Is dry brushing worth it?
Goed Gevoel, 23 January 2023
Aesthetic doctor Dr Joren Brassine in Goed Gevoel on dry brushing: what it does and does not do, who it is useful for and when it is better to skip it.
In Goed Gevoel, aesthetic doctor Dr Joren Brassine looks at the dry brushing trend: brushing the skin with a dry brush. Brushing exfoliates and gives a rosy complexion, but this effect on blood flow is brief and local. For the promised detox or extra energy there is hardly any scientific evidence; detoxification takes place in the liver and kidneys.
According to Dr Brassine, brushing is mainly useful when the skin renews itself less well, which happens with age. Under the age of 25 it is of little use. People with eczema, dry skin, a skin infection or wounds are better off skipping it. People with keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) may benefit, although the evidence for this is limited.
Key advice
Brush once or twice a week at most, with a brush that is not too hard.
Brush before showering, from the bottom up, without causing pain.
Moisturise the skin afterwards with a nourishing cream.
Do not do it if you have eczema, dry skin, infections or wounds.
“Once or twice a week is more than enough.” — Dr Joren Brassine