, you can dry brush your face even thrice a week.

Is dry face brushing safe? Are there any side effects of this technique? Scroll down for the answer.

Risks Associated With Dry Face Brushing

Dry brushing is not suitable for people with dry skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Avoid dry face brushing if you have inflamed or cracked skin as it can aggravate the sensitivity. Do not dry brush open wound areas, bruises, or braised skin.

Note: If you have breakouts and acne-prone skin, consult your dermatologist before proceeding with this method.

Quick Tip

Clean your dry brush regularly to remove accumulated dead skin cells and bacteria. Wash it with a mild soap and water, and let it dry thoroughly between uses.

Dry brushing your face can be tricky. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind for the safe and successful completion of the process.

Dos And Don’ts Of Dry Face Brushing

Dos

• Dry brush your face only when your skin is dry. Otherwise, it can get irritated, stretched, and tight, leading to damage.
• Use a soft-bristled brush that is specifically designed for dry face brushing.
• Use smooth and gentle strokes to dry brush your face. Remember, the key is to guide your skin’s essential fluids so that it appears healthy and youthful.
• Always apply a moisturizer post dry brushing to prevent dryness and soothe the skin.

Don’ts

• Never brush your face if you have skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.
• Do not use the same brush that you use on your body for dry brushing.
• Do not brush your face harshly and regularly. Overdoing it may cause micro-abrasions, flare-ups, and chapped skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dry brush my face with a toothbrush?

Yes, you can dry brush your face with a toothbrush, but ensure that it has good-quality soft bristles to avoid any irritations or scratches.

Do you wash your face before dry brushing?

No, your face needs to be dry for dry brushing. You can rinse your face with plain water once done.

How long does it take to see results from dry brushing?

You can begin to see the results in as little as two days. You can see a visible difference in your face in about two weeks.

Discover the technique of dry brushing your skin to boost blood circulaion and lymphatic drainage. Check the video below as an expert demonstrates dry brushing of the neck, arms and abdomen that you can easily perform on yourself at home!

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Dr. Schwarzburg MD

 

Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.

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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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