5 Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing:
1. Exfoliates Dead Skin
Dry brushing once or twice a week is helpful to exfoliate to help renew the skin and remove dead skin cells to give a fresher appearance and healthier skin. Be gentle so you do not tear the skin or break down its protective layer or cause irritation. Exfoliating too much can dehydrate the skin, which is that last thing you want to do.
2. Stimulates the Lymphatic System
If your skin has too many toxins or dead skin cells, it may not be able to eliminate waste from your body as efficiently as needed. Dry brushing your skin can help your lymphatic system, which has the job of removing inflammation-causing toxins from the body. If the skin is healthy, it can help release those toxins so the body doesn’t have to work so hard to rid itself of them.
3. Reduces Cellulite
Cellulite is often caused by fluid retention, lack of circulation, weak collagen structure and increased body fat, in addition to hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, genetics, poor diet and toxicity. Dry brushing may help break down toxins from beneath the skin, which may act as a natural remedy for cellulite.
4. Unclogs Pores
Over time, your pores can get clogged with dead skin cells, pollutants and cosmetics which causes the liver and kidneys to work extra hard to get rid of impurities. Dry skin brushing unclogs your pores and helps your skin absorb nutrients better. Healthy skin allows those toxins to release easier.
5. Stress Relief
Like massage, dry brushing decreases stress which is great for your health. When you are relaxed, your body heals much faster. Stress causes changes in our hormones that can increase inflammation and trigger various other problems. Over time, stress can be dangerous by increasing the risk for heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, mental disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders and even cancer.
How to Dry Brush:
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Use a natural-bristle brush (not synthetic) with a long handle so you can reach all areas of your body.
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Stand in a bathtub or shower to catch the falling dry skin.
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Do not wet the skin. It must be dry.
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Start at the bottom your feet and move in long sweeping motion toward your heart (stroking away from your heart can put pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels, which could cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins).
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Brush each area several times and overlap so you don’t miss a spot. Be careful over the more sensitive areas. Your skin will become less sensitive with consistent dry brushing.
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Once you’ve brushed your entire body, shower or bathe as you normally would.
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Pat your skin dry and apply a natural oil like rose hip, olive or coconut oil to your entire body.