The traditional Ayurvedic practice of dry brushing exfoliates skin without the need for harsh, potentially toxic chemicals. As you sweep the brush over your skin, the bristles create gentle friction that removes the top layer of dull, dead skin cells. The practice is known as Garshana, which translates to “friction by rubbing.”
Dry brushing not only exfoliates your skin, it also supports your body’s natural detox flow by boosting microcirculation and getting stagnant fluid moving. The de la heart dry brushing ritual was specifically created to support lymphatic flow and optimize wellness. When you practice it regularly, you’ll notice increased energy, reduced bloating, a stronger immune system and (of course!) radiant skin.
How To Dry Brush To Exfoliate Your Body:
Before you start, make sure that your skin is completely dry (not damp). “Your skin needs to be fully dry in order to create the necessary friction,” Gigi explains. “That’s why I usually dry brush in the morning, before my shower.”
To begin, grab either The Body Brush or The Copper Body Brush. Then simply brush your body in long rhythmic strokes, aiming for 5-10 strokes per area. Start at your upper arm, move to your lower arm, then brush from your wrist to all the way to your underarm.
Next, move to your chest. Use extra-gentle pressure to dry brush from the center outward. Now move to your waist and brush from behind your torso toward the front of your body. Brush the abdominal area in gentle circular motions to promote digestion.
To dry brush your legs, start at your knees and brush upward toward your bikini line. Now move to your lower legs and brush from ankle to kneecap. Don’t forget to brush the tops of your feet too. Repeat on both sides of your body, then shower to remove the dead skin that’s been exfoliated. (For a full step-by-step click here!)
How often should I dry brush?
This answer really depends on your skin type and personal preference. Some people find they like to dry brush 4-5 times per week, while others prefer just 2-3 times per week. If your skin is more sensitive, for example, you may not want to dry brush as often. As always, listen to what your body is telling you.
