When you have visited us, you may have wondered - what are the benefits of dry brushing? What are the benefits of wet brushing? And most importantly - which one is right for you?

While both contribute to exfoliation, each have their individual benefits. Let’s dive in!

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing has been used historically in many ancient civilizations, but is thought to have originated in India. Dry brushes are typically made with soft, natural bristles to encourage gentle exfoliation of your skin, stimulate the lymphatic system + circulation, and uplift energy. 

The practice is simple, yet delightful: 

✼ begin this routine before showering. make your heart the north star of this experience 

✼ start with your feet. brush along your soles towards your heels

✼ continue to your legs, sweeping upwards towards your heart

✼ brush your stomach in circular, clockwise motions, and then from back to front, continuing that upward motion

✼ as you reach your arms and neck, your heart remains your centerpoint, and you sweep the brush downwards in its direction

✼ when each section of your skin is sighing with contentment, step into your shower and wash as usual to remove the dead skin cells you liberated. pat skin dry, and massage using your daily moisturizer

Because of its impact on our skin, dry brushing is thought to stimulate the many lymph vessels below our skin, naturally increasing our body’s ability to detoxify. The removal of dead skin cells is key for our skin’s rejuvenation powers, so the addition of dry brushing into your routine not only removes waste, it improves circulation and production of collagen + sebum, your skin’s naturally produced moisturizing oil. Besides these external benefits, drawing soothing attention to your skin + body stimulates the vagus nerve and parasympathetic aspect of your nervous system, encouraging positive reaction to stimuli.

Wet Brushing

Wet brushing differs in that it does not necessarily require a brush - wet brushing can be performed with a wash cloth, loofah, or sponge. Wet brushing typically happens in the shower instead of before it, and its benefits are similar in regards to its powers of exfoliation, dead skin cell removal, and stimulation. This form has an additional benefit of removing excess oil, which can be helpful after exercise or a day of working outside, or if you have a tendency towards oily skin. It helps to unclog pores for skin which is receptive and able to excrete toxins. 

A factor to consider is to make sure not to use water that is too hot when wet brushing! Water that is too hot can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can cause unnecessary damage to your skin when it is scrubbed. If you’re a proponent of a nice, hot shower, consider wet brushing with lukewarm water and a moisturizing, oil-based soap prior to raising the heat.

In either case, it is important to clean your brush regularly with a gentle cleanser to ensure fresh bristles for your rejuvenating routine.

Our favorite brushes are from wooden brush extraordinaire Iris Hantverk, a small, Swedish company devoted to reviving traditional brush binding.  Handled, unhandled, large, small - we carry brushes to suit your needs. 

Take care, friends!

Hand & Land