THE BEST AND UNKNOWN BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING
Many times we worry about taking care the skin on our face, exfoliating it, cleaning it and moisturizing it regularly, but when was the last time we took care of the skin of the rest of our body?
After all, the skin is the largest organ. Thankfully, there is a simple treatment that can be added to your routine that could significantly improve it: dry brushing!
And when we talk about improving the skin, we are not only referring to the aesthetic aspect, which is also very important. The benefits of dry brushing go much further, offering health benefits to the entire body.
DRY BRUSHING: KEY BENEFITS
The skin is a complex system made up of nerves, glands and cell layers, which when healthy, serves as a buffer that helps protect the body from extreme temperatures and chemicals.
Our skin also produces antibacterial substances that protect us from infections and allows our body to produce vitamin D when exposed to the sun. It is even full of nerve endings, which act as messengers for the brain, making our skin a crucial part of the interaction with the world around us.
Another crucial role the skin plays is support for optimal detoxification. But if the skin is full of toxins or dead cells, it will not be able to efficiently remove waste from the body.
This is where dry brushing can be valuable, not only in removing dead skin cells, but also in triggering the removal of waste through the lymph nodes. Beyond this, dry brushing offers multiple benefits including:
1. Stimulates the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is responsible for removing cellular waste. Hundreds of thousands of lymphatic tubules collect waste from your tissues and transport it to the blood for removal, a process called lymphatic drainage.
When the lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating the lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry brushing is a powerful detox aid.
2. Exfoliation
Dry brushing removes dead skin, improves skin's appearance, clears clogged pores, and allows skin to "breathe." The skin is so soft and clean that it allows the perfect penetration of cosmetic creams. Also, if you like to use self-tanner, it will be uniform and perfect.
Dry brushing helps remove ingrown hairs and unsightly pimples from arms and legs. The skin is much softer, neither dry nor flaky.
3. Increases Circulation
When we brush the skin using dry exfoliation, it increases the circulation of the skin, which promotes the elimination of metabolic waste.
4. Reduces the appearance of Cellulite
Dry brushing may help soften hard fat deposits under the skin while distributing fat deposits more evenly. This could help diminish the appearance of cellulite. If this treatment is combined with a cellulite massage, the result is spectacular.
Also, dry brushing helps reduce cellulite by removing toxins that can break down connective tissue.
5. Alleviates Stress
The act of dry brushing is described by many women as a gentle full-body massage, while simultaneously relaxing and energizing them. For many of them, it is a moment of great tranquility, especially if it is done in a quiet space. It can certainly help reduce muscle tension, calm the mind, and relieve stress.
6. Improves Digestion and Kidney Function
The benefits of dry brushing can even go further, helping to support digestion and organ function.
"Naturopathic doctors use dry brushing to help with swelling. Massaging the lymph nodes helps the body eliminate excess water and toxins. One of the immediate effects of dry brushing is smoother skin, but it can also help improve digestion, kidney function and much more.”
7. It's Invigorating
Many women get "hooked" on dry brushing because it feels so good. Along with glowing, firmer skin, people who brush regularly report feeling energized after a session.
Dry Brushing: How to do it
First, a high-quality dry brush is necessary. It must have the bristles made with natural materials. They should feel stiff but not too stiff.
Dry brushing can be done daily for optimal results. Ideally, incorporate it into your normal daily routine, for example before your morning shower or after work.
One piece of advice, avoid dry brushing close to bedtime, as it could give you energy.
When you exfoliate your body, always brush towards your heart, as this is best for circulation and the lymphatic system. You can brush your entire body (including the soles of your feet). Start at your feet and work your way down your legs, up to your arms, chest, back, and stomach. Don't brush your face (unless you have a special brush designed for delicate skin), your genitals, or any areas with irritations or abrasions (including varicose veins).
The pressure that should be applied while brushing the skin should be firm and constant, not painful (not "scrubbing") using circular movements.
Skin should be pink after a session (not red or irritated) and you can brush as much (or as little) as you like. An average session can last between two and 20 minutes.
Try it...You will probably be hooked
A Successful Plan For Perfect Skin
Eating a healthy diet is the number one strategy to help your body naturally detoxify.
Adding dry brushing to a healthy diet will magnify its benefits. That said, certain foods are particularly effective at promoting clear, beautiful, and healthy skin, so if you're not already consuming them on a regular basis, now is a good time to start:
- Animal based Omega 3 (fish)
- Vegetables: Ideally, they should be fresh, organic, and cultivated locally. Fruit or vegetable smoothies and juices are perfect for you skin too. The carotenoids that give red, orange, and yellow fruits their color and are also found in green vegetables make skin look healthier and tan better.
The routine that can help you remove dead skin and reveal glowing skin is as follows:
- Use a dry body brush to get rid of dead skin and stimulate the lymphatic system. Always do it on dry skin for a few minutes before showering.
- Avoid using soap all over your body, or use as little as possible, especially in winter or dry climates, as it can promote and aggravate dry skin.
- After bathing apply a thick body lotion, or natural moisturizing oil (not mineral oil or baby oil) to help seal in moisture; coconut oil works well for this purpose.
If you are worried about cellulite, localized fat or the accumulation of liquids in your body, vigorous and uniform dry brushing can be a great ally.
