Have you heard of Dry Brushing? Is the ancient practice of brushing your body with a brush to promote blood circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, exfoliate and detoxing.  This old practice is becoming cool again with many spas offering it as an extra service to body treatments.

History of Dry Brushing

Dry brushing of the skin has been practiced for centuries.  Many cultures have recorded this practice: American Indians, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Scandinavians, Indians and Greeks among many.  They all used different materials to do it but the idea was the same.  My grandmother used a loofah on her skin and swore by its many beauty and health benefits.  I thought she was crazy for doing that to her skin and now I’m doing it daily… how ironic, LOL!

Benefits of Dry Brushing your Skin

1. Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells, opens the pores and allows the skin to breathe.  A daily dry brushing routine helps tone the skin and eliminate cellulite
2. Improves Circulation: Stroking your skin with the brush improves circulation.  The increase of blood flow helps increase metabolic waste and energy
3. Stimulates the Lymphatic System: This helps with detoxing, bloating, eliminating cellulite, reducing inflammation and regulating thyroid functions
4. Improves Digestion and Kidney Function: Our skin is our “third kidney” so when you dry brush, you are stimulating lymph nodes sending the excess water and toxins to the kidney and colon for elimination
5. Rejuvenates the Nervous System: Dry Brushing stimulates the nerve endings in the skin helping with reducing the effects of stress on the body
6. BONUS: Weight Loss!!!!

Buying a Dry Brush

To start a dry brushing routine all you need is a brush made with firm natural fibers.  This type of brushes are not very expensive and are available everywhere.  When buying one, just make sure they are made with natural fibers.  I currently use 2: one with a long handle for my back and a small round one that I use on most of my body.  Here are some good options from Amazon:

Wholesome Beauty Dry Brush – This is the brush I currently use

SpaVerde’s Brush Set – Comes with a face + body brush with detachable handle

Vitality’s Brush and Glove Set – Comes with a glove + body brush with detachable handle

My Skin Brushing Instructions

• Always brush in upward strokes toward the heart.  I start at the bottom of my feet and work upward and outward.  (start at feet, then thighs, fingers, hands, arms, shoulder, etc)
• Dry brush your stomach in a clockwise motion
• Spend extra time dry brushing problem areas.  For me is where cellulite appears: my butt and back of thighs
• Brush in mid to long strokes that are firm but not too hard.  The brushing should feel pleasant and should NOT hurt
• Brush each section 3 to 5 strokes

I’ve been dry brushing my skin for about a month and I have seen great improvements:  My legs look more toned, my skin is soft, cellulite is all gone and my stomach looks tighter now.  It only takes 5 minutes before a shower and all you need is a brush.  Why don’t you give it a try? Let me know how you did in the comment section below.

Love,

Marifer