Most people routinely take care of the skin on their face, cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing, most do not take the same care with the skin on the rest of their body. Skin is your largest organ and it’s overall health and appearance can be improved by adding one simple step to your morning routine – dry brushing.
Your skin is a protective organ, preventing toxins and debris from entering your body. Your skin also detoxifies your body. If it is clogged with dead skin cells, dirt and oil, it can’t function properly.
Daily dry brushing not only removes dead skin cells, it also stimulates the lymphatic system, aiding in the detoxification of your body. Additionally, dry brushing increases circulation which aids in the elimination of cellular waste products.
Got cellulite (and who doesn’t)? Dry brushing helps diminish cellulite by softening hard fatty deposits below the skin and leads to a more even distribution of the underlying fat layer. Toxins affecting the connective tissue of the skin can cause the dimpling appearance of cellulite. By revving up the lymphatic system, those toxins are flushed from the body.
How to Dry Brush
Most important is to purchase a good quality brush with natural bristles. They should be stiff, but not overly so. A brush that has a long handle, to reach your back and other hard to reach areas is a must. Some brushes are convertible so that the long handle can be removed to use the brush in your hand.
You should always brush toward your heart. Begin with the soles of your feet and work your way up. You should avoid the genitals, any area with broken skin (and varicose veins) and your face, unless you have a brush with bristles designed to be used on the delicate tissue of the face. The pressure should be firm, but not painfully so.
Typically, a dry brushing session should take form five to 15 minutes, but you can go as long as you like. Dry brushing is oddly relaxing and can be addictive – in a good way. At the end of your dry brushing session, your skin should be pink, not red or irritated.