Dry skin brushing is one of the easiest and fastest ways to improve your skin tone and texture.
Dry skin brushing has a long history.
It has been practiced by many cultures for centuries, from ancient Greeks to Native Americans, to remove dead skin.
In ancient Ayurvedic medicine, dry skin brushing (Garshana) was completed every morning, prior to bathing, to stimulate blood circulation.
Your skin is the largest organ in the body and plays a key role in detoxification.
Skin exfoliating using dry skin brushing helps eliminate toxins, increases blood circulation, and stimulates new skin growth.
The results of dry skin brushing are often fast and drastic!
Health Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing:
1. Exfoliating and detoxing by removing dead layers of skin and assisting with the removal of toxins
2. Stimulates the lymphatic system and improves its ability to flush out waste
3. Reducing the appearance of cellulite by softening and distributing fat deposits more evenly
4. Improves the texture and tone of your skin by unclogging pores, stimulating skin renewal, and reviving dull skin and restoring its glow
5. Reduces stress by reducing muscle tension, stimulates calming and relaxing feelings much like a massage does
6. Boost your energy by improving circulation
Recommended Brushes and Schedule for Skin Brushing:
Use a natural bristle brush with a long handle (I like the ones with a removable brush end).
Do not wet the brush or skin.
Brush daily for at least 5 minutes before showering.
Brush the extremities in long sweeping motions up towards the heart.
On the chest, back, stomach, thighs, and buttocks brush in circular motions.
Things to consider when taking up dry skin brushing
Dry skin brushing is a simple process, and it offers many benefits.
It does take some time and commitment in order to see results.
Initially, you may have some slight skin irritation when first take up dry skin brushing.
Most of the discomfort (if any) that comes from dry skin brushing should be short-lived.
You will want to be careful not to brush to fast or too hard because you can irritate your skin.
When the brush is new it may be slightly coarse until it has been used for a while.
As well as your skin might be sensitive to brushing at first so be gentle and do not use too much force.
One of the quickest ways to deter yourself from wanting to continue the practice of dry skin brushing would be to leave your skin feeling irritated and raw.
If your skin is feeling sensitive after the first few times of dry brushing limit it to two to three times a week and apply less pressure or force while brushing.
The benefits outweigh the risk
Despite the small inconvenience of having to deal with occasional irritated skin, I continue the practice of dry skin brushing.
I have seen how my skin improves in appearance and texture when I dry skin brush.
Dry skin brushing is also calming and relaxing.
The added attention and positive feedback from my husband are also good reasons for me to keep up with it.
Don’t take my word for it. Give it a try, YOUR skin will thank you!