By: Jana Sauma
Want to slim down, firm up, and get your circulation going? Look no further than your local health food store! After all the perfumed scrubs and perfumed anti-cellulite creams we’ve used, dry brushing may seem a bit too simple. But this popular spa technique is an effective way to get your body looking svelte and smooth. Many big name celebrities and models – such as Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian – use this technique to maintain their figures and get glowing skin!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dry brushing exfoliates and stimulates the body’s circulation and lymphatic systems. Many naturopathic doctors use dry brushing to help with bloating as massaging the lymph nodes helps the body shed excess water and toxins. One of the immediate effects of dry brushing is smoother skin, but it can also help improve digestion, kidney function, and more.
BRUSH BASICS
You can pick up a dry brush at most health food stores or at beauty stores like The Body Shop. Either way, make sure to get a brush made with natural, non-synthetic bristles and pick one that is fairly stiff. The best time to dry brush is first thing in the morning, before you shower, but you can also do it before bed.
HOW OFTEN?
Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can do daily. Try it at least twice a week to see results!
BRUSHING TECHNIQUE
Begin at the ankles and brush upward using light but firm strokes. You always want to brush toward the heart because that is the way the lymph flows naturally. After you finish your legs, brush your stomach, arms, and shoulders. Your skin may be a little pink afterward, but it shouldn’t hurt – if it does, you need to lay off the pressure! It’s also important to avoid sensitive areas such as genitalia, open cuts, abrasions, active acne and any patches of eczema or psoriasis.
DRY BRUSHING BENEFITS
- Perks up skin color and clarity
- Unclogs follicles and pores
- Allows the skin to breathe better
- Assists in the elimination of toxins and wastes
- Improves the skin’s texture through the elimination of dead skin cells and cell renewal
- Improves skin hydration and reduces the appearance of cellulite (can I have an “amen”?)
- Stimulates the skin’s overall function and increases blood and lymphatic circulation, which will allow you to feel more energized and invigorated (perfect when we sit all day studying for finals!)
- Allows better absorption of products
TIPS ON DRY BRUSHING
- Avoid the face! While dry brushing is excellent for exfoliating skin, this body brush will be too rough for the delicate skin on your face
- It’s sometimes best to dry brush in the shower (with the water off) since there may be a lot of dead skin brushed off
- Try using a natural and healthier body soap (like those containing natural peppermint or tea tree oil) since the pores in your skin are open and clear
- It is not necessary to use soap to wash up in the shower or bath after dry brushing; your skin is as clean as it can be
HOT TIP
After dry brushing, drink a glass of hot water and lemon to help jumpstart your digestive system. This is a great way to start or end your day!
Images from:
http://www.koraorganics.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/body-brushing.jpg
http://www.blisstree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/what-is-dry-bushing.jpg
http://www.koraorganics.com/bl…
Sources:
http://www.jashbotanicals.com/articles/skin_brushing.html
http://www.birchbox.com/the-haute-box/dry-brushing-101/