Dry brushing and cellulite: does it really help?

Why does my skin look smoother right after dry brushing?

Because it is slightly swollen. Cleveland Clinic explains that when you dry brush, the skin temporarily puffs up as more blood flows to it. A puffier surface fills in shallow dimples, so cellulite seems to fade. Its cellulite page says the effect is likely temporary because it comes from that puffing.

That matches what cellulite is. Fibrous bands tie the skin to the muscle underneath, and when they pull down unevenly while fat pushes up, the surface dimples. A brush moves over the top layer of skin. It does not reach the bands, and it does not change the fat.

Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, put the claims in perspective: some of what people say about dry brushing is true, "but definitely not all." Cellulite is on the not-true side of that line.

Dry brushing next to other home cellulite tricks

Cheap tools promise the same thing. Here is what the sources say about each.

For physician procedures with longer results, see how to get rid of cellulite.

If you enjoy it: how to dry brush safely

1. 1Pick the brushCleveland Clinic suggests a natural, stiff-bristled brush with a long handle for your back. Choose firmness to match your skin. For sensitive skin, a plain dry washcloth works.
2. 2Start at the feetBrush upward from the feet and ankles in long strokes on the legs and arms, then use circles on the stomach and back. Ease off on the stomach, breasts and neck.
3. 3A few strokes per areaA few overlapping passes are enough. Staying on one spot too long can irritate the skin or even make it bleed.
4. 4Then shower and moisturizeBrush once a day, just before your shower, and put lotion on afterward to put moisture back.

When not to dry brush

From Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist and the AAD. On the Space Coast, the sunburn rule comes up more often than you would think.

• Sunburned skin. The AAD says never exfoliate skin that is sunburned. After a beach day, skip it until the burn has healed.
• Broken or irritated skin: cuts, scrapes, sores, rashes, infection, redness or inflammation.
• Moles, warts and raised bumps. Brush around them.
• Your face. Facial skin is more sensitive and needs gentler methods.
• Retinol or a prescription retinoid on the same area. The AAD warns that exfoliating while using these can worsen dryness or cause breakouts.
• Redness or swelling that does not settle. Stop, and see a dermatologist if your skin stays irritated.

Extra care for darker skin

For melanin-rich skin, the risk of dry brushing is not that it does nothing. It is dark marks. The AAD advises people with darker skin tones to avoid strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation, because aggressive exfoliation can lead to more pigment and dark spots. A stiff brush pressed hard every day on the thighs is mechanical exfoliation.

If you have darker skin and like the ritual, use a soft brush or a dry washcloth, light pressure and a few passes, and stop at the first sign of irritation. If dark patches appear where you brush, stop and read post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on dark skin before trying anything else.

What Karisma offers instead

Karisma Esthetics in Melbourne offers LPG Endermologie, a device with motorized rollers and suction that works the skin over a body suit. Its FDA wording, from 510(k) K990445, is to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. The AAD places it among options with some evidence and small or short effects, so the honest promise is the same word: temporary. Results vary.

The first visit is $160 with the consultation, later 60-minute sessions are $150, and the Endermowear suit is $45. Karisma does not offer lymphatic drainage or wood therapy. Before booking, read does Endermologie work for cellulite? for what the studies found.