Dry skin brushing is a natural method of detoxification. It requires very little time and investment and there’s almost no chance of negative side effects.
Instead of heading to a pricey spa, you can invest in a single soft, natural-bristled brush and perform this luxurious treatment on your own at your leisure.
About Skin Brushing
In addition to helping get rid of dry, old skin, dry brushing with a stiff, boar bristle brush may help stimulate circulation.
It also feels good – like a gentle massage for your epidermis. Some advocates of dry brushing claim it can eliminate cellulite, clear you of toxins, and boost immunity by triggering the lymphatic system.
Dr. Andrew Weil points out that no scientific proof of these benefits exists. While you will not do yourself harm by dry brushing, you cannot rely on it to be a cure-all.
Routine
Dry skin brushing is most effective when performed right before a shower. Brush before showering so you can rinse off all that you loosen in the process.
Depending on your daily routine, this may mean getting up 15 minutes earlier to perform this ritual in the morning or adding a little more time to your evening beauty regimen.
Skin brushing removes dead skin cells and dirt from the skin. You may even want to do this while standing in the shower, so you can wash the debris down the drain afterwards.
Begin at your feet and gently brush your skin in sweeping motions, heading toward your heart. Work all the way up your body in this manner. When you pass your heart and begin working on your arms and shoulders, brush downward so you’re still working toward your heart.
Frequency
Skin brushing is a soothing routine that can be performed daily. To get the best results, brush your skin once a day for several consecutive weeks.
After a month or two you may start to notice visible improvement in your complexion or a remarkably better feeling of health and vitality. If your skin begins to feel irritated or raw, cease your skin brushing routine until your skin is no longer sensitive or sore to the touch.
Considerations
Brushing your skin is typically a very safe method for detoxification. However, there are some situations in which you should not use this type of brushing.
If you have any type of wound, cut, bruise, or other skin irritation, do not brush that area of your skin. If the issue is localized, it’s still safe to brush around the area.
Only brush your skin long enough to give your skin a fresh, tingling feeling. It may get a little pink, but should not become red — this is an indication that you’ve been brushing too hard or too long.
Benefits
Skin brushing is purported to increase blood circulation and promote an active lymphatic system. In turn, this should help remove toxins from the body.
Brushing exfoliates and refreshes the skin as well. After a dedicated dry skin brushing regimen, your skin will look younger and fresher. It may even reduce cellulite and help promote weight loss.
Can a Natural Boar Bristle Brush Be Used for Skin Brushing?
Boar bristle brushes are all-natural and do not irritate the skin like synthetic bristles sometimes do. Boar bristles are stiff enough to encourage sloughing – synthetic bristles tend to be softer and may not exfoliate as well. Boar bristles tend to be densely packed, helping to trap dirt and dead skin effectively. Boar bristles are easy to clean – simply massage in a bit of shampoo and rinse in warm water.
Some people find a boar bristle brush stiff and uncomfortable. If your intention is to slough, you may have to endure the stiffness.
Plant-based bristles may be gentler than boar bristles but are completely safe for your skin. Other options are naturally sourced loofahs, which may still exfoliate effectively but feel more gentle on the skin.
How To: Dry Skin Brushing
Dry skin brushing starts with dry skin and a soft, dry brush with natural bristles. It’s recommended to brush your skin in the shower and shower afterward – so the dead skin will be whisked down the drain.
Starting at your feet, begin brushing your skin and always move your brush strokes toward your heart which facilitates detoxification.
Move up your legs and then brush your back and stomach, again brushing towards your heart. Finally, brush your arms and upper body, using strokes toward the heart. Brush for a few minutes each day and within a few weeks, you’ll start to notice an improvement.
You’ll want to brush hard enough so that your skin turns slightly red, but not hard enough to cause pain or irritation. Be sure to be gentle on areas with thin skin, like your face and neck, and avoid brushing areas with rashes or broken skin.
For complete detoxification, there are many steps beyond skin brushing you can take. However, skin brushing is an easy entry into detoxification and an important step in the right direction.