Dry Skin Brushing 101
What if I told you that you can:
~Aid your body's digestive and kidney function
~Exfoliate and soften skin
~Increase your energy & reduce stress
~Improve your body's natural cleansing and detox process
~Promote regular hormone production
~Reduce cellulite & evenly distribute body fat
~Stimulate and support your lymphatic system
~Support and improve circulation
by developing a simple, daily habit.
Well, you can! The habit I'm referring to is called Dry Skin Brushing.
Your skin is your body's largest organ. Your skin also plays a crucial role in optimal detoxification and elimination. If it's inundated with toxins, clogged pores, and dead skin cells- your largest organ can not efficiently eliminate toxins from your body. Dry Skin Brushing also activates waste removal through the lymphatic system.
"In your body, your lymphatic system is the system responsible for eliminating cellular waste products. Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules allow waste to be collected from your tissues and transported to your blood for elimination, a process referred to as lymphatic drainage. When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid."
- Dr. Mercola
1.) You'll need a natural (not synthetic) vegetable bristle brush. I use and highly recommend this Yerba Prima Tampico Skin Brush. Clean your brush (let air dry, preferably in sunshine) weekly with gentle and non-toxic soap. I use and recommend Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Pure Castile Soaps. Lavender is a pleasant smell, but there is also an Unscented. (Note: I also use these Dr. Bronner's Castile Soaps for: cleaning my makeup brushes, body, hand & laundry soap, shaving cream, and as general all-purpose household cleansers.)
2.) Dry Skin Brushing should be done daily- even twice a day if possible. (Avoid Dry Skin Brushing too close to bedtime- as it may leave you energized.) Before showering: stand in tub or on tiled floor and begin brushing at your feet. In long, sweeping motions; work towards your heart, (which is absolute best for circulation and stimulating lymphatic fluid drainage). Here is a helpful diagram of directions to brush:
Take care as your brush over sensitive areas (don't brush over broken skin, irritations or varicose veins). Your skin will become less sensitive the more Dry Brushing you do! A typical Dry Skin Brushing session can last anywhere from 3-25 minutes (or so), depending upon your preference and available time. Be careful not to "scrub" your skin. Rather, in long strokes- apply gentle, yet firm pressure. Your skin should be pink afterwards, not irritated and red.
3.) Jump in the shower! Shower as usual. For an added blood circulation boost- alternate shower water between the coldest and hottest temperatures you can tolerate.
4.) After showering, pat dry skin, and follow up with a gentle oil. I like to use Rosehip Seed Oil and/or Grapeseed Oil. (See my Oil Cleansing blog post to decide which oils are best for your skin type.) In winter months, or when my skin is in need of more moisture, I alternate between using: 100% Pure Coconut Lotion, African Black Soap Lotion, and Raw Shea Butter with a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil.
I challenge you to give Dry Skin Brushing a try! Consistency is key. Please share your thoughts, questions, or comments below- I love to hear from you!
