Have you heard as I have the hubbub over dry brushing and why you will want to include it in your daily routine? You may be wondering, “What exactly is dry brushing? How does one dry brush?” Simply put, dry brushing is the juice cleanse of the beauty world.
What is dry brushing?
Using a specific kind of firm-bristled brush, you gently brush your dry skin for three to five minutes in a specific pattern, which coincides with how the lymphatic system drains toxins. The firm bristles of the brush give your skin a thorough exfoliation while the pressure helps to stimulate your circulation and, yep, lymphatic drainage, which in turn is supposed to help the body eliminate toxins.
Benefits of dry brushing
- Dry body brushing helps shed dead skin cells (and encourages new cell renewal), which results in smoother and brighter skin.
- Helps eliminate ingrown hairs
- Helps shed dead skin cells and encourage new cell renewal, which results in smoother and brighter skin
- Improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Increasing the circulation to the skin could reduce the appearance of cellulite, a toxic material accumulated in your body’s fat cells.
- Dry skin brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin (and it feels pretty great, too!).
- It helps with muscle tone and gives you a more even distribution of fat deposits.
How to dry brush
- Start on dry skin before bathing.
- Work in gentle circular, upward motions, then longer, smoother strokes.
- Always begin at the ankles in upwards movements towards the heart—the lymphatic fluid flows through the body towards the heart, so it’s important that you brush in the same direction.
- Your back is the only exception to the preceding rule; brush from the neck down to the lower back.
- After you’ve finished with your ankles, move up to the lower legs, thighs, stomach, back, and arms. Be cautious of softer and sensitive skin around the chest and breasts, and never brush over inflamed skin, sores, sun-burnt skin, or skin cancer.
- Ensure you shower to wash away the dead skin cells and impurities. Ninja tip: alternating temperatures in the shower from hot to cold will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bring more blood to the outer layers of the skin.
- Then follow it up with a slick moisturizer to nourish the skin (personally, I’m a fan of coconut oil).
This handy video from Goop shows how to dry brush.
How often do you dry brush?
Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can—and should—do daily, even twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water.
Give dry brushing a try for 30-days and see if you notice a difference. Using a dry brush regime along with regular massage will exponentially improve your skin’s appearance and rid your body of toxins. Schedule your next appointment today.
