Dry Skin Brushing ~
For a long time, I'd heard about dry skin brushing and its many benefits. Although I was skeptical, I decided to give it a try. Given that it requires very little time and effort, and the cost for a good quality brush is minimal, I figured I didn't have much to lose. Before I tell you about my own experience, let me tell you a little bit more about this ancient practice.
Dry Skin Brushing is exactly as the name states ~ Using a firm, natural-bristled brush to gently brush over the skin when it's dry.
THE BENEFITS OF DRY SKIN BRUSHING
It's said that dry skin brushing is a fantastic way to boost lymphatic drainage, which benefits the immune system. The lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating cellular waste. It's a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The skin, which is the largest organ of the body, is also a major elimination organ.
Dry skin brushing is an easy, effective way to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, which helps the lymphatic system do its job effectively. And this isn't the only benefit! Beyond this, dry skin brushing is also said to:
- boost circulation and blood flow
- invigorate the skin and boost energy
- tighten the skin which may help improve the appearance of cellulite
My Results:
Although I haven't been able to find any scientific research to back up the benefits listed above, after giving dry skin brushing a try, I'm now a believer. When I started out with this little experiment, I committed to dry brush my skin every day for 90-days and see if I noticed any difference. I definitely didn't need the full 90-days to convert to a believer.
It wasn't long before I noticed that my skin felt smoother and appeared more radiant, with a glow to it that hadn't been there previously. In fact, years later, I'm still performing this 5min routine every morning before I shower. Why? Simply put, I love it! Besides my skin feeling better (and I believe looking better too), it's the best way to start my day. I now can't imagine beginning my day without the invigorating feeling it gives my skin and the boost in energy I feel from dry skin brushing.
READY TO GIVE DRY SKIN BRUSHING A TRY?
Here's What You Need To Know:
First, you'll require a brush that's specially made for this practice. You can find one pretty much anywhere that face and body products are sold. Or Google 'dry skin brush' and you'll find plenty of online options. There are two different styles; one with a long handle which works great for hard to reach places, like your back. Or, smaller round brushes which some find easier to hold.
After you've found your brush, use it daily to gently brush over your body using long strokes, going over each part of your body a few times. Be sure to stand in your shower or tub when doing your brushing as dead skin will fall off. I'm sure you don't want that on your bathroom floor!
Begin at your feet (don't forget the soles of your feet) and move the brush up your body towards your heart. Then move to your hands working your way up your arms and across your chest to your heart. When going over your stomach and upper chest, switch to a clockwise circular motion. It's important to always move the brush towards your heart because this is best for circulation and your lymphatic system.
The purpose is not to scrub your skin, rather to gently exfoliate it.
You don't want to damage or scratch your skin, so be sure to keep your pressure gentle. This is especially important in the beginning when your skin will naturally be more sensitive to this practice. The more you do it, the less sensitive your skin will be.
Once complete, your skin will be pink, however it shouldn't be red. If it's red, use less pressure next time. Avoid any area of the skin that has abrasions or feels irritated, varicose veins, genitals and face.*
Follow with a shower or bath cleansing your skin with a natural cleanser. When you come out, pat your skin dry and then apply a natural oil (you might want to try, argan oil; coconut oil; grapeseed oil; jojoba oil; sweet almond oil; or olive oil). If using an oil isn't for you, use a naturally derived lotion over your entire body. You don't want to lather chemicals over top your freshly exfoliated skin.
How Much Time Is Needed?
A sufficient amount of time is 3-5min from beginning to end. However, you can go up to 20min if you choose to.
When Is The Best Time To Dry Skin Brush?
You can dry skin brush one or two times per day (personally find that once a day is sufficient for me). It's preferred that this practice be done in the morning before a shower (or bath) because of the invigorating and energizing feeling it tends to give.
Do I Need To Clean My Brush?
Absolutely! Your brush needs to be cleaned regularly to remove dead skin cells that have become trapped in the bristles. If you're brushing daily like I am, I recommend cleaning your brush once a week. Wash your brush with mild cleanser or soap and warm water, then allow to air dry in a sunny place. (I place my brush on a clean towel on the windowsill to dry.)
My Final Thoughts:
Does dry skin brushing give all the results people rave about?
I can't say for sure. What I can say for sure is this:
The only financial investment required is a brush, which is relatively inexpensive. The investment of my time every morning is minimal and worth it for the invigorating and energizing feeling I receive. And I do believe that my skin feels and looks better. At the very least I'm giving my body a really good exfoliation every day and that can't hurt. What I know for sure is that I want to care for my skin as best I can and after giving dry skin brushing a try, I'm hooked on this practice!
Have you ever tried dry skin brushing and if so, what are your thoughts?
If you've enjoyed this blog, I'd greatly appreciate you sharing it so that others can benefit from reading it as well. Thank you.
Here's some other articles for you to enjoy:
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* Some say you can dry skin brush your face, however I haven't done it and therefore can't comment on it. If you're going to dry brush your face, be sure to get a brush specially designed for this purpose. The brush you use for your body will be too harsh, as the skin on your face is much more delicate.
