Let’s admit it, we all spend a lot of time and money on caring for our skin, especially on our face. The skin is the largest organ in our body. It protects us from physical, chemical, thermal and bacterial damage. It also acts as a mini-excretory system, as we lose salts, water and urea when we sweat. It is also a major detoxification organ in the body. This is why often when there is an imbalance in the bodily systems it may result in skin problems.
Dry skin brushing is fantastic and offers benefits not only to the esthetic appearance of the skin but has real potential health advantages as well. It doesn’t take lots of time or money, but it surely is something you should incorporate in your daily beauty ritual.
Among the many benefits of dry brushing are the following:
1. It stimulates the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role for our immunity as it is responsible for collecting, transporting, and eliminating the wastes our cells produce. If the lymphatic system is sluggish it can lead to a build-up of toxins, which can cause inflammation and illness. In contrast to our cardiovascular system, where the heart continuously pumps the blood thus aiding its transport throughout the body, the lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart. Instead it uses the motion of the skeletal muscles to “squeeze” the lymph and transport it. This indicates the importance of physical exercise in order to be able to transport away excess toxins and build the immune system. I will focus on this in more detail in another post. Dry brushing also stimulates the lymphatic system as many of the lymphatic vessels lay just beneath the skin, so it promotes the normal lymph flow within the body and helps the body detoxify itself naturally.
2. It rejuvenates the skin
Dry brushing will also improve blood circulation in your skin, thus invigorating and stimulating it. Brushing your skin acts as a mild exfoliator, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells. The skin, becoming richer in blood and nutrients will appear softer and brighter.
3. Feel good massage
Dry brushing is also an act of self-care and love. It helps relax the nervous system because as you gently brush your skin you also stimulate the nerve endings on the skin. It can also help boost your energy levels and will leave you feeling great!
4. It might help with cellulites
Many women complain from cellulite, which is caused when fibrous bands pull down on the superficial part of the skin and from hardened fat deposits. As dry brushing helps improve circulation and waste removal it might also be beneficial to reducing cellulites, but take this claim with a grain of salt. Some claim dry brushing has helped them reduce the appearance of cellulites, while other state that they don’t notice a difference. In any case, try dry brushing for its many other benefits and fell-good vibes it will give you.
How to dry brush?
You will only need a good body brush and you’re good to go! You may find a shorter sized brush handier, but one with a long handle will allow you to get to those hard-to-reach spots like the middle of your back. Start on dry skin, best before bathing or showering. Start at your feet and brush in an upward, circular motion towards your heart, following the way the lymphatic fluid flows. The same approach is applied for your hands and arms. The back is an exception to this rule so start from your neck and lower towards the lower back. Move from the ankles towards the lower legs, thighs, stomach, back and arms. You can also work in a circular motion, especially around your buttocks and stomach. Apply soft pressure when moving towards the chest; you don’t want to irritate your skin in the process. Avoid any bruises or inflamed skin.
After you’re done with the dry brushing take a shower or bath to wash off the dead skin cells and finish off applying a moisturizer (think coconut oil!).
The massage will only take you 5 minutes and is a great addition to your morning or evening routine. I personally do my dry brushing in the evening, as I find it relaxing, but it is up to you.
Have you tried dry brushing already? What is your experience with it and do you do it regularly?
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