The Power of Dry Brushing
Monday, July 11, 2016
Dry brushing has been practiced for centuries and has been used by many cultures such as the Japanese, Russians, Native Americans and more. This age-old beauty technique takes root from Ayurvedic medicine and the popular spa treatment can improve health and rejuvenate the body naturally. There are many health benefits that dry brushing can do for you in your morning ritual and we're breaking down the hows and whys of this skin-reviving ritual.
- The Science -
Your skin is the largest organ in the body and plays a large role in daily detoxification. It receives a third of all blood that is circulated within the body and is the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency. Dead skin cells and excreted waste from our pores can build up and clog the skin so that it cannot continue to detox from the inside out. Dry brushing helps to unclog pores and release toxins that become trapped in the skin.
- The Benefits -
Dry brushing will help renew the outer skin layer and promote blood flow which results in detoxification, smoother skin and a healthy glow. It can also improve lymphatic drainage, sluggish immune systems and poor digestion.
External Benefits: Exfoliates and eliminates dead skin cells, tightens skin by increasing collagen production and elastin fibres, reduces the appearance of cellulite, helps with muscle tone, balances fat distribution, allows for better absorption of products, stimulates oil glands to increase skin's health, suppleness and elasticity, smooths and softens the skin, unclogs pores and decongests skin, reduces fluid retention.
Internal Benefits: Stimulates the elimination of cellular waste, aids in lymphatic drainage, aids in digestion and kidney function, increases circulation, improves metabolism, rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings, helps the body's natural detoxification system.
- The Tools -
When shopping for a dry brush, it's important to get one with firm, natural vegetable-derived bristles and an easy to grip handle. Try the Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush, made with natural cactus sisal.
- The Technique -
Dry brushing can be done daily, prior to bathing or showering. Performing dry brushing before your bath or shower will help stimulate your skin and wash away dry, flaked skin. It is best to dry brush in the morning to flush the body of metabolic waste created during the healing process of sleep. It is recommended to spend five minutes dry brushing, spending a minimum of thirty seconds on each body part.
Remember:
- Never dry brush on wet or damp skin (it won't have the same effect)
- Do not dry brush over cuts, wounds, rashes, skin conditions and facial area
- Start off slowly and gradually build up in intensity. Skin should be stimulated and invigorated, ever red or irritated
- Keep your dry brush out in the bathroom and in a dry place. Keeping it visible means you'll never forget to use it!
- Clean your brush with hot water and soap every day after use. Leave to dry bristle side down, in a clean, sunny spot to avoid any mildew accumulation on your brush
- HOT TIP: After dry brushing, drink a glass of hot water and lemon to help jumpstart your digestive system
- The Ritual -
- Place a few drops of your favorite Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil in the palm of your hand and run the body brush over your palm to coat the top of the bristles
- Start at the soles of your feet and move in long sweeping motions towards the heart. Brush several times over each area overlapping as you go
- Next, move to your calves, knees and thighs. Brush knees in circular motion, then continue the long sweeping strokes on the upper legs. Spend more time on the backs of your upper thighs and buttocks, especially if they are cellulite-prone
- Move on to the lower back, abdomen and chest, continuing the long strokes on the sides of your body and up towards your hear. Brush stomach in a circular clockwise motion, starting at the lower right side, moving across your belly button and back around.
- Finish with your arms, starting from the palms of your hands and moving to your shoulders
- From your shoulders, brush over your chest downwards towards your heart. Do counter-clockwise circles over your heart and around your chest
- Take care as you brush over more sensitive areas. Your skin will become less sensitive the more you dry brush
- Brush from the base of your neck over the back of your shoulder blades, down towards your heart, then brush from your tailbone up along your spine
- Once you are done, apply a quarter capful of your Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil onto your lower back, abdomen and chest. Step into the shower to rinse off dry skin and toxins that have been released from your body. TOP TIP: Try a cold shower to give an extra boost to circulation and digestion
- After shower, pat skin dry and apply a natural body oil or moisturizer
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