We love all things skin, and that includes the body as well as the face! If you haven't tried dry brushing your skin, you're missing out on a really worthwhile addition to your skincare routine, as well as a great prep for the ultimate skin glow in summer fashions.
Skin brushing is found in many cultures and has been used for centuries to keep the skin healthy and exfoliate dead skin cells. The Comanche tribe, for instance, were known to scrub their skin with sand they took from river bottoms. Its detoxifying properties and its ability to promote smoother skin, has caused the popularity of dry brushing to soar over the last few years. What It Is: Dry brushing is softly, but firmly brushing the skin in strokes toward the heart, anywhere between two and ten minutes, with a natural-bristle brush. Dry brush before taking a shower, and follow up the shower with a moisturizer or body oil.
What It Does: Dry brushing isn’t just a method for skin exfoliation.
· It stimulates the lymphatic system & removes toxins: Our lymphatic system is a group of bodily organs that transport infection fighting white blood cells around the body, protecting you from infections and other diseases. Dry brushing improves the circulation of lymph in your body making the process more effective.
· It removes dead skin cells: The most obvious benefit is mechanical exfoliation - removing dead skin cells and surface skin debris.
· It invigorates & energizes the skin: By improving circulation, you'll feel an energizing tingle that's very refreshing.
· It unclogs pores: While it doesn't address deeper debris in the pores, dry brushing does remove the surface layer skin debris that clogs pores. The result is the pores can breathe a little easier due to the cells that have been removed through brushing, and they are free and clear to perspire freely (sweating rids the body of toxins).
· It stimulates collagen production: Massaging the skin regularly through dry brushing helps stimulate collagen production to improve skin texture and tone. (Dry brushing can help reduce appearance of cellulite.)
· It helps minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation and blemishes: Dry brushing speeds up the process of skin cell renewal by removing layers of dead skin quickly to reveal clearer, smoother skin underneath.
· Improves mood: Dry brushing feels good! It’s relaxing and yet energizing at the same time. How To Dry Brush:
Choose the right brush for you – preferably one that fits securely in your hand and that has natural bristles. If your skin is more sensitive be sure to choose a brush with soft bristles.
The best time to dry brush is before you shower so either in the morning or in the evening. Start with your feet and brush in upward strokes. (Always brush upwards towards the heart.) Brush each area between 3 to 5 times. (YouTube has lots of tutorials on dry brushing if you need some pointers.) After brushing, shower in warm (not hot) or tepid water. Apply an appropriate body moisturizer or body oil post shower and check out the glow in your full length mirror! (See article: 6 Step Dry Brushing Guide)
Is Dry Brushing for Everyone?
Most skin types benefit from dry brushing. However, if your skin is sensitive, you have inflammatory acne, eczema, dermatitis, or other skin conditions, you should not dry brush those areas. If you've never tried dry brushing and aren't sure how your skin will react, test patch a small area of your skin to check for any reactions.
You can dry brush a few times a week - experiment to see what's right for your skin.
It’s also important to keep your dry brush clean and dry. Wash it out regularly with mild soap and water and let it dry completely. Store it in a cool, dry place - preferably not near the shower or any place damp.