She confirmed that dry brushing can potentially cause hyperpigmentation because of the constant, chronic friction against the skin. "The skin's natural response to this type of chronic friction is to release melanin from the skin cells into the tissue created visibly darkened areas of skin," Dr.
We have to (gently) scrub off those old cells and make way for the new ones. Think of it like cutting off dead/split ends to allow for new and healthier hair growth. Natural scrubs like brown sugar and olive oil, exfoliating gloves and towels, and even dry brushing can help with this step.
"The cellular stimulation and turnover provides oxygenation of the skin cells, which is both visually beneficial and highly effective," she adds. The gentle friction from the dry bristles is often invigorating and the exfoliating restores fresh new cells, brightening the skin.
Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the skin. If the first layer of skin contains the hyperpigmentation, then exfoliation will help to get rid of the tricky skin cells on that top layer, leaving it soft and smooth.
Dry skin brushing increases your circulation and promote blood flow. This helps improve the texture of the skin. Poor blood circulation can cause blotchiness, dark spots and slow the process of scar healing. Regular dry brushing can give a more even skin tone and improves skin texture.
Vargas claims you should start seeing results, including improvement in overall skin quality and firmness, in as little as two days. “And two weeks straight of dry brushing will give you the bottom you have always wanted,” she says.
“Dry brushing stimulates collagen production, which helps thicken the skin and lessen the appearance of fat cells,” explains celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas.
The good news is PIH will eventually go away, even if left untreated. Since these spots are caused by melanin production, the affected skin will shed like all skin cells. On its own, PIH will generally resolve within two years.
Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.
Benefits of dry brushing
“Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage,” says Dr. Khetarpal. Also, by unclogging pores, it's easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins in your system.
Dry brushing can be done daily over the whole body, preferably in the morning before showering. Start with a gentle brush and soft pressure. Work up to a firmer brush and more firm pressure over time.
How often to dry brush: Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can — and should — be doing daily, even twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water.
Dry brushing is not something that dermatologists typically recommend or consider necessary for skin or our health, though many people enjoy dry brushing and tolerate it well. But it's not for everyone.
Purported benefits
Skin flakes that result from dry skin can clog your pores and cause itching. Dry brushing gets rid of skin flakes and dead skin cells that could otherwise cause clogged pores. For this reason, dry brushing your face may work to prevent acne breakouts.
That's why many people recommend using dry brushing to help eliminate cellulite and improve the appearance of fatty tissue beneath the skins surface. The massage will also make skin more elastic, which helps clear away scar tissue (dry brushing is especially effective in clearing away acne scars).
Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.
Hyperpigmentation within the dermis has a blue-gray appearance and may either be permanent or resolve over a protracted period of time if left untreated.
This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, creating a temporary darkening of the spots. So, the darkening is what you want to see. It means the pigment is coming up and is ready to be shed away. You might be tempted at this point to over-exfoliate in an attempt to speed up the process even more.
Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment, according to a 2012 study. To use: Apply pure aloe vera gel to pigmented areas before bedtime. Rinse using warm water the next morning.
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts in a container. Then, apply it to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes. Rinse using lukewarm water. Repeat the application twice a day to achieve the desired results.
Aside from exfoliating, dry brushing has incredible health benefits and is widely recommended by health experts. Dry brushing detoxifies the body, improves circulation, eliminates dead skin cells, improves skin tone, aids digestion, reduces and prevents cellulite, and increases energy and well-being.
Dry brushing can help get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate blood flow, but there's no scientific evidence that it reduces or eliminates cellulite.
Use firm, small strokes upward, or work in a circular motion. For the stomach, work in a clockwise direction. Harsh exfoliation is never the point; be sure not to press too hard or use a brush that's too stiff. “Any kind of brushing or exfoliation should be gentle and should never break the skin,” Marrone adds.