I think I first heard the term “dry brushing” a year ago or so, and I was a definite skeptic. Honestly, it sounded like torture to me. Nevertheless, I was curious about it.
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Even after I received my 4 step skincare kit from Ida Body Care that comes in a really cute carrying box,
it took me weeks to get up the courage to try it. Seriously. Once I finally used it, I discovered it was a game changer for my super dry, itchy skin.
Ida Body Care: Celebrating A Pioneering Woman, Owned By Women
Before I go into the 4 step regimen, first a word about Ida Body Care.
The name of the company Ida Body Care caught my eye. I had a great-aunt Ida. Though we didn’t always get along, her talent for needle arts, especially crochet and embroidery, was my inspiration for pursuing those two crafts. The women who started Ida Body Care had a special Ida in their lives, their mother and grandmother. Their Ida worked on planes during World War II, traveled the world by herself, and was generally a spitfire. She looked like my mom.
So Ida Body Care is a family/women-owned business specializing in natural, plant-based bath and body products that I wanted to experience for myself. In fact, the key ingredients in these luxury spa products are:
- aloe vera: vitamins A, B, C, D and E as well as magnesium, potassium and zinc
- coconut oil: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and antioxidants
- shea butter: vitamins A, E, and F, some UV protection (SPF 6), essential fatty acids & nutrients to boost collagen production and improve skin
- jojoba oil: provides all day hydration by slipping in between skin cell to prevent moisture loss
- avocado oil: vitamins A, B, D, E, lecithin, and the “youth mineral” potassium
- sweet almond oil: vitamin E, A, fatty acids, protein, potassium and zinc protects against environmental stressors and UV damage
- evening primrose: all-around anti-aging skin benefits (I grow this in my garden!)
- sunflower oil: with vitamins A, D, E and Omega 6 acids, it is one of the best skin softeners
- safflower oil: full of antioxidants and linoleic acid that strengthens the skin barrier
- apricot kernel oil: loaded with vitamins A and E
- argan oil: slows the aging process with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- lime peel oil: helps decrease cellulite
- soybean oil: vitamins B, E and K for mature and the the driest of skin
- rice bran oil: a great source for protective vitamin E
- Tahitian gardenia oil: effective antioxidants that protect both skin and hair.
That is one impressive list of ingredients! But next, I needed to learn more about dry brushing.
History of Dry Brushing
The technique of dry brushing has been around for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians including Cleopatra, of course, had complex beauty rituals, and dry brushing was one of them. After using a brush made from natural materials, they used wine and sour milk to exfoliate the skin before using oils to soften and nourish.
Ayurveda, India’s 5000 year old traditional medicine, uses dry brushing to potentiate circulation for healthy skin and healthy body. Traditional Chinese medicine used loofahs made from the silk squash to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. They associated dry brushing with the liver, stomach and lung meridians. The ancient Greeks and Romans also were believers in dry brushing.
I bought my first loofah back in my college days decades ago, but I didn’t really understand the correct way to use it or what the benefits could be. So after a while, I stopped using it.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
While the benefits of dry brushing are essentially those sought by the ancient users of the technique, they are many and varied. Here’s an infographic, credit to Beauty Brite, that lists the key benefits :
In addition to getting healthier skin, I was very curious about the gastrointestinal benefits – and I need more time to see if dry brushing will help my now occasional IBS.
But in terms of skin benefits, some of the results are quite immediate and definitely have made me want to continue with this beauty ritual. Though I had been concerned that dry brushing might be painful for my semi-sensitive skin, it isn’t at all. In fact, I would say it is invigorating! And my skin – especially the weird itchy patch on my back – feels less itchy. Overall, I would say my usually dry skin feels like silk!
How to Dry Brush
The way to dry brush is to use long strokes without too much pressure starting at the feet and moving upwards, always in the direction of the heart. At the stomach, use an anti-clockwise circular motion. Be careful at the delicate skin of the neck. Avoid the breasts and face.
The procedure should take between 3 to 5 minutes. The frequency of dry brushing depends on your skin. Starting out with once a week is the way to go. But you can use it several times a week if you skin can handle it.
And following dry brushing with a shower is the way to get maximum benefits from the process.
Ida Body Care’s 4 Step Ritual
Step 1: Dry Brushing
Ida’s dry brush is crafted from pure, natural plant fibers (I think that means organic). I have seen some dry brushes with synthetic bristles, and those can be irritating especially to sensitive skin. The handle of the Ida brush, wrapped with natural fibers, makes it easy to hold and manipulate.
The dry brush gives me the immediate sensation of invigoration from boosting my circulatory system. Also, it removes dead skin cells, helps unclog pores, and it tightens and tones. Importantly, it makes my itchy skin feel less itchy!
To keep the brush sanitary over time, wash it in a gentle cleanser once every week or two depending on how often you use it. After the bristles become matted or bent, it’s time to replace the brush. Fortunately, the Ida dry brush is a very affordable $10.
Step 2: Body Wash
Ida’s creamy lemony Verbena Citrus Body Wash is the perfect way to wash away dead skin cells while hydrating and revitalizing your skin. The formula contains 13 essential oils and works as an effective but gentle cleanser that does not strip the skin of its natural oils.
Verbena Citrus Body Wash comes in 4 oz. and 8 oz. sizes at $12 and $22, respectively.
Step 3: Body Scrub
Although you have exfoliated your skin with the dry brush, a little extra exfoliating with fine natural sugar grains never hurts! Plus the Ida Verbena Citrus Body Scrub hydrates your skin with 12 essential oils. Don’t forget to stir it with a clean finger or a little spatula before use to mix in the oils that rise to the top of the jar.
This body scrub is a little luxury that plumps as it is absorbed. I adore the lemon scent of this product that seems a little more potent (for me, that’s a good thing) as I smell it in the jar. However, the scent doesn’t linger so I don’t smell it beyond when I’m applying it. But the silky way it leaves my skin is divine!
Verbena Citrus Body Scrub comes in 4 and 8 oz. sizes at $12.50 and $24, respectively.
Step 4: Body Lotion
For me, body lotion is a must. And though I own about a billion body lotions and body butters, they are far from all the same.
Ida Verbena Citrus Body Lotion does not disappoint. Not in the least. First, I love that it comes in a pump bottle – so much easier to use than a jar and than a flip top bottle. Next, the formula: a rich combination of 18 essential oils, coconut oil and shea butter. Yet in spite of its richness, it is easy to apply, it absorbs quickly and isn’t sticky, and unlike other shea butter formulas, it doesn’t leave a white cast that is hard to work in. I love it.
Secondly, the lemony scent is not at all overpowering. In fact, as a lemon lover, I wouldn’t mind just a little more citrus scent, lol. But that said, it is actually perfect, because it doesn’t interfere with fragrance that I want to apply afterwards.
Finally, the hydration is long lasting. Often I will apply it even on days when I don’t do the 4 step dry brush complete process. And hours after application, it is still on the job. 🙂
Verbena Citrus Body Lotion comes in 4 and 8 oz. sizes for $12 and $24, respectively.
Final Thoughts
In these days when many of us have a little more time at home for self-care, starting a dry brush ritual makes so much sense. The little extra time is so well worth it. I almost can’t believe it, but I’m a convert. My skin hasn’t felt this soft and smooth in years!
The best way to try dry brushing with Ida Body Care is to buy one of the 4 Step boxes with everything included. The Ida 4 Step Box comes in two sizes: 4 oz. products and brush for $50 and 8 oz. products and brush for $80. I received the 4 oz. size box that you see above. Plus you can buy replacement products individually. Since this is holiday gifting time, click over to the Ida Body Care website and consider an Ida 4 Step Box for your favorite skincare enthusiast or for yourself to be truly holiday ready!
Allison……..this kit sounds AMAZING! Dry brushing is so so good for the body, great addition for health too. Thank you for this great review. 🙋🏻♀️😷🥰🤗🍷
Thank you so, so much, DiEtta! I honestly was completely new to dry brushing before trying the Ida 4 Step kit, and I have been blown away with the difference it makes in the softness and hydration of my usually super dry skin. I love love love the brush! So easy to do and with big returns!
Wow, this sounds like something I need to try. And I’m looking for a winter body lotion, as nothing I have now is cutting it in this dry weather! I have an Ida connection too! My great-grandmother’s name, although she usually went by her middle name, Norma. It must have been quite a popular name 🙂
The body lotion is excellent! And while you’re at it, try the dry brush. Honestly, I LOVE IT!
I love dry brushing, but haven’t done it in a long time. These products sound really good! I have never heard of this brand, but I definitely want to try it based upon your review, Allison!
The Ida 4 Step kit is definitely worth trying! I love the brush. What a find for me!
I’ve been hesitant to try dry brushing, but the list of benefits has sold me on trying it out – especially ingrown hairs, I have constant texture on my arms of ingrown hairs. This might be my answer.
Kristi, the dry brush kit sat for 5 weeks before I could screw up the courage to try it. Once I did, I was sold. The bristles are not the least bit uncomfortable for me – a big surprise! I actually look forward to using it! I believe that ingrown hairs is on the benefits list, so it may be worth a try!
I have trouble reaching my back when dry brushing but I like where I can reach. The set is a value with all of those products and the brush. I’ve seen so many brushes that cost a fortune. And lemon is a favorite scent of mine.
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I have a dry itchy patch on my back that is hard to reach, but boy, I try hard because dry brushing it really helps it become less itchy afterwards. I like the length of the Ida dry brush handle for most of my usage, but yes, it might be good if it were a little longer just for my back lol. Glad to hear that you can use the lemony products!
I’ve never dry brushed before, but this looks like this will be great in the winter months!
I love the look of this dry brush! It would make a great stocking stuffer!
I’ve been doing brushing for lymphatic stimulation recently too!!
I need to look up what lymphatic stimulation is and how you know it’s happening!
This sounds like such a great range of products! I’ve never tried dry brushing, but I think I should.
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I have tried dry brushing in the past but not lately. You have just given me the nudge to try it again. Thanks for this review.
Dig out your dry brush, and give it a go, Sandy! Now that the heat is on in our homes, the dry brush is really helpful for winter dry skin. 🙂