Winter can take a toll on your skin, or at least my skin. Leaving me to suffer from itchy skin and ingrown hairs. Not to mention a bad lymphatic flow, but that not something I notice compared to the other two.
That’s why I’m always on the lookout for products to naturally moisturize my skin without adding more chemicals to my already congested life. I need it to be easy, and that is what I found with dry brushing.
Dry brushing isn’t a new term in the wellness field, but it is an easily overlooked one. Maybe it’s for the simple fact that you don’t know what it means to dry brush your skin and how to do it. Or maybe it feels like one more thing. But it’s one thing I think it’s worth doing to reap some incredible rewards.
So today, I’m going to show you how to dry brush your body. But first, let me tell you why you should.
Why you should dry brush your skin?
Dry brushing is more than just a beauty trend. Dry brushing is beneficial to the inter-workings of your body. Especially your lymphatic system. Brushing the skin without water is linked to the detox process stimulating lymphatic drainage.
Your lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help the body get rid of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials—transporting a fluid called lymph that contains infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body. Essentially it’s your cellular-waste system.
Unlike your cardiovascular system, which comes with a built-in pump (your heart), your lymph flow only moves when you move it. Making dry brushing a critical tool in the movement and detoxification of your lymphatic system, keeping your entire body well. No colon cleanses necessary.
In the process of detoxification, you increase space for your body to be filled with nourishing nutrients. All leading to more energy.
Is dry brushing too good to be true?
It may seem too good to be true. But the simple act of dry brushing your skin, especially in the winter and spring months, followed by a rejuvenating oil, not only helps get rid of dead skin and reduce ingrown hairs, but it creates a vibrancy to your skin.
If you can keep healthy lymphatic movement, everything in your body will feel more energized. And this can all happen in three minutes or less.
The step-by-step on dry brushing
Here are the in’s and out’s that you need to know to dry brush your body.
- Pick a dry brush specifically designed for use on your body. I prefer medium to soft bristles that also have a firmness to them made from natural materials. If you’re looking to dry brush your face, pick one specifically for your face and keep it only for that.
- Before you get in the shower or bath, in light strokes, massage your body in an upward circular motion. Starting at your furthermost extremity, like your feet, working your way to your calves, thighs, hips, buttocks, and finally, abdomen.
- The goal is to work the dry brush over each area of your skin in circular motions that move toward your core.
- After you finish your legs, work through your arms and back to your core. Finish by dry brushing your abdomen.
- Once finished, shower like you normally do. Towel off, then moisturize your skin.
Of course, the more you dry brush, the faster the results. The best way to stay consistent is to pick a song 3-4 minutes long on your playlist, hit play and dry brush through the end of the song.
Repeat as often as possible.
Don’t forget to moisturize.
Really, don’t forget the moisture on the backend. Keeping your skin hydrated enhances the benefits and makes the work worth it. Here are a few safe moisturizers to use:
Clean your dry brush.
Yes, your dry brush will need cleaning once every couple of weeks. But don’t let it scare you or turn you away from the power of dry brushing. A simple rinse with water and essential oils is enough to clean out those bristles.
To clean your dry brush, follow these steps:
- Fill a bowl with just enough warm water to cover the bristles but not the wood.
- Add three drops of tea tree oil.
- Place the brush in the bowl and move the brush around.
- Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water moving the bristles around in your palm to remove all of the tea tree oil.
- Shake the brush and place on a dry towel, bristles down to absorb excess water for a few minutes.
- Let sit out to air dry.
The best dry brush to buy.
There is no need to buy an expensive $40 dry brush. A simple and inexpensive one works just as well. Here are a few of my favorites.
Try it out, stick with it and experience the benefits.
