Discover the transformative power of body brushing, a simple yet effective method for achieving softer, more radiant skin. Dry brushing itself is thousands of years old, and can be traced back to the Ayurvedic practise of garshana ~ ‘friction by rubbing’.
Its longevity in skincare can be attributed to its effectiveness at not only exfoliation and unclogging pores, but for its ability to stimulate your lymphatic system and detoxify your body. All it takes is a bristle brush and a few minutes of your time each week.
In this guide, we'll delve into the art of dry brushing, covering everything from the technique to post-brushing care and the unique features of Argentum's silver-infused body brush.
How to dry brush for the best results
For maximum benefit, select a brush crafted specifically for dry brushing. Might we also recommend a long handle, as it enables easy access to all areas of your body.
Once you have your dry brush, follow these steps:
- Begin your routine by focusing on your feet and legs, working your way upward towards your heart using short, firm strokes. This will help to stimulate your lymphatic system.
- Gradually move up the legs, using circular motions around the ankles, knees, hips and buttocks where dead skin cells can build.
- Switch to brushing in circular, clockwise motions when you reach the thighs, hips and stomach.
- When you reach the arms, begin with your hands and work the brush upwards, continuing to follow the direction of the heart.
- Go as far as your chest and décolletage, stopping before you reach the neck ~ this sensitive area requires a more sensitive, facial brush.
- Repeat once or twice weekly for best results.
After dry brushing your body
Once you've finished brushing your body, you'll want to shower to rinse off any dead skin cells and dirt loosened by the brushing session.
Showering with warm water will open up your pores and increase circulation, allowing your skin to fully absorb any oils or lotions you apply post-shower. It’s important to moisturise after body brushing, as your newly-exfoliated skin will be incredibly receptive to anything you apply.
Our hydrating silver body lotion is the perfect way to nourish skin after dry brushing. Bursting with active ingredients like Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP, it hydrates intensely, supports collagen and elastin, and inhibits oxidative damage, while Caffeine stimulates microcirculation for instant hydration and a firming effect. Gently massage the lotion into the skin using circular motions, paying extra attention to any problem areas.
How long and how often should you dry brush?
Dry brushing is an effective and natural way to cleanse, exfoliate and renew your skin. For best results, use your body brush before showering and on dry skin. Focus on each body part for around 30 seconds before moving on to the next area—this way, dry brushing should take around 5 minutes.
You might want to spend extra time brushing cellulite-prone spots. Massaging can help break up fat deposits under the skin. Gently brushing your stomach can support toning and tightening loose skin too, particularly after weight loss.
By dry brushing regularly, once or twice per week, you’ll notice your skin become softer, smoother and more glowing over time.
How to clean your dry body brush
To keep your dry body brush in good condition and prevent bacteria buildup, you'll need to clean it properly after each use. Here are the steps to clean your dry body brush:
Rinse the bristles:
After brushing your body, rinse the bristles of your brush under warm running water, gently running your fingers through the bristles. Avoid submerging the brush in water; just focus on the bristle area.
Disinfect the brush (optional): For a deeper clean, you can disinfect your body brush by soaking just the bristles in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for about five minutes before rinsing thoroughly. If you’re dry brushing weekly, try to disinfect your brush once or twice a month. Some brushes may boast their own anti-bacterial benefits ~ our own dry brush is infused with silver, and is proven to be 99.7% effective at protecting both your body and the brush from harmful microbes.
Let it air dry completely: Never store your body brush with damp bristles. Shake out excess water and stand the brush up on its handle to air dry completely - this prevents any bacteria from growing. This usually takes six to eight hours. Our body brush is
Protect the bristles: Once dry, a brush guard can help protect the bristles, maintain their shape and prevent dust buildup. Fashion your own guard using a band or tie and a breathable material like muslin or linen.
With regular cleaning and care, a high-quality body brush should last a year or longer before needing replacement. Always inspect your brush before each use and replace it if any bristles become splayed or broken.
Using your body brush in the shower
Incorporating your dry brushing into a regular shower routine saves time and effort. But you won't experience the full benefits of dry brushing if you do it in the shower.
While the warm water and steam can help soften the skin and the brush also helps distribute your body cleanser more effectively, the benefits stop there. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the exfoliation process and the purpose of using a dry brush. Using the brush in a damp environment could also lead to a shorter lifespan for natural bristle brushes, as moisture can compromise their durability over time, meaning you will need to replace them more often.
Introducing le feu d’argent - a silver-infused body brush
Introducing le feu d'argent, an exfoliating body brush engineered to enhance your skin's natural glow. Silver-infused bristles protect both your body and the brush from any harmful microbes, with studies proving 99.7% efficacy. This state-of-the-art technology ensures the brush remains clean and hygienic without the need for regular cleaning.
le feu d'argent sweeps away dry skin, energises the lymphatic system and helps remove toxins from the body, leaving skin exceptionally soft and smooth.
Incorporating the art of body brushing into your daily routine, guided by the right technique and consistent practice, can have transformative effects on both your health and your skin's appearance. Just a few minutes weekly can cultivate a healthy, glowing body, both inward and outward. There’s a reason this ritual has lasted millennia ~ see for yourself.
