It sounds like brushing a bit to hard is the probable cause. :) Make sure the lotions you are using are all natural, if there is any mineral oil present then it will actually dry your skin out--not to mention is very toxic. (if you want to experiment with the toxicity of mineral oil just ask and I can give you a very simple little experiment that will amaze) And use a good oil--not canola, soybean--instead a healthy oil like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, ect. Ozonated olive oil would be even more powerful if you have an available source (also helps greatly to fade those stretchmarks! This is speaking from personal experience...) Coconut oil would be my second choice, but I just love coconut oil--good for everything almost! If you are getting dry skin, another thing to consider is your good oil intake? If you are getting enough good oils, essential fatty acids, and lethicin the possibility of dry skin occuring is greatly decreased. Against modern teaching of yester years, fat is important to your body and going low fat is more harmful than helpful. But only the good fats, avoiding partially and fully hydrogenated, canola, and soybean like the plague(indeed, that is what they are!). Best to you stargazer :) Caitlin Lorraine