Dry Brushing Routine for Dry Skin, KP, and Ingrown Hairs

I am so, so guilty of putting all my effort into my skin care routine for my face, not doing much more than the bare minimum for the rest of my body. A couple areas that I’m trying to pay more attention to are my thighs and upper arms. I have a mild case of Keratosis Pilaris on my upper arms, which is a condition that causes small bumps around the hair follicles. It was a lot worse as a kid, and probably isn’t super noticeable to an average person anymore, but causes a rough feel to my skin. I used to have it on my thighs too, but it has pretty much disappeared from the area. Although, my thighs are the spot I get the most noticeable dryness and irritation in the colder months.

When I discovered dry brushing a couple years ago, my interest was piqued. Dry brushing sweeps away dead skin cells while also stimulating the lymphatic system and detoxing impurities. It also helps reduce ingrown hairs. Some people say that it can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite, though it hasn’t been proven. It’s just like it sounds: you use a brush and sweep it along dry skin several times per area. The result is smooth, even and renewed skin with just a small addition to your routine.

I started dry brushing back in April when I was having a bad case of ingrown hairs on the back of my thighs. I used the Daily Concepts Detox Massage Brush, and was loving the results. Not only did it clear up my clogged hair follicles, but I started to see the other benefits over time, too. The brush has stiff bristles to help polish the skin with silicone touch points for a thorough massage. I feel like the touch points also help me avoid over-brushing. This brush is also very easy to hold with a burlap handle that lets it sit right in your palm for maximum control.

I use the dry brush before a shower, in long strokes in an inwards direction (toward your heart). It is an easy addition to my routine that doesn’t take up much more time— I usually do it while the water is heating up. I focus on my arms, legs, and heels, but I also like using this on my elbows if they’re in particularly rough shape during dry months. I run the brush over my skin about ten times per section while standing in the tub before moving on with my normal shower routine. When I’m out, my skin feels infinitely softer and over time has started to look and feel more even and smooth. I’d say the biggest difference is the amount of ingrown hairs I experience on my legs now— very few compared to when I started this routine.

Some people prefer to do their dry brushing routine after the shower, with the addition of a bit of body oil for moisturizing. I honestly don’t prefer this method just because I feel like it gunks up my brush, but it definitely feels nice and can make the roughness of the brush feel less harsh for sensitive skin.

You can pick up this affordable dry brush from Daily Concepts at Ulta Beauty.

Is dry brushing part of your beauty routine?