It’s common to cleanse and scrub the skin with a washcloth or loofah when you’re in the shower. But have you heard about dry brushing? In a nutshell, dry brushing involves brushing the skin with a dry brush before you shower to remove the layer of dead skin cells.
I like to dry brush for about a minute before I get into the shower. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out process (unless you’ve got time) but short and frequent works best for most of us.
With anything that is considered “alternative” there is often a lack of scientific evidence to indicate its benefits (obviously something to consider) but, this isn’t science it’s exfoliation, people!
Exfoliation has been practiced for hundreds of centuries by different cultures including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, East Indians, Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Russians, Turks, and Scandinavians. This was mainly done by similar mechanical exfoliation such as using corn cobs, crushed seashells, and sand. So you’re in good company.
What are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?
1. Detoxifying
The lymphatic system is where the body flushes out toxins and waste. The lymphatic system circulates through the body and carries white blood cells that fight infections. Dry brushing is long believed (like for centuries) to help stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance the detoxification process.
2. Exfoliation
Dry brushing really helps removing dead skin cells. Age, hormones, and environmental factors can affect the natural process of shedding dead skin cells, and can result in the build-up of dead cell layers. Exfoliation is vital at this stage to help eliminate the buildup of dead tissue.
Dry brushing is a gentler, easier and more affordable way to incorporate regular exfoliation into your daily routine. If the idea of using chemical peels is intimidating (and, like, why in the world would you put a chemical exfoliator all over your body anyway?) dry brushing can be a great alternative. It can be done anytime and anywhere, whether you’re at home or traveling. You really only need to invest in a dry brush once since it does not run out like chemical solutions.
3. Aids in circulation
Dry brushing is also great for the circulatory system, the body’s vital transport system for blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Dry brushing can help improve poor blood circulation by stimulating circulation which helps keep the blood flowing.
4. Cellulite
Some say dry brushing reduces the appearance of cellulite but I hesitate to claim that as a benefit here for two reasons. 1) There are no scientific studies to prove or refute this claim, and 2) Theres NOTHING wrong with having cellulite!*PSA: Do your part in crushing the patriarchal mindset by accepting and loving your cellulite and body exactly as it is. What a rebellious act that would be.
Other benefits of dry brushing include:
- Opens the pores
- Develops muscle tone
- Relaxes muscle tension
- Refreshes the nervous system
- Helps in digestion
- Relieves stress
- Energizing
What about ionic dry brushes?
I wrote a whole post about my experience with ionic dry brushing, but basically hen you brush your skin with an ionic body brush, you create a natural friction between the ion-charged copper bristles and your skin.
That friction creates negative ions on the surface of your skin, which in turn provides your body with a multitude of ‘spare’ electrons which are ready to neutralize free radicals that come into contact with your body. I thought that was kinda cool. And apparently the health benefits of dry brushing are greatly enhanced through the use of an ionic body brush.
How to Dry Brush
- It is suggested that you always brush towards the heart. Start at your feet and brush upwards towards the legs. Strokes ideally should be done 7 to 14 times on each portion of the skin.
- Next, move on to your hands and make upward sweeping strokes to your arms.
- Next target the neck area. Working on one side of the jawline, start from the earlobe and sweep all the way to the chin. Repeat on the opposite side.
- From the base of the back of the neck, sweep all the way to the collarbone. Start with one side, and afterwards work on the other.
- Targeting your breast area, brush with light strokes towards the heart starting from the collarbone. The pressure should be very light.
- Move to your belly and brush up towards the heart.
- Move on to your armpits and with your arm extended overhead, brush down and towards the chest.
- Next, start from your hips and sweep upwards to your armpits. Start with one side and repeat on the other side afterwards.
- Moving to your back, start from the tailbone sweeping up towards your head. Have someone help with the back for the places you can’t reach.
Like this? Share it on Pinterest! C’mon, you know you were gonna spend like two hours there anyway today 😉
