Well, my skin hasn't torn, and I've been dry brushing for a few weeks now. You don't have to push hard on your skin, just moderately firm. The brush I bought isn't a super stiff bristle, but kind of stiff/flexible. But it really does take off all those dead skin cells, and I feel all tingly afterwards. I brush after my workout, before I get in the shower, and I use one of those net "puffs" with body wash on it in the shower. Then I follow it up with a good body lotion when I get out. My skin is looking firmer and softer already, and I haven't even lost much weight yet. I'm hoping it will help keep me firm and prevent as much sagginess as possible as I continue to lose! P.S. I am doing weight training every day too, which I'm sure is helping with the firming.