Photo : @habitsofhayleigh
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRY BRUSHING
WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?
Dry brushing is the simple act of brushing your entire body with a soft-bristled brush in long, upward strokes. It’s something that has been around for centuries in Japanese, Russian and Turkish cultures. You can practice this at home or even find it in some European spas.
Dry brushing is the perfect self-care ritual that can be adapted to your mood and your routine. It only takes 5-10 minutes, and the benefits are incredible!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Increases circulation
Like a massage, the pressure from the brush strokes stimulates blood flow in your body. The energy from the stimulation can provide relief from symptoms such as arthritis
Exfoliates the skin
Brushing helps remove dead/dull skin that gets caught on the surface, in order to make way for the supple skin underneath! That’s why it feels so soft afterwards!
Naturally detoxes the body
The term “detox” refers to our body’s natural way of getting rid of toxins. Our body will naturally go through a cycle of ridding “detoxing” itself by way of the lymphatic system – ever heard of lymphatic drainage? – dry brushing acts in a similar way!
The brushing process stimulates the lymph nodes that lie directly under the surface of your skin and helps move the lymph along. Note that the lymph system only flows in one direction, towards the heart, so it’s important to always brush in that way – up the legs, up the arm and up the tummy towards the chest area!
Relieves stress
Dry brushing can become a nice addition to your morning or nighttime routine and later create a habit, something you look forward to doing because it means carving out some time for yourself.
A recent study published in the Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews journal indicates that ritualistic behaviours and routines can help us cope with our stress. An even better reason to do it!
HOW TO DO IT?
When is the best time?
The best time to dry-brush is right before you shower because once your skin gets plump, it’s harder to remove the dead/dull skin.
What kind of brush?
Look for a brush with a sturdy wooden handle and soft bristles – not too scratchy. I got mine on Amazon. SO easy!
Where to start?
Start with your feet and work your way towards your heart. Use long strokes and remember, don’t brush too hard, this is skin we’re talking about!
You can apply more pressure to areas like your knees and elbows, where the skin is thicker. Use light circular motions on your tummy and chest and avoid brushing your groin, breasts, or face, as these areas are too sensitive!
You can brush each section 7-10 times. Be careful not to overdo it.
Once you’re done, hop in the shower and lather with a gentle body wash and DON’T use anything with beads, like a scrub, for example. You’ve already done the exfoliating with the brush!
To get the best results, you should implement dry brushing at least 2-3 times a week!
PRECAUTIONS
There are a few things to consider, friends!
- Don’t brush any sensitive, bruised, or damaged skin, such as sunburns, open wounds, eczema and psoriasis
- Don’t dry brush freshly shaven skin, wait 1-2 days!
I hope this helped and provided some insight into a ritual that I have personally been loving recently! I like to go into the bathroom after my workout, turn on a little podcast and dry brush before I shower. It’s a really nice way to take some time for yourself in the morning or evening!
Bisous!