How and Why to Dry Brush

Exfoliation is great for the skin and creates a wonderfully smooth complexion. But dry brushing your body is exfoliation amplified. Some consider it part of their beauty routine, but dry brushing? It does so much more than bring on that beauty glow. Roll down to learn more why you should consider this a regular habit and why it is one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective routines to promote healthy skin and body.

Benefits to Regularly Dry Brushing Your Skin

First, the beautification benefits:

Dull, dead skin is buffed away. The act of brushing sloughs off dry skin exposing a new, youthful layer.

Your complexion glows. The blood flow it creates gives a rosy complexion and tighter skin.

Dry brushing helps keep acne away. Dry brushing opens and clears the pores of dirt and grime that could contribute to acne.

Dry brushing is a great start to your skin routine. Serums or moisturizers you use after dry brushing can be readily absorbed because of the pore-opening results of the technique.

Some say it can help banish cellulite. No proof on this one, but many claim it helps diminish that stubborn combination of fat and connective tissue.

As if that isn't impressive, read on to the health benefits:

Circulation is enhanced. Dry brushing wakes up the circulatory and lymphatic systems bringing blood to your organs as well as filtering waste. Find out more here about how our circulatory and lymphatic systems work and why they are so crucial.

Dry brushing can help detoxify you. It helps move the lymphatic system along, therefore, drainage of fluids

Your kidneys and colon will thank you. The heightened circulatory and lymphatic system aids in digestion and kidney function.

Dry brushing regularly keeps you aware of your body and any changes. Dry brushing is a great time to do skin exams. It keeps you aware of any changes you may notice over time to moles or texture, etc.

The act can energize you. Dry brushing enhances your level of alertness as it is invigorating. Dry skin brushing also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

How to Dry Brush

The dry brush method really takes only minutes, but keep in mind these tips and 3 step process to get it right:

Tips

Always brush towards the heart.
Make long, graceful, upward sweeps.
Avoid harsh movements or back and forth sweeps.
Do not brush too hard. Your skin may be pink from increased blood flow but this should not hurt.
Do not brush injured or bruised skin or scrapes, cuts, etc.

Process

Start brushing your skin at your feet and work up your legs (front and back) and hips one at a time.
Next, start brushing up your torso, your sides and your back. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise.
Then, work the brush from your hands up the arms, both sides, toward your chest. Sweep over your shoulders onto your chest as well. On your neck, brush down towards your heart.

When to Dry Brush

Any time you will do a health routine is the right time really. Find out when its fits into your day best for you. But, many find the ideal time to dry brush is before showering or bathing for the day. It can be energizing so you may want to think about this as part of your morning routine - every day or even a few times a week depending on your skin sensitivity. Place the brush near your towel so you won't forget!

Type of Dry Brushes

Put that hairbrush down. Don't even think about that. Your dry brush should contain bristles that are natural, not synthetic. The bristles should be somewhat stiff, but not too hard. Look for one that has an attachable handle for hard-to-reach spots, too. Many health food stores and Whole Foods carry a variety of them.

I, personally, own this Merben Jute Body Brush with short handle ($27.17) and love it. But, I hear this Yerba Prima Tampico Body Brush with the long handle option ($8.75) is great, too. Both are at Amazon.

Regularly wash your dry brush with hot, soapy water and air dry to keep bacteria away that could cause breakouts or infections.

So, tell me. Are you a dry brusher? Please do share with the readers your experience with this technique or if there are any dry brushes that are your favorite.

brush: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/benklemm/28471374/">b.e.n.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>
start: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/5749192025/">stevendepolo</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>
heart: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xurde/243322489/">xurde</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>
clock: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fjtu/2829021471/">FJTUrban (sommelier d mojitos)</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>

Reinhard Goldschmidt