Do You Know Five Advantages of Dry Brushing for Health? Should you brush your skin in addition to your teeth and hair, which you currently do? We made the decision to investigate the scientific basis for this social media trend in light of its widespread use.

It’s not new to dry brush. It has roots in a variety of cultures and traditional medical philosophies from all over the world, including Ayurveda, an older than 5,000-year-old Indian medicinal system, according to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

While the majority of people may be able to safely practice dry brushing at home on their own, it is best to seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist, massage therapist, Ayurvedic practitioner, or integrative health specialist to ascertain if this practice is appropriate for you before you begin.

There is currently no published evidence to expressly indicate any wellness or health advantages of dry brushing. However, some healthcare professionals have reported anecdotal evidence that this age-old technique may have some merit. Here are a few possible benefits.

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1 Possible Anecdotal Benefits of Dry Brushing

Possible Anecdotal Benefits of Dry Brushing

According to the specialists we spoke with and online articles, there may be a few anecdotal advantages to dry brushing, such as:

1. May Exfoliate the Skin

According to Nina K. Antonov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut, and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, dry brushing the skin removes dead skin cells, which encourages the growth of new, healthy ones in their place.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the exfoliating properties of dry brushing may also unclog pores, making it simpler for your body to discharge waste items through sweat.

Keep in mind that none of these potential skin advantages have been properly examined in relation to dry brushing, and further study is required to completely comprehend how this approach may affect the skin.

2. May Stimulate the Lymphatic System: Dry Brushing for Health

The benefits of dry brushing can extend beyond the skin: From an Ayurvedic standpoint, we’re also dealing with the lymphatic system, says Haasl-Blilie. “It may undoubtedly slough off dead skin cells,” she adds.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the lymphatic system is an essential component of the body’s immune system that aids in maintaining fluid balance, defending the body against pathogens (any bacteria, virus, or other substance that can make you sick), and transporting and removing waste products.

According to one physician from a Cleveland Clinic interview, brushing your skin may promote the flow of lymph, which is composed of surplus fluids that drain from cells and tissues in addition to proteins, minerals, lipids, damaged cells, and infections.

Lymph cannot flow properly under insufficient pressure. As a result, fluid builds up in your arms and legs, causing swelling (a condition known as lymphedema), according to the Cleveland Clinic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when this occurs, lymph cannot carry white blood cells to other parts of your body, which may raise your risk of infection.

According to Patricia K. Farris, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, dry brushing may potentially activate the skin’s nerve endings, which may leave you feeling rejuvenated.

According to Haasl-observations Blilie from dealing with clients, “many people find that adding dry brushing to their daily routine actually wakes them up better than a mug of coffee.” Again, due to a lack of research, this is currently anecdotal, and we need further research to completely understand how dry brushing affects the mind and body when it comes to alertness, focus, and getting ready for the day.

3. May Boost Circulation

The act of dry brushing resembles a light massage. Dr. Antonov explains that it causes a moderate inflammatory reaction, similar to other types of massage, which increases circulation and might aid in healing. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this forces blood to the damaged areas, aiding in the transportation of nutrients and the removal of waste items.

There isn’t any research on dry brushing and circulation, which is unfortunate.

4. May Improve the Appearance of Cellulite, Temporarily

According to several sparkling claims made in the beauty blogosphere and on social media, many individuals dry brush in the hopes of removing cellulite. However, there is no proof to back up this assertion.

However, because of the short-term improvement in blood circulation caused by dry brushing, cellulite may appear to be less noticeable for a short period of time. According to Antonov, the increased blood flow may smooth out skin blemishes. Even still, studies on this have not yet been conducted.