Dry Brushing 101
If you’re anything like me, this time of year gets your skin dry and itchy! Longing for a beauty treatment that will have my skin looking smooth and blemish-free in time for summer. So yes, I should be drinking more water and less coffee (iced coffee's are so delicious this time of year).
Thankfully, there’s one super easy solution:
dry brushing.
Instead of spending countless dollars and hours on spa treatments and DIY scrubs, just head over to your local health food store to pick up a dry body brush. I know brushing your skin might sound strange, but if you’re going to pick one natural beauty habit to stick with, trust me, dry brushing should be it!
Why Should You Dry Brush?
The benefits of dry brushing are mostly cosmetic, but it can also help you out with a few internal health struggles as well. First and foremost, it eliminates dead skin cells and clears out your pores. This will prevent flaky skin, body acne, and possibly even ingrown hairs.
Dry brushing also stimulates blood flow to your skin and promotes healthy cell renewal. Think of it as getting a full body exfoliating treatment every morning that will leave your skin luminous and so very soft.
It also works wonders at getting rid of bloating. The brush works to massage your skin and lymph nodes, prompting them to let go of excess water weight that might be hanging around. Over time, it can also stimulate your digestive system and ease any digestive discomfort by releasing toxins from the lymphatic system.
How to Dry Brush
The first step is to buy a good brush. You can find them at most health food or beauty supply stores. Try to find one with a medium to long wooden handle so you can get to hard-to-reach places. Also be sure to choose natural rather than synthetic bristles, as they’re easier on your skin.
Dry brushing should be done first thing in the morning before you take a shower when your skin is still dry. Begin at your ankles and move the brush up your legs using firm circular motions. The brushing shouldn’t hurt, but you should be able to feel a slight tingle on your skin.
While you are brushing in a circular motion, always take care to brush toward your heart, because that is the direction that the blood flows. Continue moving the brush up your legs to your stomach and then finally to your back and arms. After you have finished, take a shower as you normally would, and remember to moisturize afterward with lotion or even
!
Dry brushing is really the only gentle and quick treatment that will rid your body of dead skin cells and keep your skin looking healthy and alive, so it’s best if you can make it a daily practice.
Hot Tip
After dry brushing, drink a glass of hot water and lemon to help jumpstart your digestive system. Even if your next move is toward the box of doughnuts, at least you'll have started the day off on the right foot!!
P.S. What is your experience with dry brushing? We would love to hear about it in the comments below!