Dry brushing is a centuries-old health practice that you may want to add to your daily routine. It’s an easy and effective natural beauty routine that, as we grow older, your body will thank you for! I prefer the handheld dry brush over the one on the long stick. I feel I can get a better massage by holding it closer to my skin.
The benefits of dry brushing are innumerable and go deep. Using a body brush helps to shed dead skin cells and exfoliate on the surface level, which helps skin to absorb nutrients and retain moisture, thanks to clearer pores. Dry brushing also reduces cellulite. Cellulite is made up of trapped fat cells, by dry brushing you can help to release these trapped toxins and break them down, or at least reduce their appearance. The same goes for varicose veins.
More than that, the technique can improve blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, which is an important component of the body’s immune system. This can keep you in tip-top shape and may even help prevent illnesses.
You need to make sure you are dry-brushing at the right time of day. Since dry brushing stimulates your senses and increases blood flow, it makes the most sense to do it first thing in the morning. We recommend doing it in the shower with the water off! Dry brush right before you start the water to bathe.
There is a right and wrong way to do it, so here is a little instruction:
- Start at the soles of your feet. Begin brushing with swift, firm strokes traveling from your feet up your legs, always brushing toward your heart area.
- Keep the same brush strokes upward your legs, as many times as desired before moving on to your hands and arms.
- Grab a buddy, if you can and have him/her help you brush your back or do it yourself if you have a long-handled brush. (If not, get all the areas you can.) Repeat as needed.
- Finally, brush your stomach, chest, and neck. Avoid sensitive areas (face, nipples & genitals) or use a gentler touch there.
- After your skin is nice and tingly, turn on the shower, and try alternating between very hot and very cold water to further stimulate circulation. I always end my shower with a cold rinse off to close my pores and my hair cuticles.
- After you shower and dry off, be sure to moisturize your skin with an all-natural body lotion or butter.
Here are a few important things to remember:
Never dry-brush a wet body.
Don’t dry-brush over cuts, bruises, or sore spots.
Start off slowly and gradually build up in intensity.
For best results dry-brush daily. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to only dry brush twice a week.
It’s important to keep your brush clean. Wash it in warm water with a mild liquid soap once a week. After rinsing thoroughly, allow it to air-dry completely before stowing to prevent mildew or bacteria growth. Lastly when you’re not using your brush, store in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Brush your body, brush your teeth, brush your hair! If you are looking for a great dry brush, you can find them here at https://www.keepingitallnatural.com/home
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