You asked, we answered. Hereβs the lowdown on dry brushing and why itβs one of the easiest and most invaluable things you can do for your body, mind and soul.
The how?
The art of dry brushing entails taking a firm, dry brush (available online or in most pharmacies), to literally brush (while youβre dry) your skin. Simple, right? Wrong! Itβs notΒ quite as simple as that, so donβt go attacking your skin just yet.
Starting at the feet, brush the tops and bottoms, moving up your legs in long smooth strokes. You want to target each section of each limb or area of your body at least 5 – 10 times, always in an upwards movement to get the blood flowing, and to get the lymphatic system draining towards your heart.
Repeat this process with the arms, starting with the palms of your hands and moving, once again, towards the heart. Brush in a circular clockwise motion on your stomach, armpits, bum and back, focusing on brushing it gently (but firmly) and as smoothly as you can.
You can dry brush at any time of day, but over here at DHC HQ love to dry brush before taking a shower (remember: do not leave shower water running while you brush). The heat of the water aids in further blood circulation, maximising the effects. You only need 10 – 15 minutes each day to fit this in to your routine (no excuses) and trust us youβll be grateful you did.
The why?
Dry brushing not only exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving behind fresh, happy and softer skinΒ and encouraging new skin cell renewal, it supports your lymphatic system. Lymph-a-ti what?
Hereβs your hit of biology for the day. Your lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and unwanted materials that build up in your system. It is the system in which lymph is transported – a fluid containing your white blood cells (the little guys that fight infections). There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout our bodies, around our organs and closer to the surface of our skin. Our lymphatic system can get sluggish over time, due to toxin build up and age. But have no fear! Dry brushing gets the systems flowing again, helping the body to detox itself naturally. These toxins include those built up in the outer layers (oh hey, cellulite), and dry brushing daily can help move and eliminate this buildup, as well as toning the muscles underneath (yes, please).
Not only does it get your lymphatic system moving, but it plain old gets your blood pumping and circulating as well, helping your body run more effectively and giving you a bit of an energy boost. Dry brushing also (wait, thereβs more?!) rejuvenates your nervous system by stimulating the nerve endings in your skin, as well as cleaning and toning your pores! Clearing oil dirt and residue from our pores, letting them breathe, and helping your skin absorb more nutrients that otherwise would have been blocked out.Β
The must-dos:
Make sure to clean your brush after use, and make a good dry brush almost habitual – slot it in to your daily routine for best results.
We canβt recommend dry brushing more highly. Outside of that energy boost, and G L O W, it’s also another (incredibly valid) reason for always needed self care.
