Everyone, both young and old should know how to brush the skin, as it is an age-old way to keep your skin healthy and younger-looking for longer.
The Benefits Of Body Brushing
Believe it or not, the skin is one of the most toxic parts of the body. Because it is the largest organ and it is responsible for eliminating most of the toxins inside our bodies.
That is why our skin deserves special care, just as our internal organs like our heart and lungs do. Most people just think about the skin on their faces, but you need to worry about all your skin.
Luckily it is relatively easy and cheap to take care of our skin and you will only need to employ a little of your time to this chore.
Dry brushing or skin brushing is the technique of brushing the surface of your skin for about 3 to 5 minutes. This both massages and exfoliates the skin while improving circulation.
Here are some important reasons why we should make brushing our skin part of our skincare routine at least once a week.
Eliminate Dead Skin
Your skin dies and is constantly replaced by new skin cells. This process happens so fast that we don’t realise it is actually happening.
When you dry brush the skin, you will get rid of the dead skin cells and speed up the formation of new skin cells. Your skin will feel softer and smoother and have a natural glow after brushing.
Reduce The Appearance Of Cellulite
Cellulite is basically the dimpling of the skin due to protrusion of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. The subcutaneous adipose tissue is a connective tissue that stores fat and also insulates or “cushions” the body. Unfortunately, such a vital tissue gets bombarded with toxins to the point that they literally “heap up” or protrude the skin over specific areas of the body.
By dry brushing the skin, you can massage the subcutaneous adipose tissue thereby breaking down the toxins that may be piled in it. The skin will feel smoothed and tightened.
These broken down toxins can then be eliminated through the skin and other “filtering” organs such as the kidneys.
Regular exercise and healthy eating are recommended to speed up the elimination process commenced by dry skin brushing.
Skin Brushing Enhances Blood Circulation And Cleansing Of The Lymphatic System
Toxins are unfortunately part of our everyday lives. We get them from the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water that we drink. Various organs in the body also release toxins as byproducts of their metabolism and it is the lymphatic’s systems responsibility to wash these toxins out.
When you dry brush, you will improve the blood circulation which in turn helps make the lymphatic system more efficient so that toxins are expelled faster.
It Enhances Kidney Functionality And Digestion
Water and other toxins that are stored in the lymph nodes are expelled, which means the cells are forced to get a new supply of nutrients.
The faster this cycle repeats itself, the faster the food we eat is digested to provide nutrients. This, in turn, relieves stress on the kidneys as the filtering of the body system is also faster.
Body Brushing Promotes Even Fat Distribution
Some sections of our bodies store more fat than other parts. Body brushing helps to evenly distribute the fat across the entire body instead of letting the body deposit the fat cells in the same place every time.
It Enhances The Nutrients Absorption By The Skin
A mixture of dead skin cells, broken or crooked hairs, environmental pollution and sweat can block our pores. And sometimes, the regular daily shower may not be enough to fully clear these blockages.
When this happens, the skin cannot effectively absorb vital nutrients and substances our body needs.
Frequent dry skin brushing will help clear and open up the pores of the skin to freely eliminate waste and absorb nutrients, moisture and sunlight for overall well-being.
Body Brushing Is A Stress Reliever
Many doctors and therapists have recommended dry skin brushing as a great means of releasing stress. The process is very meditating especially when done at a slow rate. Dry skin brushing has the added benefit of working deeply on the inside to get you relaxed and relieved.
It Promotes Happiness
The process of dry brushing your skin simply feels great! The improved circulation helps make you more alert and relaxed at the same time which gives you a sensation of joy and satisfaction that can positively affect the rest of your day.
How To Brush The Skin
Body brushing is best done first thing in the morning when its invigorating action stimulates blood flow. Do it at night and you may find it hard to get to sleep. Use a good quality brush like the one below and make sure to wash it with baby shampoo at least once a week.
5 Steps To A Silkier Skin
1. Start at the soles of the feet and make long sweeping movements towards the knees.
2. Use firm anti-clockwise movements over the thighs, hips and buttocks.
3. Brush with light circular strokes, moving upwards from the stomach to the chest.
4. Use long strokes from the lower back upwards and short downward strokes over the shoulders.
5. Brush in long upward sweeps from the hand to the elbow then elbow to shoulder.
Goosebumpy Arms
Tiny bumps on the upper arms are caused when excess skin cells build up around the hair follicles.
Solve the problem by spending a few seconds doing short firm strokes from elbow to shoulder. Also, use a salt scrub exfoliator once a week and massage in a rich moisturiser every night, but be sure to let it sink in before getting into bed.
Rough Elbows
Dry skin cells can build up on your elbow, making your arms look 20 years older than the rest of you.
You can brush this dull, grey skin away using a gentle circular motion. Also, get into the habit of applying hand cream to your elbows regularly throughout the day.
Hard Skin On The Heels
A build-up of dry skin can cause the heels to become hard and scaly. Short sweeping strokes with a firm brush will also help keep your feet soft, as will a weekly soak in a warm bath, followed by a good pumice.
Do’s And Don’ts For Brushing Your Body
Do brush the same area several times – one sweep isn’t enough to exfoliate.
Don’t brush the nipples – dry brushing can be harsh on sensitive areas.
Do wash your brush regularly – dead skin can get clogged in the bristles.
Don’t worry if you get blemishes – Your skin is detoxing and it will clear up.
Do brush thoroughly before applying fake tan for a more even finish.
Don’t brush if you have a skin condition – speak to your doctor first.
If you have anything else to add on how to brush the skin, please feel free to comment below.