It’s refreshing to run a bristled brush across dry skin in a world where skincare routines are becoming more high-tech every day. With the dry-brush technique of garshana massage, the Indian practice of Ayurveda stimulates circulation and blood flow. Dry brushing before showering promotes circulation and sloughs off dead skin cells.
As well as improving lymphatic drainage, digestion, and kidney function, dry brushing reduces cellulite. Thousands of years after dry brushing was developed, Gwyneth Paltrow demonstrated it on Instagram in 2022. How does it really work?
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Here’s What Science Says
The effects of dry brushing on the skin aren’t clear, says dermatologist Sumayah Taliaferro. A medical literature search found mild therapeutic benefits of dry brushing, including skin exfoliation and improved circulation. Traditional practitioners are learning more and more from Eastern medicine.
HuffPost reports that dermatologist Hope Mitchell recommends following up with your favorite body moisturizer after removing dead skin cells. After dry brushing, the skin can look more vibrant and radiant because it stimulates microcirculation. Your pores will be wide open after you remove dry, old gunk.
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Don’t Use The D Word
Despite Paltrow’s love for “detox,” experts say it’s not relevant to dry brushing. Skincare assistant clinical professor Jeannette Graf told CNN Health that it does not detox the body. While dry brushing removes dead skin and excess sebum, it cannot remove toxins. Brushing stimulates skin microcirculation, and our kidneys and liver detox.”
The term “detox” does not mean “pore opening.” Dermatologist Rebecca Marcus claims dry brushing improves lymphatic flow by increasing sweating. Normal sweat extrusion does not require pores to be open.
Drinking enough fluids and exercising can help the lymphatic system transport and remove waste products and abnormal cells. Movement and contraction are necessary for lymphatic drainage. You won’t get the same results with dry brushing. Ask dermatologists how to dry-brush properly.