Are You Dry Brushing? You Should Be. Here’s How.

Are You Dry Brushing? You Should Be. Here’s How.

dry-brushing

It was years ago when I first read the benefits of dry brushing, including magical results such as reduced cellulite, improved lymphatic drainage, and glowing skin.

Just to be clear – anything that can offer me those three things, I am going to try immediately.

But, was rubbing a firm-bristled brush that seemed best suited for a farm animal up and down my body really going to make me morph into Miranda Kerr, who swears by dry brushing?

Well, I was certainly going to try and see.

Health Benefits of Dry Brushing:

There are several touted health benefits to dry brushing, beyond the slightly redder (and more sensitive) skin you will have from rubbing what is essentially a loofah brush all over yourself.

Similar to exfoliating your face, some of the benefits will be immediately obvious – such as skin so soft you can’t stop petting yourself.

Other health benefits are not 100% certain, but they’re compelling enough to consider.

After all, if Gwyneth Paltrow says to do it – then gimme the brush and let’s get started:

1. Exfoliation:

If you have an autoimmune disease like me, or you struggle with health issues that may not be diagnosed (or maybe they are), then there is a likely chance you have extra inflammation in your body.

Plus, a sluggish immune system means you’re probably not flushing toxins from your body as expediently as you should be.

Dry brushing does the same thing for your body as exfoliating does for your face – it removes the top layer of dead skin, allowing your pores to breathe and your skin to shine.

2. Circulation:

You can thank all the extra blood flow for that redness and glow, too, since dry brushing increases circulation in your body – aka, blood flow.

3. Detoxification:

And, increased blood flow improves the function of your lymphatic system – which is responsible for carrying white blood cells throughout your body to fight off infections and help your body move waste.

Bottom line: dry brushing assists with your body’s natural detoxification process. Hurray. 

4. Cellulite:

Increased circulation can help with improving the look and feel of cellulite.

Some people swear by it.

For me, I’ve had better luck with pilates.

But, I sure do like having softer skin – even if it’s not cellulite free, so I keep dry brushing anyway.

Who knows, maybe someday I’ll be amazed at the effects on cellulite.

#PrayerHands

5. Energizing:

I certainly feel that dry brushing helps me wake up faster in the morning.

The activity of dry brushing also helps with loosening up and warming up my joints and body quicker than normal, too.

Then, that hot shower feels even better than ever on your skin.

Types of Dry Brushes:

dry-brushing

If you’re sold on the health benefits (even the ones we aren’t 100% sure are true), then dry brushing might be for you.

Luckily, this is self-care at it’s easiest.

And cheapest.

Dry brushes are super affordable and come in two main varieties: handled and handless.

Handles are easy to store and allow you to reach areas like the middle of your back.

dry-brushing

Handless make for great travel, are a bit cuter, and give you a bit more control.

dry-brushing

Pick your poison.

Or, grab both.

I mean, at this price, why not.

How To Dry Brush Correctly:

The practice of dry brushing is simple: You brush moving towards your heart in short, smooth brush strokes.

Start with a hand and move up the arm towards the heart. Do the other.

Start at your foot and ankle and brush in small strokes moving up the legs towards the heart.

You get the idea.

Move circulation towards the heart.

Follow with a hot shower.

Follow that shower with a super moisturizing lotion.

Enjoy the smoothest skin of your life.

What Not To Do:

dry-brushing

When it comes to dry brushing, it’s pretty hard to mess it up.

But, there are ways.

For one thing, don’t feel like you need to dry brush every day. 2-3 times a week is great. Even once a week will bring results.

If you love it, and your skin can tolerate it, there’s no harm in dry brushing every day, either.

And, if you dry brush on a day where you are out in the sun, make sure you lather on the sunscreen.

I mean, you should be already – but it’s worth mentioning.

If it’s uncomfortable for you. Stop. Try a softer brush. This is not a “no pain, no gain” situation. While it won’t feel like a massage, it should not be painful in any way.

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That’s it!

Dry brushing is one of the fastest, easiest, most affordable ways to supercharge your skin, slough off dead skin, improve circulation, and put a little pep in your step first thing in the morning.

Have you tried it before? What did you think?

If you love it, you will probably also love dry brushing your face. You’ll want to use a different brush. Read my post on how to dry brush your face.

Have a fabulous day,

E

 

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