We all already know the benefits of bringing bristles to the body. From brushing your teeth to brushing your hair and eyebrows – brushing wakes your senses up and keeps your hygiene in tip-top condition. Why not awaken your skin too? That’s right, we’re getting into dry brushing!
Dry brushing is a centuries-old beauty ritual originating in India and practiced as a kind of Ayurvedic medicine. This may not be the first time you hear about dry brushing, but let’s get into the details of its benefits and how you can do it at home…
What is dry brushing?
It’s quite self-explanatory really. Simply put – dry brushing involves using a coarse brush against the skin. It’s an exfoliation method that makes use of a body brush to gently massage your skin in an upward direction toward the heart to stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxins through your pores. It’s a form of mechanical exfoliation which works to remove dead skin cells from your skin physically with either a granular substance or a tool.
Dry brushing can be done on the entire body and as the name infers, there are no lotions, oils, or water used in the process. When the brush comes into contact with dry skin, friction is created through the motion of scrubbing. This removes dead skin cells. Once any form of liquid is added friction is reduced and the act won’t be dry brushing.
Once you’ve dry-brushed your body and loosened all of your dead skin cells, then hop into the shower to rinse it all off.
The benefits of dry brushing
- Stimulating the lymphatic system and drainage.
- Exfoliating the skin.
- Helping the body rid itself of toxins.
- Increasing circulation and energy.
- Helping to break down cellulite.
- Glowing and healthy-looking skin.
- Will assist in relaxation.
Be aware of the risks
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, chat with your doctor before dry brushing.
When to avoid dry brushing:
- Open wounds.
- Inflamed skin.
- Eczema.
- Psoriasis.
This will invite bacteria into the skin and cause infection.
How to dry brush your body
- Start at your feet and move up your body.
- Brush your skin using wide, circular, clockwise motions.
- Use light, even pressure in areas where your skin is thin and harder pressure on thicker skin, like the soles of your feet.
- Brush your arms after you have brushed your feet, legs, and midsection. Brush upward towards your armpits.
- After dry brushing, take a cool shower to help remove the dry skin.
- After your shower, dry off and then consider adding natural plant oil, such as olive or coconut oil, to moisturize your skin.
When you first start dry brushing, it’s best to begin with light brushing. As you get used to it, you can increase the pressure.
Dry brush like a pro
- Dry brushing is best done before showering.
- Make sure your skin is completely dry before you start.
- Apply slightly firm pressure.
- Move in a direction toward your heart.
Always remember to moisturize once you’ve hopped out of the shower. Happy dry brushing!
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Feature Image: Pexels
