Dry Brushing is......magical
Have you ever heard of dry brushing? Some women have been doing it for years and they swear by it. I can only go by my own experience and let me tell you it is.........MAGICAL!!!!
If you haven't heard of dry brushing, I am here to tell you the benefits and how it can help you in all of your skin endeavors. In the words of my good sis (Funky Dineva), want to to talk about?!......here it go!
What is dry brushing?
Dry brushing is pretty self explanatory. It's when you brush your skin while your skin is dry.......with an actual brush. You use the brush to exfoliate the skin and rid the skins surface of dead skin cells and even enhances blood flow. It can also create a youthful glow in the skin.
Now if you are like me, I always thought those brushes that came in the at home "spa" kits were back scratchers. They have such a greater purpose. Dry brushing helps to unclog the pores through exfoliation and stimulates the nervous system. Leaving you feeling invigorated and relaxed. Much like a massage.
The Benefits
Exfoliating to skin
Increases blood flow
Improves lymphatic drainage/flow
Breaks down cellulite
Removes toxins within the body
Massage and relax the body
Smoother and softer skin
Lifts and smooths sagging skin (my personal experience as a mother with loose skin)
How to dry brush
In order to start the dry brushing process first you will need a brush with firm bristles. There are a variety of brushes you can buy. The type of brush I like to use is a circular brush firm boar bristles and small massage nodules. Click the link below for information on the different types of brushes that are commonly used for dry brushing.
Here are a few steps on how to get started:
1. Strip down to your bare skin. Start with dry skin and a dry brush. No moisture is needed. I usually do this before I take a bath or shower. Make light strokes.
REMEMBER: If it hurts, you are doing it wrong.
2. Start with your feet and legs and brush upward. Continue up to the thighs and buttocks.
3. Move to your arms, hands, and shoulders. Then move inward towards your chest and stomach.
4. Stomach area can be brush in light circular motions. DO NOT brush the breast and/or nipples.
5. Complete your brushing session with a bath (if you choose) and always apply moisture afterwards.
What if I have sensitive skin?
It would be best if you have sensitive skin and/or a skin disorder such as psoriasis, eczema, etc., Never brush over wounds, rashes, or infections.
So.......what now?!
There is no scientific evidence that dry brushing helps to smooth out cellulite or even help to drain the the lymphatic system. In my personal experience with dry brushing, It has helped to even my skin tone; leaving me with a youthful glow.
As a mom of two, the skin on my stomach was stretched (I mean, obvi.....) with loose skin and stretch marks. Unfortunately, I am not one of those moms who's stomachs just instantly became flat and smooth after giving birth. However, I noticed my loose skin started to tighten up and lighten up. My skin is not as dark as it was when I started two months ago. This is in conjunction with working out and improving my diet.
I have also noticed that my skin looks smooth and the cellulite that I have looks even and smooth. I have decided to practice dry brushing daily before I bathe. I feel like it has helped my legs and arms to look the best they have in a long time. This could be do to exfoliation. Exfoliation is great for the face, so why not the rest of the skin that you have.
I would recommend trying dry brushing for yourself and seeing if you reap some of the benefits discussed above. Please leave your comments below if you have tried dry brushing for yourself.
