Dry Brush
What is a Dry Brush Massage?
A dry brush massage is a way of exfoliating and invigorating the skin. A dry brush is just that, a brush or a loofah that is dry and has not been moistened. The brush is to be used on dry skin. A dry brush is massaged on dry skin; thus providing more friction.
Who Can Dry Brush?
Anyone can dry brush, though children should use brushes with soft bristles, as their skin may be more sensitive. Adults may also require soft bristles to start, increasing in firmness as their skin becomes more accustomed to brushing.
Why Dry Brush?
Dry Brushing….
- is said to stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation
- sloughs off dry skin and opens pores, allowing polished and silky skin underneath to glow
- helps to eliminate toxins through the skin
- is said to contribute to healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fat deposits
- can assist in releasing ingrown hairs
- is strangely invigorating and mysteriously addictive. Your skin will crave its daily dry brush routine.
When to Dry Brush
Dry brush daily, immediately before bathing or showering.
Where to Dry Brush
As dry skin may gently peel off, you may wish to stand in the dry shower or tub before bathing, and before the water has been turned on. Carry through the dry brush massage; upon turning on the water to bathe, the dust of skin particles can be easily washed away as the water warms.
How to Dry Brush
- Start with a soft or medium-soft brush on dry skin.
- Always begin on the body parts farthest away from your heart. Begin at your toes, feet, then legs, followed by the arms - gently massaging towards the heart in 3-5 long strokes of the brush.
- In the area of the abdomen, massage with small, circular motions towards the heart. In circular motions move over the body, always moving upwards and inwards towards the heart with light pressure. Gradually increase pressure as you build your daily brushing routine.
- Should you choose to massage the skin on your face, neck and décolletage, use a VERY gentle brush, as the skin can be quite sensitive.
- Don’t forget in between your fingers, the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
- Finish by nourishing and hydrating your freshly brushed and cleansed skin with the enmarie® Botanical Oils which are tailor-made and formulated for smooth and hydrated skin.
Enjoy the full enmarie® Beauty Experience with the enmarie® Body Love Set or the enmarie® Starter Collection
Note: Slight reddening and warming of the skin are normal, though it usually remains only about five minutes. If it lasts longer, switch to a softer brush and lighten massage pressure. Never dry brush inflamed, broken, burned or otherwise irritated skin. Should you have any concerns, consult a dermatologist before using.
While we are great believers in sharing, we don’t recommend sharing your dry brush. It’s best for everyone in the household to have one to call their own.
And now you are ready to shower or bathe….
Dry Brush Tools
A sisal brush made of vegetable fibers, a handheld brush made with bristles of animal hair, or a loofah, are all commonly used for dry brush massage. The best way to test the “fit” or hardness of a brush on your skin is to try it on the inside of your forearm. It if feels nice, then that is the appropriate firmness to use. The skin should never be scratched or damaged due to the stiffness of the bristles.
The materials used for dry brush massage may have bristles with varying degrees of stiffness/hardness. Plant fibers or animal hairs may be used for the bristles.
We have created a graphic to better help you determine which brush is the “best fit” for you. The enmarie® spectrum of bristle intensity shows you where the bristle stiffness falls on the spectrum from gentle, to medium, to firm.
How to care for and clean your Dry Brush
- How frequently you wash your dry brush really depends upon how often you use it. If you use it every day and you may wish to wash it every 6-8 weeks or so, if not more frequently.
- Using a gentle soap, such as Dr. Bonner®’s Castille soap or Mrs. Meyers® Dish Soap,
- take a small, dime size amount and rub it into the bristles using warm water. Scrub it in gently and rinse thoroughly.
- In a warm, dry place, allow the brush to dry bristles-size down wicking away from the wood.
- Store in a cool, dry place.