Like any trendy new beauty product or practice, dry brushing has made a splash. A few benefits it’s been touted to provide include:
- stimulating the lymphatic system to help the body rid itself of toxins
- exfoliating the skin
- increasing circulation and energy
- helping to break down and diminish the appearance of cellulite
- relaxation and clarity
This post will dig a little deeper into these claims and investigate which might actually be true for dedicated dry brushers.
Benefits of dry brushing
With roots in ancient Ayurvedic healing practices, dry brushing or garshana is becoming increasingly popular in western countries. A quick google search will tell you that dry brushing a few times a week can improve your circulation, help give skin a glow, tone your legs, and even lessen the severity of cellulite. Those are some heavyweight claims. Dry brush believers are adopting zealous brushing regimens to get these advertised results, few which are actually based in fact.
Among other purported benefits, dry brushing is said to increase drainage of lymphatic fluids, thereby flushing toxins from the body. Experts respond saying there is little to no scientific truth to this concept. Our bodies are miraculous detoxifying units. The organs responsible for this process are the liver and the kidneys, not the skin.
Dry brushing for cellulite?
Dry brushing for cellulite? I subscribe to holistic fixes as avidly as the next gal, but this one might be too great a stretch. Cellulite is a cosmetic, localized skin condition that causes a dimpled appearance on the surface of the skin. True improvement in these areas is going to require a deeper level of attention.
Effect of dry brushing on removing cellulite
From personal experience, yes—dry brushing feels good. The rough (but not-too-rough) circular motion is a wonderful way to wake up before a shower. And you really can notice an improvement in the outer layer of your skin, especially if you’re prone to keratosis pilaris, or ‘chicken skin’. But deeper improvements, a reduction in cellulite for example, is an unlikely outcome. Consider an infrared light or radio frequency treatment. VelaShape technology visibly improves the appearance of fatty tissues and cellulite by permanently contouring problem areas. The ideal candidate for VelaShape is an active, health conscious individual who can’t improve the appearance of cellulite with lifestyle changes alone.
How much time spending on dry brushing?
Dry brush for exfoliation but be careful to manage your expectations. Depending on your schedule, derms recommend spending 2-5 minutes dry-brushing your whole body. Take a little extra time to scrub your beautiful behind. The buttocks are an easily neglected area that needs just as much love as our arms or legs. But, if you’re seeking deep tissue improvements for cellulite or problem skin, seek out a spa technician with the necessary tools for the job.
