For me, bodycare is just as important as my skincare routine. I love to slather on creams and oils and indulge in beautiful shower gels, oils and salt scrubs. However, despite my love of this beauty category, I had never tried body brushing until a few months ago. Of course, the benefits of body brushing have been raved about in the beauty world for decades, but I just never thought it was for me. I scrub in the shower, so what’s the point of getting a brush too? Plus, the idea of doing so on my dry, pre-shower skin seemed kind of painful and pointless.
Wow, was I wrong. Honestly, I hate being wrong, but no single step has switched up my shower routine and changed my skin more, and I am now completely obsessed. Keep reading to find out how to body brush and the products that I recommend.
What are the benefits of body brushing?
"It’s used by alternative therapists to promote this network of cleansing vessels, which runs just beneath the surface of the skin, and to help detoxify and decongest the body,” says Kate Shapland, founder of Legology. "It also promotes the blood circulation, improving the flow of fresh nutrient-rich blood to the surface of the skin, which manifests in a natural sense of tone and smoothness as the blood fills the upper skin layers."
In addition, the gentle exfoliation provided by the brush helps to buff away dry, dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, softer, and brighter skin. "A great by-product of body brushing is also softer skin and skin that is primed for an application of oil or cream: both absorb more quickly into skin that has been lightly abraded and when the circulation and lymph are raised,” adds Shapland.
Another perk of body brushing is how well it preps your body for hair removal, if that’s something you choose to do. The exfoliation gives you a smooth base for the closest shave and halts ingrown hairs. If you get laser hair removal, using a body brush to exfoliate dead skin will help with the result, says Joanna, a senior consultant at Pulse Light Clinic.
"Exfoliation is highly recommended for those of you who perform laser hair removal frequently to high-risk areas for ingrown hair," explains Joanna. "I recommend doing it prior to shaving, at night before bed at least twice weekly, before you take a shower.”
With regular use, I have personally noticed that my skin looks more even in tone and that my legs are smoother with fewer bumps. And you know that feeling you get in your limbs after you’ve done an amazing workout? It’s like that, sans the post-exercise ache.
How do you body brush?
The premise is simple, move the brush in short, circular strokes, with firm but gentle pressure. You can focus on areas where your skin is particularly dry or rough, but be wary of covering sensitive areas too many times.
When should you body brush?
Personally, and despite my earlier cynicism, I actually prefer to brush my body when my skin is dry, as it helps me to feel really zingy and invigorated before I've even stepped foot into the shower. But it turns out that you can body-brush whenever you like: on dry pre-shower skin or when your skin is damp post-shower.
Shapland advises that as body brushing is a form of exfoliation, it's important not to overdo it. If your skin feels sore or sensitive after body brushing, then stick to doing so just once a week.
The Best Body Brushes:
1. Legology Lymph-Lite Boom Brush for Body
2. Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush Soft No. 1
3. Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush
4. Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush
5. Mama Mio Body Brush
6. ESPA Skin Stimulating Body Brush
7. The Body Shop Cactus Long Handle Brush
1. Legology Lymph-Lite Boom Brush for Body
When it comes to the brushing itself, I like to use the Legology Boom Brush. I find the small size and the handle the easiest to use to get the right angles. As my shower heats up, I take a moment to get brushing. Starting from my feet, I work my way up my body using quick, firm strokes but avoiding my bikini area and my chest.
2. Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush Soft No. 1
This one from Barbara Sturm has slightly softer bristles if you prefer your body brushing to be a little gentler.
3. Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush
Made from natural cactus bristles, this invigorating body brush from Elemis has a long handle, so it's perfect if you have trouble reaching certain areas.
4. Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush
Due to its soft, natural bristles, this brush is best used on dry skin before showering.
5. Mama Mio Body Brush
Thanks to its round shape, I found this one particularly easy to use, especially on smaller, fiddly areas.
6. ESPA Skin Stimulating Brush
This is a really well-made brush with a sturdy handle and super firm bristles. A great option if you prefer to body brush daily.
7. The Body Shop Cactus Long Handle Brush
If you're keen to target rough skin on your back, opt for a long-handled body brush like this one for effortless use.