Unlocking Radiant Skin: The Art and Science of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a natural skincare technique that involves using a coarse, dry brush to gently exfoliate the skin. The process is typically performed before showering, and it's known for its ability to slough off dead skin cells, stimulate blood circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage.
Here are the benefits...
1. STIMULATES LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
In your body, your lymphatic system is the system responsible for eliminating cellular waste products. Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules allow waste to be collected from your tissues and transported to your blood for elimination, a process referred to as lymphatic drainage.
When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up & make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid…YES PLZ.
2. EXFOLIATES
Dry skin brushing removes dead dry skin, improves appearance, clears your clogged pores, & allows your skin to “breathe.”
3. INCREASES CIRCULATION
When you dry brush your skin, it increases circulation to your skin, which encourages the elimination of metabolic waste.
4. REDUCES CELLULITE
Dry skin brushing may help to soften hard fat deposits below the skin while distributing fat deposits more evenly. This may help to diminish the appearance of cellulite.
Dry brushing is also said to help reduce cellulite by removing toxins that may break down connective tissue, although some believe the effect is temporary ( & mostly a result of skin becoming more plump and swollen after brushing ). The Huffington Post reported: “when we’d heard dry skin brushing was an effective method for reducing cellulite, we knew we had to include it in our anti-cellulite road test. Sure enough, it was indeed one of the more successful ways to smooth away less-than-perfect spots on your legs.”
5. RELIEVES STRESS
The act of dry brushing has been described as meditative ( especially if you do it in a quiet space ) & may reduce muscle tension, calm your mind, & even relieve stress. Many compare it to a light whole-body massage.
6. IMPROVES DIGESTION & KIDNEY FUNCTION
Dry skin brushing may go even deeper, helping to support your digestion and organ function. According to one skin care and spa expert: “…many naturopathic doctors use dry brushing to help with bloating because 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, & more.”
7. IT’S INVIGORATING AF
Many people become “addicted” to dry skin brushing ( in a good way LIKE ME ) because it simply feels so good. Along with glowing & tighter skin, regular dry skin brushers report feeling invigorated after a quick session.
SOME SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRY BRUSHING FROM MIND BODY GREEN– CHECK IT:
1.) Start on dry skin before bathing & work in gentle circular, upward motions, then longer, smoother strokes.
2.) Always begin at the ankles in upwards movements towards the heart – the lymphatic fluid flows through the body towards the heart, so it’s important that you brush in the same direction.
3.) Your back is the only exception to the preceding rule; brush from the neck down to the lower back.
4.) After you’ve finished with the ankles, move up to the lower legs, thighs, stomach, back and arms. Be cautious of softer and sensitive skin around the chest & breasts, and never brush over inflamed skin, sores, sun-burnt skin, or skin cancer. ( Also: ensure you shower to wash away the dead skin cells & impurities ).
Tippity tip: Glide the Lift Gizmo up and down your body post dry brushing for the ultimate detox and sculpt.
Then follow it up with a slick moisturizer to nourish the skin— raw coconut oil WORKS WONDERS.