Possible Anecdotal Benefits of Dry Brushing
According to experts we interviewed, as well as online publications, some potential anecdotal benefits of dry brushing could include:
1. May Exfoliate the Skin
Massaging the skin with a dry brush removes dead skin cells, which stimulates new, healthy ones to grow in their place, says Nina K. Antonov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut, and an associate of the American Academy of Dermatology.
The exfoliating effects of dry brushing may also unclog pores, making it easier for your body to eliminate waste products through sweat, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Note that none of these potential skin benefits have been studied specifically with regards to dry brushing, and more research is needed to fully understand how this technique may impact skin.
2. May Stimulate the Lymphatic System
Dry brushing’s effects may be more than skin deep: “It certainly may slough off dead skin cells — but from an Ayurvedic perspective, we’re also working with the lymphatic system,” Haasl-Blilie says.
The lymphatic system is a key part of the body’s immune system that helps maintain fluid levels, protect your body against pathogens (any bacteria, virus, or other substance that can make you sick), and transport and remove waste products, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Brushing your skin, according to one doctor from a Cleveland Clinic interview, may encourage the flow of lymph, which is made up of extra fluids that drain from cells and tissues, as well as proteins, minerals, fats, damaged cells, and pathogens. Lymph gets pumped throughout the vessels, organs, and nodes that comprise the lymphatic system, though at low pressure, according to a recent research paper. And sometimes the pressure drops even lower, such as when there’s more fluid that needs to be moved (e.g., certain diseases), per the aforementioned paper.
If there isn’t enough pressure, lymph can’t flow the way it should. This causes fluid to collect in your arms and legs, leading them to swell (a disease known as lymphedema), per the Cleveland Clinic. When this happens, lymph can’t transport white blood cells to other areas of your body, which may increase your risk of an infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Techniques that promote lymph flow may help. For example, a type of massage known as manual lymphatic drainage is a widely accepted treatment for lymphedema, note the authors of a recent review. However, any lymphatic benefits of dry brushing have yet to be studied, so we don’t know if and how dry brushing affects the lymphatic system. In conventional Western medicine, a healthy lymph system is encouraged by staying hydrated and living a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, per the Cleveland Clinic.
