Brush or Beam? The Skincare Ritual That Wins

Let's face it—your skincare routine has been phoning it in.

Somewhere between the late-night scroll and the half-asleep serum slap, skincare turned into a chore. And honestly? That's not the energy we're going for.

It's time to bring the glow and the joy back, with two different rituals that are both having a moment: dry brushing and red light therapy.

Dry brushing is refreshingly low-tech—just you, a natural bristle brush, and a few invigorating sweeps toward your heart. It's like a full-body espresso shot that also supports circulation, exfoliates dead skin, and gets your lymph flowing.

Red light therapy, on the other hand, feels like stepping into the future, without lifting a finger. You sit still, and it gets to work. Targeted wavelengths penetrate deep beneath the surface, boosting collagen, calming inflammation, and jumpstarting cellular repair while you lounge in a robe, wondering how you ever lived without this. High-tech, low-effort, all reward.

They're wildly different in delivery, but the endgame is the same: smoother skin, improved tone, and that hard-to-define-but-easy-to-spot glow that whispers "I woke up like this" (even if you didn't).

So, which one wins—brush or beam? Can you double-dip? Should you?

We'll break it all down—no gatekeeping, no fluff—just real talk, radiant skin, and rituals that actually feel like something you want to do.

Let's start with the ritual that predates your entire skincare shelf, but still earns a spot on it.

Dry Brushing Is Back and It's Better Than Ever

Dry brushing might sound a little too simple to have much effect, but this ancient ritual has some serious staying power. Cleopatra didn't have Wi-Fi, but she probably had a boar-bristle brush— and probably the most radiant legs on the Nile.

The Buzz on the Brush:

• Gentle Exfoliation – Say goodbye to dull, flaky skin. Dry brushing removes dead skin cells, helping to smooth out rough patches and unclog pores without needing a scrub or acid.
• Boosts Circulation – The brushing motion revs up blood flow, which can leave your skin looking naturally flushed and awake.
• Lymphatic Support – It helps encourage the natural detox process by stimulating lymph flow.
• Energy Boosting – It's surprisingly invigorating. People often describe dry brushing as a pick-me-up that feels like a mix between a spa day and a mini workout.

But Here's the Rub (Pun Intended)

Dry brushing isn't for everyone. If your skin is sensitive, sunburned, or dealing with a breakout, it might be too harsh. And consistency is key—it's not a "once and done" kind of thing. Think of it more like brushing your teeth, except, you know, your entire body.

Red Light Does More While You Do Less

If dry brushing is all motion and momentum, red light therapy is the art of stillness. It's skincare without the scrubbing, sloughing, or even touching. You literally just sit (or lie down), flip on a red light device, and bask in the glow like a high-tech houseplant.

But it's not just about vibes—this light works on a cellular level. We're talking mitochondria activation, ATP production, and collagen stimulation. (Science!)

Here's What Red Light Therapy Brings to the Table:

• Collagen Kickstart – Red light encourages collagen production, which can help plump skin, reduce fine lines, and improve elasticity.
• Calms Inflammation – Struggling with redness, rosacea, or post-acne flare-ups? Red light is soothing for inflamed skin.
• Evens Tone – With consistent use, many people notice a brighter, more even complexion.
• Helps with Muscle Recovery – Not just a skincare darling, red light therapy is also popular with athletes and weekend warriors for reducing muscle soreness and promoting healing.

The Catch?

It's not an overnight miracle. But with regular use (think 3–5 times a week), the results can be impressive. It also requires a bit of an investment—quality red light devices aren't cheap, and results come with time, not speed.

Quick Fix or Slow Burn?

So, how do these two stack up when it comes to results?

Dry brushing is your go-to for instant gratification. You'll feel smoother, look a little glowier, and possibly feel more awake after just one go. But the effects—like your post-yoga calm—fade unless you keep up with it.

Red light therapy, meanwhile, is all about the long game. It's less dramatic in the short term, but potentially transformative with time and consistency.

Your Skin Is More Than Skin Deep

Your skin doesn't just cover you—it speaks for you. It flushes with excitement, dulls with exhaustion, flares when life feels too loud. It mirrors your rhythms, your routines, your rough patches. More than any serum or jade roller, it reflects your state of being—stress, sleep, hormones, weather, hydration, and habits. It's not just your largest organ—it's your most emotionally fluent one.

That's why rituals like dry brushing and red light therapy go beyond surface-level care. They're not just about looking luminous—they're about reconnecting. Reclaiming calm. Building rituals that say, "Hey, I'm here. I'm listening. I've got you."

When you treat your skin as a partner—not a project—it shows up for you.

So, Why Not Both?

Good news: you don't have to pick sides.

In fact, combining dry brushing and red light therapy can create a killer one-two punch for your skin. Brushing in the morning gets your circulation going, exfoliates, and preps your skin for the day. Then, winding down at night with red light therapy supports healing, reduces stress, and gives your cells a little bedtime boost.

Just pay attention to how your skin feels. If you're feeling dry or overstimulated, scale back on the brushing pressure or shorten your red light sessions.

Remember, this is about being consistent and kind to your skin.

What's Your Glow Game Plan?

Here's the cheat sheet.

Choose Dry Brushing If:

• You love tactile, energizing rituals
• You want instant results
• You're on a budget or new to skincare tools
• You want to feel physically awake

Choose Red Light Therapy If:

• You're in it for long-term skin health
• You deal with redness, inflammation, or uneven tone
• You want a passive, zero-effort experience
• You're okay investing a little time (and money)

Choose Both If:

• You want the best of both worlds
• You're building a morning-to-night self-care rhythm
• You love rituals that actually do something

Glow Up on Your Own Terms

Here's the real secret: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you're brushing or beaming, what matters is that you're showing up for your skin—and for yourself.

So go ahead, glow-getter. Grab your brush, turn on that light, and claim your ritual. Your skin—and your nervous system—will thank you.

Bonus Tip: Your Skin Has a Clock

Yep—your skin actually runs on a circadian rhythm, just like the rest of your body. During the day, it focuses on defense (think UV protection and environmental stress), and at night, it shifts into repair mode—boosting cell turnover and healing damage.

What does that mean for you? Dry brushing in the morning aligns with your body's natural "wake-up" phase, helping stimulate circulation and prep your skin for the day. Red light therapy, especially when used in the evening, pairs perfectly with your skin's built-in repair mode—amplifying that overnight healing process.

So you're not just stacking rituals—you're syncing with your skin's internal schedule. Look at you, basically biohacking without even trying.