The skin is the largest organ in our body, so it makes sense that ramping up your skin care regime can make significant improvements in your health. When you think about skin care, you probably think about facial cleansers, skin creams and lotions. Have you ever heard of dry brushing? If you haven’t, let me tell you more about it.
What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is when you brush your skin in a certain way with a dry brush that looks very much like a long-handled bath brush. People usually dry brush their skin prior to taking a shower.
There are certain brushing patterns to be aware of when dry brushing. Most people begin with their feet and brush toward their chest or heart. Then they do the same starting at their hands and brushing again toward their chest.
I have a dry brush and it feels amazing! It does not just feel great, there are some fabulous health benefits to doing this.
Heath Benefits of Dry Brushing
- Exfoliate Obviously this is probably the first benefit you will notice when you begin dry brushing. The brush helps to loosen and remove dead skin cells. If you remain diligent, you should notice your skin feeling much softer.
- Pore Cleansing As the dead skin cells are removed, so are oil, dirt and other residue from your skin’s pores.
- Lymphatic Support: Your lymphatic system is a crucial part of your immune system. Dry brushing can improve the function of the lymph nodes, vessels and ducts that transport lymph through your body. The brushing has the ability to stimulate this system to increase the flow and help the body rid itself of toxins.
- Improving Circulation and Blood Flow: As you would imagine, dry brushing will help your blood flow better which improves circulation and can even help you feel energized.
What Kind of Brush Should You Buy?
There are many dry brushes available to choose from. You should select one that has a firm brush made of natural bristles. They usually have a long handle similar to a bath brush so that you have the ability to brush your back as well as the back side of your legs and feet. I got my brush on Amazon but you can find them at many other stores.
Dry Brushing Technique
As I stated above, it is best to dry brush your skin before you shower.
You can research different techniques online but the basic method is to start at your feet and use long, continuous strokes brushing upward to the tops of your legs. You can repeat this action for 5 or 10 times and then do the other leg.
After you have finished your feet and legs, start with your hands and brush the back of your hands and arms and then the palm of your hands and inner arm up toward your chest area. Again you can do this 5 to 10 times on each side.
Next, you can do your back and trunk area. If the brush is too hard for your mid section, you can get a softer brush for that area and the softer brush can be used on your face as well.
Remember when starting to take it easy, perhaps start with 5 times working up to 10 times over a week or so. Do not use so much pressure that the process is painful or makes your skin red or raw. Naturally your skin will be somewhat pink tinged but never red.
So what about you? Have you tried dry brushing? Are you anxious to try?
