Maybe we spend way too much time on Pinterest, but when we first heard about dry brushing, it sounded like a skin-care miracle. Proponents of the technique claim dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, unclogs pores, exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces cellulite, and basically gives you the skin of your dreams. But, like we do when anything sounds too good to be true, we took a deep dive into the facts to see if the benefits match up to reality.
The Brush-Off
The proper way to dry brush: Give your body a thorough rub-down while your skin is dry, using a bristled brush, an exfoliating mitt, or washcloth to brush in circular motions toward your heart. (The stiffer the bristles, the better.) The aim is to leave your skin clear, cellulite reduced, and your body energized. It’s also, supposedly, a way to stimulate your circulatory stystem and remove toxins from the body.
The problem is that these claims aren’t entirely true, says Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Alphaeon physician. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and as such, comes fully equipped with one of the most intricate circulatory systems.
So while your skin does create “toxins,” like dead skin cells (we get a…