Dry brushing is one of the best-kept secrets for beautiful skin. In case you don't know what it is, it's a technique where you brush your skin with a brush like the one above before you step into the shower. It exfoliates, stimulates circulation and so much more. Here are five reasons why you need to try dry body brushing- you won't be sorry!
1. It Wakes You Up
If you're a morning shower-taker, dry brushing will wake you up faster than a cup of coffee. Running the brush over your skin is tingling and gets all the blood flowing. It's also the perfect way to start your day, because by doing something great for yourself first thing, you're on track for a perfect morning routine; after your mini pamper-session, you can grab a healthy breakfast and then move onto the rest of your day feeling completely rejuvenated.
2. It Exfoliates
Exfoliation is key to fresh, radiant skin. It removes dead skin to reveal the new skin underneath, and is often done using scrubs and chemical exfoliants. However, dry brushing is a wonderful method of exfoliation, too, and by encouraging cell turnover your skin will look bright and new in no time.
3. It Might Help Reduce Cellulite
Studies show that increasing circulation to the skin could possibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. The dry skin brushing technique helps breakdown the toxic materials that accumulate in your body's fat cells to create cellulite, therein reducing its appearance.
4. It's detoxifying
Dry brushing helps shed dead skin cells, break down unwanted toxins, and can even help with ingrown hairs. It also assists in improving vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. By releasing these toxins, the body's discharge of metabolic waste is sped up so the body is able to run more efficiently.
5. It Helps Your Skin Absorb Nutrients
Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients from body washes or lotions by eliminating clogged pores. For your skin to receive the most benefits from body products, the pores need to be open- exfoliation and a hot shower will maximize those benefits.
How to Dry Brush
Start on dry skin before showering or bathing. Work with gentle upward, circular motions and long, smooth strokes. Beginning at your feet, work upwards towards the heart- this follows the lymphatic fluid flows in your body. Go from the ankles to the lower legs, thighs, stomach, back and arms in that order. You'll probably want to skip the chest because the skin in that area tends to be thin and sensitive. Once you're finished, wash away the dead skin cells and impurities with a bath or shower. Then, follow with your favorite moisturizer to complete the routine for smooth, radiant skin. You can do this every time you shower, and it's great if you're able to do so daily.
Try body brushing every day for one month and you'll definitely start to see a difference!