Traveler resets jet lag with gentle brushing ritual

A cross-country flight combined with a time zone shift can leave the body’s internal clock disrupted. This was the case for one traveler in late October, who flew to Big Sky, Montana—two hours behind their usual time zone—then returned home three days later. When the clocks fell back on November 1, the fatigue intensified, leaving the traveler exhausted, disoriented, and unable to recover despite multiple cups of coffee.

The solution came unexpectedly at One&Only Moonlight Basin, the brand’s first U.S. resort. There, the traveler tried the Epicutis x Cecily Braden Body Ritual, a treatment designed to reset both skin and system. The ritual combines lymphatic brushing, nourishing oils, and a specialized body treatment, all delivered with an emphasis on gentleness over intensity.

The Science Behind the Ritual

The Epicutis brand traces its origins to 1991, when Dr. Jeffry Stock, a Princeton molecular biologist, discovered a class of small molecules in his lab. By 2003, his son, Maxwell Stock, had turned that research into Signum Biosciences, later rebranded as Epicutis. The company’s approach is rooted in minimalism: short ingredient lists, barrier-focused formulations, and a rejection of quick-fix actives. Its corporate partner, Rohto Pharmaceutical, and its head formulator, Masanori Tamura, the chemist behind Hada Labo, further shape its Japanese-influenced precision.

The ritual begins with a showerless exfoliation, followed by lymphatic brushing using a specialized tool designed by aesthetician Cecily Braden. Unlike aggressive dry brushing, this method uses long, unhurried strokes with barely any pressure. The key lies in the lymphatic system: movement beneath the skin’s surface does not require force, and gentler touch yields better results. After brushing, the treatment continues with nourishing massage oils and the Lipid Body Treatment, a patented blend of chia seed-derived oil (Hyvia), caffeine, ceramides, and citrus-derived flavonoid.

The aftereffects were striking. The traveler, exhausted before the treatment, slept deeply that night, and for days afterward, through the jet lag and time change. Unlike typical massages that leave relaxation fading within hours, this ritual’s benefits lasted.

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The brushing technique is the most practical part of the ritual for home use. Guests receive a Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush ($130) as part of the experience, and its simplicity makes it easy to adopt. A few slow passes before bed, far lighter than typical dry brushing, signal the body to wind down. The habit sticks because it takes less than two minutes, yet the results are noticeable: smoother skin and, most importantly, better sleep.

A Light Touch Works Better

Most people assume lymphatic work requires pressure to be effective. The Epicutis approach contradicts that belief. The brush used in the ritual is designed to glide effortlessly, with strokes that feel almost weightless. The traveler’s initial skepticism, having tried more aggressive methods at home, turned to surprise when they realized the gentler technique worked better. There was no redness, no irritation, just a sense of release.

The Lipid Body Treatment ($225) complements the brushing by reinforcing hydration and barrier support. Its texture is deeply nourishing, leaving skin cushioned rather than greasy. The treatment avoids preservatives, aligning with Epicutis’ philosophy of fewer ingredients and greater intention. For someone with sensitive skin, this means fewer potential irritants, and fewer chances for a reaction.

The 90-minute version of the ritual adds an enhanced facial, including the brand’s Oil Cleanser ($85) and a gua sha massage, but the core of the experience remains the brushing and body treatment. The traveler’s recommendation? If visiting Big Sky, booking the full ritual is worth it. For others, the brush and the Lipid Body Treatment are the key takeaways, used with a much lighter touch than expected.