Potential Health Benefits of Collagen

Health Benefits of Dry Brushing

Dry brushing involves gently massaging the body with a natural bristle brush to help exfoliate the skin, stimulate the lymphatic system, and increase circulation. This self-care ritual has grown in popularity over the years, but it’s actually an ancient Ayurvedic medicine practice from India.

Today, Ayurvedic practitioners still practice dry brushing with raw silk gloves—called garshana (“friction by rubbing”)—as a lymphatic massage and exfoliation treatment.1

National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Garshan & abhyanga bodywork training.

Dry brushing at home is a fairly easy practice you can do at home if you’d like to improve the appearance of your skin. However, no solid research proves dry brushing’s potential lymphatic benefits have detoxifying abilities.

Here’s what we know about the benefits of dry brushing, plus how to get started.

Exfoliates the Skin

Dry brushing a mechanical exfoliation technique, which is also sometimes known as physical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation involves using a tool or scrub to slough off dead skin cells on your skin’s surface (aka your epidermis).2 Built-up dry skin cells can make skin appear rough, dry, and dull.3

When you dry brush, the bristles immediately help shed any lingering dead skin cells. This process helps remove buildup and increase cell turnover, revealing smoother skin texture and a more radiant skin tone.3

However, physically exfoliating the skin with a dry brush can also temporarily disrupt your skin barrier—the protective barrier made of skin cells (keratinocytes) and protein (keratin).4 Your skin barrier helps hold water to your skin, so dry brushing can be naturally drying.3

May Improve Lymphatic Drainage

Dry brushing is often used as a form of lymphatic drainage massage and may help stimulate the lymphatic system similarly. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently massaging the body in circular motions to move built-up lymph fluid that causes swelling.5

After blood flows to your tissues and organs, lymph (lymphatic fluid) is left behind and moves to your lymph nodes. Your lymph nodes help keep you healthy by removing harmful bacteria, waste, and abnormal cells.6 However, if your lymph nodes are damaged, lymph can build up—causing swelling in the arms and legs called lymphedema.7

Still, no research proves dry brushing can help clear built-up lymphatic fluid. There is also no evidence that improving lymphatic drainage with dry brushing can detoxify the body.

May Improve Blood Flow

Researchers haven’t tested dry brushing’s effect on blood flow. However, dry brushing is similar to lymphatic drainage and massage techniques, so it likely offers similar circulation benefits.

Massage, in general, helps put enough pressure on the skin to help improve blood flow to the surface of the skin and deep arteries.8 A small 2017 study also found that manual lymphatic drainage massage on the legs improved blood flow to deep and surface veins on the skin.9

Improved circulation helps provide oxygen-rich blood to support healthy tissues and organ function. Increasing blood flow can also help improve energy and benefit people with inflammatory conditions that limit circulation.10 Lymphatic drainage massage research has also found the practice helps relieve swelling and pain related to poor blood circulation.11

May Reduce Cellulite Appearance

Dry brushing is not a cellulite cure, and it is not a dermatologist-approved cellulite treatment. Still, dry brushing may help reduce the appearance of dimpled skin by improving blood flow—which can temporarily plump the skin. Since dry brushing is a lymphatic massage technique, it may also offer similar cellulite benefits.

A 2022 study found the technique helped reduce cellulite in participants who had thigh liposuction.12 A 2012 study—that did not involve cosmetic procedures—found lymphatic drainage massage also helped improve cellulite appearance, but it only included 10 women.13 Research on the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage for cellulite reduction is generally flawed. There are also no dry brushing studies to prove it has any cellulite-reducing abilities.

How to Dry Brush

Dry brush practitioners typically recommend a natural bristle brush with soft, dense bristles. Skip the plastic and synthetic bristles that can be too abrasive and irritating. A dry brush with a hand strap can make handling easier, while a long handle can help you brush hard-to-reach areas like your back. Choose what works best for you!

Dry brushing is a simple process that combines exfoliation and lymphatic drainage massage techniques. Don’t worry if you don’t do it perfectly every time. You can also skip areas you don’t wish to dry brush. Follow these steps to get started:2514

Remove your clothes and stand in a tub, shower, or other comfortable area.

Start with your feet and move up your legs. Brush the skin with gentle pressure in small, circular motions. Focus on areas for about 30 seconds.

Continue dry brushing in circular motions up your body to the buttocks and back.

Repeat the process, starting with the hands and moving up the arms to the shoulders. While dry brushing, think about moving up the body and toward the heart.

If you desire, dry brush the stomach and move up to the chest, avoiding sensitive areas like the nipples or breasts.

After dry brushing, take a lukewarm shower to remove dead skin cells. (Hot water can dry out your skin!)15

Follow up with a moisturizer or lotion to help seal in moisture and hydrate skin.15

You can dry brush day or night, but the increased circulation may help you feel more awake in the morning.10 The entire process should take about 5-10 minutes. How often you dry brush depends on your skin sensitivity. Like other forms of physical exfoliation, you can dry brush anywhere from one to three times a week.2

Side Effects and Risks of Dry Brushing

As a form of mechanical exfoliation, aggressive and frequent dry brushing can damage and dry out your skin. Some potential side effects of dry brushing include:162

Microtears that increase the risk of skin infections

Redness and irritation

Dry skin

Acne breakouts

Dry brushing is also not ideal for all skin types. Dry brushing can be too irritating if you have dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin—or you have a skin condition like psoriasis and eczema. If you have a darker skin tone or are prone to developing dark patches (hyperpigmentation), aggressive dry brushing may form more dark spots.2

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, you should always avoid dry brushing already sensitive or dry areas, including rashes, open wounds, and sunburn. It’s also best to skip dry brushing areas where you apply prescription retinoid cream, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide products that can dry and peel skin. Combining dry brushing with these topicals can lead to acne breakouts and make dry skin even worse.15

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Dry Brush

Dry brushes can harbor bacteria and gunk. A clean dry brush will decrease your risk of an infection. After each use, wash your brush with mild soap and water, rinse it, and let it air dry. Don’t leave it in a damp area like your shower, which will only let bacteria thrive.16

A Quick Review

The only proven benefit of dry brushing is exfoliation. But since it shares similar techniques to lymphatic drainage massage, dry brushing likely helps improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. Dry brushing is easy at home and takes only a few minutes. Just make sure you avoid dry brushing if you have dry, sensitive, or injured skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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