Guest Author - Linda Steele
The leaves are changing color and slowly falling to the ground. Soon Autumn will turn into Winter and our skin will be dry and itchy. To prevent the discomfort that comes winter skin, I thought I would discuss the benefits of dry skin brushing and how to do a dry skin brushing.
Dry skin brushing (also known as body brushing) is an old European self-care technique that is not only a great way to maintain healthy skin, but also helps you to maintain a healthy body. It helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells and helps stimulate the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins.
Your skin is the primary sign of an internally toxic body. As soon as your internal body becomes toxic, it will spread out into your skin causing your skin to become dry, irritated and itchy.
Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing
1. Helps to shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.
2. Increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body.
3. Helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood. Increasing the circulation to the skin can also help lessen the appearance of cellulite.
4. Stimulates lymph channels to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. After several days of dry brushing, you may notice the gelatinous mucoid material when you have a bowel movement.
5. Helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.
6. Rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.
7. Helps your skin absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.
8. Increased blood flow results in you feeling more invigorated and energized.
Getting Started
1. Purchase a natural bristle brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. Best-case scenario would be one that had a removable head with a strap for your hand.
2. Skin brushing should be performed first thing in the morning prior to your bath or shower and your body dry and naked. It should take about 5-15 minutes depending on your body size and how thorough your are.
3. Begin brushing your skin in long sweeping strokes always brushing towards the heart. Start on the bottom of your feet and move upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction. Brush each area 2-3 times, over-lapping to ensure thorough coverage.
4. Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken.
5. After brushing your skin, take your normal shower (or bath). You may even want to try alternating temperatures in the shower from hot to cold. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation.
6. After getting out of the shower, dry off vigorously and massage your skin with 100% plant-based oil, such as almond, jojoba or my favorite hazelnut.
7. Don’t forget to clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, lay your brush on a towel in a open-air spot to prevent mildew.
Dry skin brushing on a daily basis has other more long-term effects such as healthier and more radiant skin and feeling more energetic. We all know that if you feel good, you look good!
