This New Brush Does WAY More Than You Think

When it comes to facial exfoliation, the options are seemingly endless. From enzyme washes to grainy scrubs to AHA masks, the formulas to choose from can feel a bit overwhelming. Meanwhile, many gadgets that have been proven effective can be a serious investment. Which is why the idea of a more-affordable exfoliating option immediately piqued my interest. But the most interesting part? This budget-friendly dead-skin remover is a face brush that is meant to be used dry. Borrowed from the ancient Ayurvedic practice of dry body-brushing comes Aveda's new soft brush designed for the face. It's the same idea as the brush you'd use on your legs or arms: daily dry brushing before cleansing removes dead skin, stimulates blood flow (which we all know is vital), and helps with lymphatic drainage. Translation: a smoother, more radiant, less puffy visage.

Now, I've had mixed experiences with treatments and products based off this ancient set of beliefs in the past — and no, I am not a fan of oil pulling — but I gave it a go for the sake of newness. First, though, I fired off a few emails to some trusted derms to get their takes. The big question: Is it safe?

"Scientific studies have shown that numerous exfoliants lead you down the same path," board-certified dermatologist Michael Swann, MD, told me, noting that it seems like a fine alternative to more gentle methods. "There are pros and cons of each, but they all will help strip the dead layer and when done regularly can encourage better epidermal turnover, which reads as a 'glow.'" However, he notes that if the brush is very soft (which it is) you can't expect the same results as with something stronger, like an electronic brush. "If it's as soft as a makeup brush, I'm not sure you will love it as much as other, more vigorous methods," he adds. But safe to play with? Go forth and test, he said. I followed the technique in this video — including the oil — which is basically using the brush in circular motions as the first step in your routine. After a week, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Now, honestly, I didn't notice the same kind of benefits as one does with a scrub, electronic brush, or at-home peel, so the exfoliation is pretty minimal — but what I did find is that my skin was far less puffy than it normally is, which translated to a more refreshed look first thing. And for me, less puffy is well worth the extra two minutes.

Aveda Tulasāra Radiant Facial Dry Brush, $44, available at Aveda.