Do You Dry Brush?
Dry brushing—a centuries-old method of exfoliating skin—is not high-tech, but its benefits are real. It has been touted as an effective way to slough off dry winter skin, increase circulation, accelerate detoxification and digestion, and even combat stubborn cellulite.
While dry brushing may not be right for everyone (for example, people with extremely sensitive skin), it is generally a safe and easy way to take care of your skin—from head to toe.
For most of us in the dry winter months, our skin could use a little extra TLC. So what are you waiting for!
Benefits of Dry Brushing
There are many benefits of dry brushing but these are the main reasons I do it:
Detoxification: Dry brushing helps with detoxification and gets our lymph system moving. Our lymphatic system is a major part of our immune system and flushes/filters out waste products and cellular debris from our body. It moves the debris and waste through the system with muscle contractions and dry brushing can help this process along.
Exfoliation: Dry brushing will slough off dead skin cells leaving softer and smoother skin. This is especially great for winter months!
DRY BRUSHING 101
Pick a brush with natural fibers and a firmness you can comfortably tolerate (I started with a soft one and moved up to a firm one as I got used to it).
Ideally dry brush every day, preferably in the morning before you get in the shower (I keep
mine hanging on the shower door so I can use it while I am waiting for the water to get warm).
Make long soft upward strokes starting at your feet and working upwards. Up your legs, your torso (front and back), hands and arms, and neck. Always make strokes going towards the heart.
Repeat strokes several times before moving on to the next area.
Ideally wash the brush every couple of weeks (I am very bad at remembering to do this).