No Scrubs: The Benefits Of Dry Body Brushing

Dry brushing isn't something that we'd usually factor into our daily shower routine. When we have about ten minutes to hop in and out of the shower before gulping down a coffee and jumping on a Zoom meeting, our morning ritual doesn't extend much further than a shampoo, conditioner, body wash and maybe a face cleanse.

However, when we find something that has positive lasting effects, we're all ears. If you've already been using body scrubs, dry brushing is your new (and improved) blood-pumping, skin-smoothing bathroom best friend.

Natalie Viklund and Marie Hansen, founders of Aevi Wellness, talk us through the health and beauty benefits of dry body brushing. Say hello to glowing, smooth skin — just in time for spring.

"Dry body-brushing speeds up the transport of oxygen to the body's cells and tissue, aiding the lymph nodes, ducts and vessels in the detoxification of the blood. Through stimulating the normal lymph flow within the body and helping to detoxify it naturally, dry body brushing suppresses the formation of cellulite, varicose veins and skin discolouration."

"Helping to exfoliate and eliminate clogged pores and ingrown hair, the process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating the skin. After a few sessions, skin appears softer, more supple and gently exfoliated. Additionally, through eliminating clogged pores, skin is consequently able to better absorb the nutrients you provide it in the form of your natural skincare."

"Use in the morning before showering for an all-natural energy boost to rival your morning coffee. Dry body brushing stimulates blood flow and circulation, energising the body, mind and skin. We would advise not to body brush before bed or in the evening for this reason!"

"Lymph is a fluid in our circulatory system containing white blood cells, meaning compromised detoxification of this vital organ affects our immune systems, too. Bacteria, toxins and other waste from our blood filters through the lymph nodes where the bacteria is destroyed, however, improper detoxification means a compromised immune system and increased predisposition to viruses and illness. As dry body brushing stimulates our lymphatic system, by doing so, we are directly assisting them in detoxifying pathogens, strengthening our immune systems and lessening our susceptibility to illness."

Karmameju's Ionic Body Brush, £55, contains copper wire. Why is this beneficial? "It helps to balance the electromagnetic energies that may have imprinted in your body from daily exposure to laptops, mobile phones, X-rays, infrared radiation and microwaves," Viklund and Hansen tell us, "boosting their neutralisation and counteracting our inevitable daily exposure."

1. Always brush towards the heart, starting under your feet and from there, moving upwards.

2. Use long, straight, smooth strokes to match the sensitivity of your skin. Listen to your body.

3. As you are stimulating the body to release toxins, you’ll double up on the detoxifying effects if you drink plenty of clean water thereafter.