Skin and body care trends on social media are always changing, with new practices emerging and a wave of expectations that keep the excitement going. The real challenge is figuring out if these trends are just passing fads or if they actually provide lasting benefits. One trend that has caught the eye of many online is body brushing. Let’s break it down and find out if it deserves a place in your body care routine.

In a chat with a Lifestyle Magazine, Dr. Anuradha Sharma, a Medical Advisor and Skin Expert at Fixderma, discussed the fundamentals of body brushing and whether it’s more than just the hype it’s received.

What exactly is body brushing?

She shared, "Body brushing, which has been endorsed by celebrities, influencers, and holistic health experts, involves using a stiff-bristled brush to gently sweep over dry skin in upward motions, usually before taking a shower. A big question people have is why this practice is becoming so popular, with claims that it enhances circulation, exfoliates the skin, stimulates the lymphatic system, and even helps diminish the look of cellulite."

While it might seem like a trendy new thing with influencers hopping on board, body brushing actually has a long history in ancient cultures. Dr. Anuradha Sharma noted, "Although it may look like the latest fad, body brushing has ancient origins, seen in practices like Ayurvedic ‘Garshana’ and rituals from Greece and Japan. In these cultures, dry brushing was not only about hygiene or skincare but also served as a spiritual or energizing practice. Those who love body brushing often report having smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs, a reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and better circulation and lymphatic drainage."

Does body brushing aid in detoxification?

Some people say that body brushing can help detoxify the body, but is that really the case? Dr. Sharma set the record straight, stating, “We recommend being careful with these sweeping health claims. There’s no clinical proof that dry brushing detoxifies the body or significantly enhances lymphatic flow. However, since it acts as a mechanical exfoliator, it can definitely aid in removing dead skin cells and enhancing the skin’s texture when done properly and safely.”

How do you properly brush your body?

Dr. Sharma explained that while body brushing might not boost lymphatic flow, it does aid in mechanically exfoliating the skin by removing dead cells. She also provided a guide on the proper technique for doing it:

• The technique is pretty straightforward: grab a natural-bristle brush, start at your feet, and gently sweep upward toward your heart.
• Just be careful to steer clear of sensitive spots, cuts, or any inflamed areas. Also, remember not to brush too hard; going overboard can lead to irritation, tiny tears in your skin, and even redness or a stinging sensation.
• It's best to limit your brushing sessions to just a few times a week, and always follow up with a thick moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• In my view, like many wellness trends, body brushing sits somewhere between personal experience and limited scientific backing. While it might not be a miracle detox method, it does provide an easy and affordable way to improve your skin's texture and help eliminate dead skin and excess water.

Read Also: Do Under-Eye Patches Really Work? Dermatologist Reveals the Truth Behind This Popular Skincare Hack

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