Benefits of dry brushing…you will want to do it!
Yup, I dry brush. After doing some research and listening to people sing its praises, I purchased my dry brush. Before I get deeper into today’s topic, you may have noticed that you are receiving this GreenNote Fitness newsletter and it’s not Thursday. What’s up with that? I’m traveling this week and internet connection is a little hit and miss. I wanted to be sure you got this week’s newsletter so sending a little early. I am hopeful you will enjoy it!
So back to dry brushing. Dry brushing is brushing for your skin. Skin is our biggest organ and one of its functions is to excrete toxins within our body. Dry brushing helps the skin do its job by unclogging pores and excrete toxins that become trapped in the skin.
Let’s take a look at five benefits that the Wellness Mama identifies. After you read these I think you will be wanting to know how it's done and where you can purchase this brush. Fear not, I will give you the details a little later in this newsletter.
Benefits
Lymphatic Support
The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin and proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and help the body detoxify itself naturally.
Exfoliation
This benefit is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. I noticed much softer skin in the first few days and weeks after I started dry brushing and my skin has stayed soft. Dry brushing is one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate skin.
Clean Pores
The added benefit of exfoliating the skin, is clearing oil, dirt and residue from the pores. Though it isn’t recommended to dry brush the face unless you have a special, more delicate brush, dry brushing helps improve pores on the rest of the body.
Cellulite Help
Though the evidence is anecdotal, I’ve found many accounts of people who claimed that regular dry brushing greatly helped their cellulite. There isn’t much research to back the cellulite claims, but dry brushing feels great and makes skin softer, so there isn’t really any downside to trying it!
Increased Energy and Blood Flow
I wouldn’t recommend dry brushing at night because it tends to give me a rush of energy. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy. Either way, dry brushing is part of my morning routine.
What type of brush to use
You want to ensure that the brush you use has natural bristles (not synthetic). The brushes come with long handles and shorter ones for travel. The one I use is from Sublime Beauty which I purchased on Amazon. It has natural bristles and a long wood handle. I have posted a picture of it on GreenNote Fitness Facebook page.
How often should you brush your skin?
This is something you should do daily, just make it a part of your routine. Before getting in the shower would be an ideal time to dry brush. As the name suggests, this is “dry” brushing and so make sure your skin is dry before you begin brushing. You don’t want to get the brush wet (only when you clean it).
Is there a particular way you should dry brush?
Absolutely. You want to begin at the feet and only brush towards your heart (for lymph flow). Brush front and back of your legs and keep moving up the body, making long sweeps with the brush. Brush your hands, arms, back and stomach. It is recommended to brush the abdomen in a couterclockwise motion. Don’t brush to hard. Your skin will be a little sensitive at first and may even turn a little pink. Over time your skin will be less sensitive. Just be sure to be gentle.
After you are done brushing then jump in the shower. This would be a great time for those hot / cold contrast showers (10 seconds warm followed by 20 seconds cold five times through). This really helps with blood flow and is invigorating. Finish showering, pat dry, and use a natural oil like coconut oil on your skin.
Next step, enjoy smoother and healthier skin!
As you can see there are many benefits and it doesn't take much time nor effort. We've discussed having a morning routine before; make this a part of it and look and feel better. Your skin and body will thank you.
To your journey,
Lisa Schaffer
GreenNote Fitness
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