You probably brush your hair, and your teeth (hopefully with natural toothpaste), but do you brush your skin? And why would you?
Dry Brushing for Skin
This practice has been gaining popularity lately and with good reason. “Dry brushing” is offered on the menu at spas in hotels too. Dry Brushing has many potential benefits from smoother skin to helping with lymphatic drainage. So what is it and why should you consider doing it?
Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like… brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush, usually before showering. In dry brushing, the skin is typically brushed toward the heart, starting at the feet and hands and brushing toward the chest.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing feels great and makes skin softer, but there are other benefits as well:
1. Lymphatic Support
The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin and proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and help the body detoxify itself naturally.
2. Exfoliation
This benefit is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. You will notice much softer skin in the first few days and weeks after you start dry brushing and your skin has stayed soft. Dry brushing is one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate skin. You’ll love the benefit of skin brushing and how soft your skin feels when you do this regularly!
3. Clean Pores (& Smaller Pores!)
The added benefit of exfoliating the skin is clearing oil, dirt and residue from the pores. Using a specialised smaller gentler dry brush for the face, you’ll notice that your face is softer and your pores are much less noticeable.
4. Cellulite Help
Though the evidence is anecdotal, you would have found many accounts of people who claimed that regular dry brushing greatly helped their cellulite. There isn’t much research to back the cellulite claims, but dry brushing feels great and makes skin softer, so there isn’t really any downside to trying it!
5. Natural Energy Boost
Dry brushing is said to give you a natural energy boost. For this reason, dry brushing is not recommended at night but it is great in the morning. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy. Either way, dry brushing should be part of your morning routine.
Selecting a Dry Brush
Use a firm, natural bristle brush with a handle, which allows you to reach your entire back and easily brush the bottoms of your feet and the backs of your legs.
Choose a dry brush set for cellulite massaging or dry body brushing because it includes a face brush and two body brushes with different firmness. Remember your skin is much more sensitive when starting out, so opt for the softer one. You can then progress to a much prefer the firmer brush.
How to Dry Brush: The Method
Dry brushing can be done daily, preferably in the morning before showering. Start with a gentle brush and soft pressure. Work up to a firmer brush and more firm pressure over time.
Here’s How to Dry Brush the Skin:
- Starting at the feet, brush the bottoms of your feet and up your legs in long, smooth strokes. Typically brush each section of skin 10 times. For lymph flow, always brush toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains. As a good rule of thumb, always brush toward the centre of the body.
- Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. Again, brush each section of skin 10 times.
- On the stomach and armpits, brush in a circular
clockwise motion. - Repeat the process on your abdomen and back and your face with a more delicate brush.
Note:
- Don’t brush too hard! A soft and smooth stroke often works best. Your skin is slightly pink after brushing, but it should never be red or sting. If it hurts at all, use less pressure!
- Brush before showering and use a natural lotion after showering.
- Replace the brush every 6-12 months as the bristles will eventually wear out. You’re recommended to wash the brush every few weeks to remove dead skin cells.
But, Does Dry Brushing Actually Work?
The evidence is divided and several sources point out the obvious fact – there have not been any specific scientific studies about dry brushing. Much of the evidence, especially relating to the cellulite benefit, is anecdotal and much more research would be needed before dermatologists would consider it a legitimate medical treatment.
Here’s the thing: It isn’t meant to be a medical treatment and shouldn’t be considered one. Supporters of dry brushing claim that it can stimulate the lymph system, help the body rid itself of toxins and increase circulation or energy. Even dermatologists agree that gently brushing the skin does have exfoliating benefits and may stimulate the body in a way similar to massage, which certainly does have well-documented benefits
Skin brushing is very invigorating, and it can’t hurt, so it has become part of your daily routine.
Especially during pregnancy, dry brushing seemed to help keep many from getting stretch marks and also seemed to help tighten skin after pregnancy.
Reference:
wellnessmama.com
www.allure.com
theheartysoul.com
