Have you heard of dry brushing? Ever wanted to know more or maybe give it a try? Let's chat about the skin benefits dry brushing has on your body. Dry brushing is using a natural stiff-bristled body brush to mechanically exfoliate your dull dry winter skin. The pressure and motion of brushing helps you detoxify by increasing blood circulation to the area you are brushing. This pressure also promotes lymph flow and drainage. Dry brushing can also help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. It stimulates your nervous system which in turn naturally makes you feel more relaxed and happy. What's not to love right? Let's delve deeper and look at the why, what and how of dry brushing.
- Why a dry brush?
A hot shower feels great right? But, have you noticed after that hot shower your skin is drier and tighter than ever? You have lost skin moisture. Brushing your body while it is dry allows you to exfoliate those dead skin cells , increase circulating blood flow and maintain your current level of moisture. Plus it feels so divine! The shower will come after the dry brushing!
- What brush do I use?
You will want to use a natural stiff-bristled bath/shower brush. Some brushes have bristles that are stiffer than others so your choice here will depend on your skin’s sensitivity and preference. Our dry brush is shaped to fit comfortably in your hand and includes a strap for ease of use. Click here to view our dry brush.
- How do I brush my body?
Start with dry skin and use a natural bristled brush that feels comfortable in your hand. Start at your feet and work your way upward in long fluid strokes. Take your time and enjoy it. A few overlapping swipes of the brush per area is enough. You do not need to rub yourself raw. If you go over one area too long you can damage the integrity of the skin which we do not want! Switch to circular motions on your torso. Continue to work in the upward direction. Your abdomen, breasts and neck area can be very sensitive so lighten up your pressure as you go. A long handle can be helpful on your brush so that you can get to your back alone, which can be brushed in downward strokes. I love having my husband brush my back! Dry brushing can be a very sensual bonding experience. Wink, wink. You may discover that your partner finds great pleasure in having you dry brush their body, but I do digress here.
- When should I brush?
The best time to dry brush is just before you take your shower. I prefer doing this as part of my bedtime routine; others find it an invigorating wake up in their morning routine. Showering allows you to wash off any dead skin cells and flaky skin. You can dry brush once daily followed by a lovely shower. I recommend applying lotion or body butter to your damp skin as you exit the shower to lock that moisture in.
- Can I dry brush if I have sensitive skin?
Possibly! You will need to use a much softer brushing technique (and possibly a very soft bristled brush) and ease up if the pressure seems too much. If you find you are highly sensitive I would not recommend dry brushing. Never brush over skin that is broken. This could include things such as cuts, scrapes, lesions, sores or burned skin, including sunburns! Don’t brush over areas of infection, redness or general irritation, inflammation, cellulitis or any type of skin cancer. I do not recommend dry brushing if you have eczema or psoriasis. You should stop dry brushing if your skin becomes irritated or inflamed. I do not recommend dry brushing your face with this brush. That being said, facial skin rollers are fabulous and I will do a blog post on those in the near future!
So give it a shot! Try dry brushing for yourself. I would love to hear how your experience goes! Here's to healthy beautiful skin!
Let's chat soon.....
~ Sonya
Disclaimer: I hope you have found my blog useful and helpful. I am a professional registered nurse of 23 years and my blog posts are intended for informational and educational purposes only. They should not be seen as health, nutritional or medical advice. I am not a doctor nor have I ever played one on TV. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I recommend checking with your doctor before beginning any new treatment as I am unaware of your entire medical history.
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