Buying guide for Best dry brushes
Want smooth, glowing skin? If you visit a spa, you can ask for a dry brush treatment. The process is exactly as it sounds: a dry, sturdy brush is moved over your body to exfoliate dead skin and stimulate blood flow.
However, you don’t have to pay spa professionals for this treatment if you do it at home. DIY dry brushing feels good, and you can achieve the same beauty results at home that you would at a spa. The key is choosing the right dry brush.
Now, it may seem like a fairly simple purchase, but if you’re new to dry brushing, you might not have the information you need about dry brush bristles and handles. A comprehensive buying guide can help you choose which design will work best for you.
The benefits of dry brushing
Exfoliation
By running a firm dry brush over your skin, you loosen and remove the top layer of dead cells to naturally exfoliate your body. With continued use, your skin will be softer and smoother.
Detoxification
The lymphatic system plays a significant role in the immune system and helps remove toxins from the body. Dry brushing can help stimulate lymph flow throughout the body so it naturally detoxifies itself.
Fewer blemishes
Using a dry brush can help clear dirt and oil from the pores, resulting in fewer blemishes.
Did you know?
Though it’s mainly supported by anecdotal evidence, it has been suggested that dry brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by removing toxins from the skin and smoothing away the “lumps.”
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How to use a dry brush
How do you use a dry brush? Follow these steps for success.
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Stand in your bathtub or shower stall. This will allow you to easily wash skin flakes away when you’re finished brushing.
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Starting at your feet, sweep the dry brush over your skin in long strokes, moving toward your heart. Overlap the strokes as you go, and move over each section a few times. For sensitive areas, be sure to use lighter pressure.
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Once you’ve brushed your entire body, turn on the shower and wash as you normally would.
- After your shower, apply a body oil or other moisturizer to your skin to hydrate it properly.
Factors to consider when selecting a dry brush
Bristle type
Dry brushes are available with two types of bristles: synthetic and natural.
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Brushes with synthetic bristles are usually less expensive, but they’re often too rough on the skin. It’s best to avoid them.
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We recommend that you opt for a brush with natural bristles. You can usually choose from either boar bristles or vegetable fiber bristles.
"If you’re looking for a vegan dry brush option, choose a dry brush with vegetable fiber bristles. "
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Bristle strength
Choosing a dry brush with the appropriate bristle strength for your skin is very important to avoid irritation.
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Soft-bristle brushes are ideal for beginners because you can learn the proper techniques for dry brushing without irritating your skin. As you grow more comfortable with dry brushing, you can expand your collection to include firmer bristles. For sensitive areas of the body such as the face, neck, chest, stomach, and breasts, use a brush with extra-soft bristles.
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Medium-bristle brushes are great for general body brushing. However, this type of brush should not be used on the face.
- Firm-bristle brushes are best used by experienced dry brushers. An extra-firm brush also works well for removing dirt from beneath your nails.
"If your skin is not accustomed to dry brushing, do not use a brush with extra-firm bristles right away. Ease yourself into the practice with a soft-bristle brush."
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Handle
Some dry brushes don’t have a handle. Instead, they feature a small strap across the back of the brush head that fits securely around your hand. Due to the lack of a handle, you’ll have trouble reaching all areas of your body with these types of brushes.
Many dry brushes do have handles, but the length varies. To ensure that you’ll be able to access even the most hard-to-reach spots on your body, consider a dry brush with a handle that is at least 16 inches long.
If you want the best of both worlds, look for a dry brush with a detachable handle. You can leave the handle in place when you’re brushing your back and other areas, and you can remove it for more control when you’re going over your legs or arms.
"Will you be traveling with your dry brush? If so, a brush with a detachable handle would probably be easier to pack."
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Extras
Some dry brushes come as part of a set that includes more than just one brush.
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If you want to brush your face in addition to your body, look for a set that offers a soft-bristle brush for your face and a medium or extra-firm brush for your body.
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You can also find dry brush sets that include a wet brush. This can be used with soap or shower gel for additional exfoliation.
Some dry brushes come with a box or bag for storage as well, so you don’t have to worry about your brush collecting dust between uses.
Dry brush prices
Dry brushes vary in price based on their size and the accessories that come with it, but you can typically expect to spend between $4 and $35.
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For a small dry brush without a handle, you’ll usually pay between $4 and $8.
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For a single dry brush with a long handle, you’ll usually pay between $8 and $15.
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For a dry brush with a long handle that comes with additional brushes and accessories, you’ll usually pay between $15 and $35.
For your safety
Dry brushing isn’t a good idea if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema, psoriasis, or any skin infections. If you have any doubts or concerns about dry brushing, discuss them with your doctor.
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Tips
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Pain is a signal that something is wrong. You should never feel pain when you use a dry brush. If you do, lighten the pressure.
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Never dry brush over areas of your body that have a rash, broken skin, or other irritations.
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To avoid irritating your skin, use your dry brush only two to three times a week.
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Dry brushing should take approximately five to 10 minutes per session. Avoid brushing your skin for too long, as the prolonged exposure to friction could cause irritation.
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Dry brush before you shower or bathe, not after. That way, you can rinse away the skin flakes when you’re done.
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Apply a hydrating body lotion or cream to your skin after you’ve finished brushing and have rinsed your skin well.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a dry brush every day?
A. It’s best to use a dry brush only a few times a week to avoid irritating your skin. However, when you’re first getting used to the technique, you may want to use it every other day until you get the hang of it.
Q. What’s the most important feature in a dry brush?
A. Having bristles that are firm but not too hard on the skin is very important. However, most people also appreciate having a brush with a handle that is long enough to easily reach all areas of the body.
Q. How do you clean a dry brush?
A. To keep a dry brush clean, wash it with soap and warm water. Rinse it well to remove the soap residue, and then set the brush in a sunny spot to air dry.
