You may or may not be familiar with the treatment of dry body brushing. It is very popular in spa treatments but is easy to use at home as part of your own wellbeing and body care rituals.
The benefits are really something to consider. Not only can it improve the appearance of your skin, it can impact your overall health....
What is a dry body brush?
A soft brush designed to use on the body.
The dense, flexible bristles are specially designed to lift off dead skin cells whilst improving circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system.
Invest in a good brush. A firm bristle is essential to ensure that the technique works to stimulate lymph flow. A brush with natural bristles not synthetic bristles would be an ideal
option.
I prefer brushes with a hand strap as they make it more manageable to fit in the palm of your hand. You will have more control over your movements. However, a brush with a long handle is ideal for the back area.
Ensure you look after your brush well, sanitise in between each use with an antibacterial tea tree spray and deep clean it once a week.
Why should I use one?
The skin is our largest organ and has many important functions, so by maintaining and taking care of our skin by body brushing you can affect many different systems of the body.
Lymphatic System ~ it will enhance gentle but effective detoxification which will result in increased energy levels and reduce stress.
Many lymph nodes are located just beneath the surface of the skin and play a vital role in transporting metabolic waste out of the body. Movement is essential for the lymphatic system to function, so by incorporating dry body brushing into your daily or weekly fitness routines you will help to boost your immune system
Circulatory System ~ By gently increasing your blood circulation you will be delivering nutrients to the skins surface, enhancing a healthy glow. This may also help to disperse and diminish the lumps and bumps that contribute to the appearance of cellulite.
Desquamation ~ dry body brushing will aid in the mechanical motion of removing those surface dead skin cells that can contribute towards eczema, psoriasis and acne. Encouraging the removal of these unwanted dead skin cells will enable new healthy skin cells to the surface to give radiance, even toned and smoothed skin.
Tips on how to use a body brush
1. Brush your skin whilst it is dry, product free and before you shower and preferably in the morning
2. Start by brushing from your feet, ankle and lower legs and work your way up your body - focus on working up one side of your body before repeating your techniques on the other side of your body. It should take between 6-10 minutes. After each stroke run the palm of your hand over the brushed area to soothe the nerve endings in your skin
3. Always try to use upward, long stroking movements going towards the direction of your heart
4. Incorporate this on a daily basis if you have time and enjoy the ultimate benefits of body brushing
Tip
Ensure you use light, brisk movements as the lymph is situated directly beneath the skin.
Why not continue the ritual with an application of your favourite body oil or cream.
By adding a lymphatic massage to your ritual it will further support the functions of your lymph system removing excess waste material, effectively improving the skin’s condition, detoxifying the body, and promoting the natural healing process.
Body Brush Recommendations
