There are tons of beauty trends and hacks that pop up on the internet every single day. We are all always looking for new and simple ways to feel better about our hair, nails, skin, and overall appearance.
Fortunately, apps like TikTok and Instagram are filled with tons of people who have tried the hacks first and share their stories with us. Recently, one trend that has taken off is "dry brushing."
As our hair and our teeth are the two things we brush, we assume that's what people are talking about. As it turns out, dry brushing has nothing to do with either and has to do with your skin.
With over 41.7 million views on the #drybrushing hashtag on the app, people are sharing videos and tutorials on how and why they dry brush their skin every day before taking a shower.
Dry brushing is using a stiff brush to actually brush your skin before you get into a shower or moisturize. The act is one that dates back centuries and apparently has health benefits—like helping blood circulation and skin aging.
Dr. Turegano shares that her 72-year-old mother has been dry brushing for decades and that it's an ancient and cultural practice, such as in Chinese culture and medicine.
Dry brushing is great for exfoliation, and increasing circulation, and also it can "energize" the body, according to her video. She also showcases how her mom does it every morning before she showers and what technique she uses.
First, you have to be totally naked and take off all of your clothes. Then, you need to take the brush and dry brush your body towards your heart. You start on the left side and work your way up and around.
Other videos shared on the TikTok app showcase that many other models and influencers use this technique on their own skin. Some say that it also can help with cellulite and body fat, in addition to helping with circulation.
New York Times bestselling author Katie Silcox spoke to BuzzFeed about dry brushing and said that it has been historically used for years.
"Historically speaking, dry brushing has been a part of beautification and health rituals in a variety of cultures for thousands of years," she shared.
"Our lymphatics flow in a particular direction — always toward the heart and groin (key filtration sites). Therefore, we want to use downward strokes from the head, arms, and neck into the chest region. And long, upward strokes from the feet, legs, and belly into the heart and groin area," Silcox told BuzzFeed.
If you're someone with poor circulation or "strawberry bumps" on your legs, dry brushing may be something you want to try out. All you need to do is grab a bristled brush and get going. Thanks, TikTok!
