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Did you know the skin is the largest organ of elimination?
This is why the benefits of dry skin brushing are so effective.
In fact, the skin is a great organ to work with in supporting the natural detoxification process of the body.
This makes regular dry skin brushing a simple, but powerful way to help support your body in its natural elimination of toxins (another method is to use a homemade natural deodorant or toothpaste).
So if you feel a bit sluggish in the morning, or your skin looks a bit ‘tired’, your body may benefit from dry skin brushing. It’s simple to do & can easily become part of your shower or bath routine.
Here’s the science behind why skin brushing works:
Why Skin Brush?
The main purpose of dry skin brushing is to remove the uppermost, or ‘scurf’ layer of skin. This layer of skin contains dead skin cells, which are a form of bodily waste that makes way for the growth of new epidermal cells.
This scurf layer naturally holds some acidity and toxicity – so by removing it with a dry skin, or body brush, you’re helping to unload toxins from the body and make way for healthy new skin cells.
5 Toxin Busting Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing
Many people feel more invigorated after body brushing. Skin also tends to feel softer. Here are 5 key benefits of dry skin body brushing:
Dry skin brushing:
- Removes Toxins: By removing the ‘scurf’ layer of skin, you remove toxicity from the body. You also make way for a fresh new surface skin area, through which the body can excrete further toxins.
- Supports Lymphatic System: Skin brushing promotes movement within the lymphatic system. When your lymphatic system stagnates or doesn’t work properly, waste and toxins can build up and lead to ill health. So by stimulating your lymphatic system, you help your body to naturally detoxify.
- Improves Circulation: Brushing the skin can lead to feeling more refreshed and alert (a similar effect to exercise) due to the movement it creates within your body. This makes skin brushing an excellent activity to do first thing in the morning to aid circulation and blood flow.
- Exfoliates Skin and Cleans Pores: Dry skin brushing gently removes dead skin and cleans pores, allowing your skin to ‘breathe’ better. This offers a fantastic way to naturally exfoliate your skin, which generally leads to improved skin appearance.
- Can Help Reduce Muscle Tension: Dry skin brushing lightly massages the entire body, which can help reduce muscular tension and even induce an increased feeling of calm. When I brush my calves and shoulders, for example, (which can both hold a lot of tension) I always feel a gentle sense of release in both areas.
How to Dry Skin Brush
Here’s how to body brush:
- Begin at the top of your right foot and start brushing with gentle, brisk stokes. Work your way up the whole leg, (front and back), using a brushing motion upwards towards the heart.
- Move to your left foot and repeat the process in step 1.
- Brush your front and back torso, again using brush strokes upwards towards the heart.
- Brush your right hand, then work your way up the whole right arm to the shoulder.
- Move to your left hand and repeat the process in step 4.
- Brush from your neck down to the heart area – first on the back and then the front torso area.
Note: Always brush towards the heart area, as this is where the lymph enters the bloodstream. Avoid the face and head area, as well as any broken or sensitive skin, rashes or varicose veins. It’s normal for your skin to go a little pink when you body brush, but avoid brushing so hard that your skin goes red.
It’s also best to avoid skin brushing if you’re constipated, as skin brushing creates more toxins, which then require excreting via the bowel.
Health experts also advise you avoid skin brushing on areas where you have poison ivy, skin rashes, infections or if you suffer from inflammatory problems such as phlebitis.
When To Dry Skin Brush
Most health professionals agree the best time to skin brush is right before you shower or bath, as dead skin cells will get washed off in the bath, or shower, water.
You may also find it better to dry skin brush in the morning, rather than the evening, or before bed, as some people find skin brushing has energising qualities.
Which Body Brush Should I Use?
When skin brushing you need a moderately stiff brush, ideally with a handle (like those on back brushes). This makes reaching all parts of your body much easier.
Keep the brush just for skin brushing and avoid getting it wet, as this can affect effectiveness of the brush.
You can buy dry skin brushes from most health stores or chemists, or you can pick one up online.
Here are 3 popular dry skin brushes to try:
1 – Wholesome Beauty
This dry skin body brush from Wholesome Beauty is made from high quality polished wood, with 100% natural bristles.
Easy to hold with the attached fabric strap, the brush comes with a hook and travel bag for easy storage and transportation.
Good for: Value for money/fabric strap handle
2 – Yerba Prima
Yerba Prima have been making quality skin brushes for over 40 years. Their popular tampico dry skin body brush features a longer handle; helpful for reaching your back and entire body.
Bristles are made with tampico fiber – the unbleached stem of the agave plant and the head is detachable if you want to use the brush head on its own.
Good for: Longer handle/detachable head
3 – Beluda
For a whole body ‘detox’, check out this popular dry skin body brush set from Beluda. As well as a long handled body brush, featuring natural boar bristles, the set also includes a face brush and exfoliating gloves.
The reverse of the long handled body brush also features gentle massage nodes for an additional soothing massage treatment.
Good for: Premium buy/face brushing
Dry Skin Brushing Benefits: Conclusion
From removing toxins to improved circulation, the benefits of dry skin brushing are many.
It’s simple to do and only takes a few minutes, plus it’s easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
Make sure you use a skin brush designed for body brushing and always follow dry skin brushing guidelines. This should ensure you’re brushing safely, as well as enjoying the full benefits of body brushing.
Cool, I did not know about the removing toxins bit. I’ve dug my skin brush out of the bathroom cupboard. I looked at the link for the spaverde set, but Amazon said there was no match for it.
Anyway, thank you, I will be so smooth from now in.
Great you are going to give it a go! Ah and thanks for the Amazon link tip off! Looks like only Amazon US stock it.