Dry brushing is adored by celebrities and is most commonly used to target cellulite. However, the latest beauty trend involves dry brushing the face. Those that regularly dry brush their face say that they see all sorts of benefits, including healthier and younger looking skin. But is scrubbing your face with a brush really safe?
What is dry brushing?
Dry brushing involves a firm coarse brush being used in stroking motions on the skin. No water, creams, serums, or lotions are used. Instead, the brush does all the hard work. This process is said to improve circulation. In addition, dry brushing will exfoliate your skin, which is something everyone should be doing regularly to keep their skin in great condition.
How do you dry brush your face safely?
As the skin on your face is one of the most sensitive parts of your body, you’re probably wondering how to brush it without causing redness, acne flare-ups, and soreness. Dermatologist Stacy Chimento, MD, advises that you should dry brush your face no more than twice per week to prevent these issues occurring. She also recommends using gentle strokes on the face rather than the harsher ones you’d use on your thighs. But, most importantly, you should opt for the softest brush possible. This means that you’ll likely need two brushes; one for your body and for use on your face.
Facial dry brushing process
Tracey Woodward of Aromatherapy Associates suggests that a round brush works best on the face. For optimum benefits, you should start brushing in gentle strokes, working from the neck, up to the jawline, chin, and to the face. From there, work your way across your forehead. Woodward states that the whole process should take no more than three minutes.
What are the benefits of dry brushing your face?
When you dry brush your face it promotes lymphatic drainage. This helps to keep toxins at bay, eliminates puffiness and swelling, and encourages all-round healthy-looking skin on both the inside and out. What’s more, as dry brushing works as an exfoliator, it clears dirt, make-up, and other debris from your pores, allowing them to breathe. This can even reduce the likelihood of acne as blocked pores are a common cause of the condition.
Should I be concerned about dry brushing my face?
Whenever you dry brush your face, you run the risk of irritation and redness. By using delicate motions and a soft brush, you’ll minimize this risk, but you can reduce it further by moisturizing your skin immediately afterward too. If you have dry skin, it’s possible for dry brushing to dry it out even further and this can lead to soreness. Meanwhile, individuals who are prone to acne, eczema, and rosacea may find that dry brushing heightens their symptoms.
Dry brushing the face is one of the biggest beauty trends around at the moment, with multiple celebrities swearing by it. The good news is that so long as you’re cautious with your dry brushing technique, it’s safe to do it on your face. But, always keep an eye out for signs of irritation, so that you can put a stop to your beauty treatment promptly.
