BODY BRUSHING - THE BENEFITS AND HOW TO DO IT
I often complain to my mom that I have really dry skin my legs and body (not on my face, the Mediterranean gene made sure I go oily skin). So my mom suggested dry body brushing and at first I though, sure sure thats grand, but then I did the research and started doing it. It is now apart of my routine. I should do it everyday, but to be honest I sometimes do not have the time. But, the great thing about doing this is that it is actually very therapeutic and if you make an effort to do it and really focus and relax, you end up feeling amazing! Below is an article I found on Mind Body Green about why you should be doing body brushing. Enjoy!
The benefits of dry skin brushing include:
- Listen up ladies: Increasing the circulation to the skin could possibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is toxic material accumulated in your body’s fat cells. So, rather than take drastic measures like liposuction, how about utilizing the dry skin brushing techniques to help break down unwanted toxins?
- Dry body brushing helps shed dead skin cells (and encourages new cell renewal), which results in smoother and brighter skin. It can also help with any pesky ingrown hairs.
- It assists in improving vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. By releasing toxins, it encourages the body’s discharge of metabolic wastes so the body is able to run more effectively.
- 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.
- Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores.
- And, in my experience, dry body brushing first thing in the morning can actually set up a perfect day! By doing something solely for yourself first thing in the morning, you can develop a beautiful follow-through effect, starting with a healthy breakfast – why ruin all the good work you just did?
Can you try dry body brushing at home?
Good news – you don’t have to book a pricey spa treatment to reap the benefits; this one can be done in your very own bathroom. All you need to do is purchase a natural bristle brush (not one made from nylon or synthetic materials). One with a long handle is also a plus, as it means you can reach all areas of the body.
The directions are pretty simple:
- 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 the 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.
- 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 - I love using Bio Oil afterwards personally.
The Body Shop make a really nice body brush specifically for it. But I got my from clicks. As long it has natural bristles! Enjoy and let me know if any of you have tried it and what you think :)
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