You may have heard about dry brushing as part of a skin care routine, and may be confused of all the hype around it. Here’s something to offer you a little clarity. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about dry brushing. ... and yes I do dry brush my own skin on a regular basis.
Dry Brushing - What It Does
Dry brushing works on the basic concept of exfoliation. You might exfoliate the skin on your face from time to time, but the skin on your body needs that too, and that’s exactly what dry brushing does.
The gentle exfoliation that happens during dry skin brushing tends to unclog the pores and releases toxins out of the body, improving your skin health and allowing moisturizing products to absorb better. The process also increases circulation in the underlying lymphatic systems and improves blood flow.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing regularly has been found to have several benefits, some of which include the following.
- Exfoliation - The technique helps remove the layer of dead skin cells from the surface, which makes your skin smooth and soft.
- Dry body brushing helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, which is a big plus for a lot of people.
- It unclogs pores and removes dirt and impurities that may have accumulated in them, thus helping the skin breathe better and avoids blackheads.
- The brushing technique kick starts your lymphatic system which stimulates the release of toxins from your lymph nodes. This is referred to as lymphatic drainage.
- Blood circulation is often boosted by proper use of a dry brush, which helps improve skin and overall health.
- It gives you that natural energy boost, especially if you do it in the morning. I often do it in the evening, but at least an hour before bed. It really does have an invigorating effect.
- The improved circulation of blood to the skin can also help reduce pigmentation and spots and stimulate healing of damaged tissues.
- Some natural health enthusiasts believe that it can also help improve kidney function, and others believe that it supports digestive health.
- A dry brushing session has an overall soothing effect. It can help reduce stress and anxiety and make you feel more relaxed and at ease.
How to Dry Brush
Now that you know all about the benefits of dry brushing, it’s time to learn how to do it yourself. Don’t worry doing it right is quite easy.
Dry Body Brushing
- Use a natural bristle brush
for your dry brushing routine. Choose one that has a long handle so that you can reach all areas of your body. I prefer a body brush that detaches from the handle for greater flexibility myself. - Use gentle sweeping circular motions to move the brush over different areas of your body. Do not brush too hard.
- Brush several times in each area, taking care not to miss any areas.
- It is recommended to go in a generally upward direction on limbs, toward heart on neck and upper torso and in a clockwise motion on abdomen. This pattern works best to support the lymphatic system.
- Once you have brushed your entire body, take a shower. Once you’re done, pat your skin dry and then follow up and moisturize it with a natural moisturizer such as coconut oil or rosehip oil. Showering or bathing after the brushing washes off the the toxins and exfoliated skin.
- Remember to clean your brush everyday with a mild soap and water.
for your dry brushing routine. Choose one that has a long handle so that you can reach all areas of your body. I highly recommend you add this skin care trick to your evening or morning routine. It is an easy technique anyone can do at home to improve overall health and skin quality. After all the skin is our largest organ, we need to take great care of it.
Personally, I dry brush a few times a month when I have a little extra time and utilize a moisturizing sugar scrub about once a week ( a little more often in the dry winter months). Both are an easy and inexpensive way to have more soft and pliable skin.
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