What does dry brushing do? Learn about dry skin brushing benefits, how to dry brush your skin, and the best type of dry brush to use.
What if I told you that there's one thing you can every day for smoother skin and overall better health and wellness? What if I told you that it will take you less than five minutes a day?
Oh, and it's free.
Interested? I was too. When I got a dry brush a few months ago, I wanted it for my skin, not knowing about dry skin brushing benefits.
When both of my boys started occupational therapy, the first thing their OTs did was brush them. They used the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) method with a surgical brush.
I'll be honest, I never thought that would work. Even after seeing it work with David, I thought it would never work for Caleb. But it did; it helps them calm down and relax. When I was learning what is dry brushing skin, this is immediately where my mind went.
Dry brushing is on the list of services at high end salons all over the country, but you can do it at home in just a few minutes with the same results. Dry skin brushing benefits are numerous, and it's easy to do.
What is Dry Body Brushing?
What is Dry Brushing Skin?
Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like. You use a dry brush on your skin. There is a a technique to use and some tips to help you get the most out of it, but it's a fairly simple process.
The largest organ in your body is your skin, but your skin is more than just what you can see on the outside of your body. Under the top layer of skin are nerve cells that send messages to your brain. Dry brushing helps stimulate these nerves.
Your skin also helps your body detox. But when your skin is clogged with dead skin cells and toxins, it can't filter out the bad stuff and detox your body.
Learning what is dry brushing skin helps get rid of the dead skin cells on the top of your skin. It's said to also help support your body's lymphatic system and help your body get rid of waste products.
Dry Skin Brushing Benefits
Exfoliating
Like I said, I wanted to try it to exfoliate my skin. There are up to 20 layers of dead skin cells on the top of your skin at any given time.
When you exfoliate, you remove some of these layers so your skin feels softer and looks healthier. If you suffer from body acne, brushing can also help unclog pores for fewer blemishes.
Circulation
Any time you massage your skin, you'll improve circulation. When you rub the brush over your body, you'll help lymphatic fluid circulate through your body. Lymphatic fluid is what moves waste products and helps eliminate them.
Cellulite
Nearly all women and some men have cellulite somewhere on their bodies. Dry brushing can help soften these fat deposits so the fat is more evenly distributed.
Unfortunately, dry brushing won't completely get rid of fat or cellulite, but it can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Massage Feels Good
Who doesn't want to get a massage? Dry brushing is like getting a mini massage every day, and it feels great to most people.
Energy Boost
I'm not sure why, but dry brushing seems to give me an energy boost. I've heard this from other people, too.
Maybe it's because it boosts circulation? Whatever the reason, it's just one dry skin brushing benefits that I like!
Choosing a Dry Brush
When looking for a dry brush, look for one with natural bristles. You want it to be firm so it massages your skin. I have this brush from Ecotools.
You might want one with a handle so it's easier to reach your back and the backs of your legs.
There are also sets with firm and soft brushes. If you're new to dry brushing, you may want to start out with a softer brush and move to a firmer brush as your skin adjusts to it.
How to Dry Brush
What is dry brushing skin? Learn how to dry brush your skin for improved skin health.
STEP #1
Start at your feet and brush your feet and legs in long strokes. You'll want to brush each section of skin about 10 times before you move on.
It's best to brush towards your abdomen. This is said to help move lymphatic fluid and help it drain better.
STEP #2
Now move to your arms and brush. Again, brush towards the center of your body. Brush your hands and arms.
STEP #3
Now brush your stomach area in small circles. Be gentle on your abdomen.
STEP #4
Brush your face gently. You may want a separate brush for this so you don't move dirt from your body to your face.
You want to use firm pressure, but it should never hurt. Your skin shouldn't turn red, but it might get a little pink as you brush.
After you dry brush, apply a body oil or a lotion to moisturize your skin.
As the name suggests, you'll usually use a dry brush to do this. However, you can add a little bit of massage oil to the brush if you want to moisturize your skin too.
You'll want to clean your brush every one or two weeks. If you use an oil, you may want to clean once a week. You can use a gentle soap and water to clean it.
Is Dry Brushing Good?
Is dry brushing all that they claim that it is? Do the dry skin brushing benefits actually work?
I don't know.
I've been doing it for several weeks now, and my skin feels better. Am I healthier? I don't think I will ever know for sure if it's helping my lymphatic system.
I do know that it feels good. Just like my boys calmed down after their brushing, I feel better, too. It feels like a mini massage every morning.
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