Love the skin you’re in – learn the art of dry brushing
The New Year is upon us and with it brings the promise of renewal and rejuvenation. New goals are meticulously crafted and resolutions are heartily declared.
Here’s my pick for an attainable health goal to commence the New Year: Why not resolve to love the skin you’re in and boost your body confidence? After all, skin is in! A peek-a-boo shoulder here, cut-out detail dresses there- fashion loves fresh and healthy skin.
Learn how to dry brush your way to feathery soft, satiny skin while simultaneously detoxifying the body’s largest organ. What better time than now?
I stumbled upon dry brushing several years ago via my favorite beauty bloggers raving about it but didn’t actually make a habit of it until a few months prior to my vow renewal last year. Each day I dry brushed preceding my shower. Safe to say I was very pleased with the results and often taut the benefits of dry brushing to friends, colleagues, acquaintances, even strangers; heck whoever will listen!
Beauty and Health Benefits of Dry Brushing:
- Exfoliate– Slough off dead skin and therefore improve its appearance. By eliminating dead skin and unclogging pores, cellular renewal happens even faster and skin is noticeably brighter. Feel the difference in your skin after the first session- soft, lustrous skin!
- Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite – Dry brushing has been attributed to tightening the epidermis and may therefore help to diminish the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is a collection of toxic fat buildup and dry brushing may contribute to breaking up this buildup while distributing fat more evenly. Imagine the results when pairing this with a healthy lifestyle of clean eating and regular exercise.
- Promote Circulation – Following dry brushing, blood flow is increased to the skin, which in turn promotes the elimination of metabolic waste.
- Help Support Muscle Tone– Skin brushing stimulates the nervous system and activates muscle fibers. This can be particularly valuable to those that have shed weight and are looking to firm up sagging skin.
- Get Zen– The sensation of dry brushing has been compared to meditation, which may help to relieve stress. Each day, I eagerly anticipate the deliciously tingly, satisfying sensation.
The good news is learning the art of dry brushing is a simple technique that can easily and affordably be practiced at home each day. Read: fancy spa-appointment not needed.
Master the Art of Dry Brushing:
- Start with a good quality, natural-bristle brush (added benefit: purchase one with a long handle to get all those hard to reach places too).
- Start on dry skin each day before bathing.
- Begin at the feet (I even do the soles of my feet) and work your way up to your heart (great for your lymphatic system) in gentle, circular motions.
- Brush each area several times and overlap as you go.
- After you have worked your way up the legs, continue to your hands, arms, and then back (here’s where the long handle comes in extra handy), always brushing towards your heart. Move to the torso and up the sides of your rib cage.
- Your skin should appear pink after a session (not red). The pressure you apply should be firm but not harsh or painful.
- A typical session will usually take me approximately 5 minutes – (and yes, it’s worth it to set that alarm slightly earlier!)
- Shower after dry brushing to remove all dead skin. Some recommend alternating between hot and cold water in the shower to further enhance blood circulation.
- Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your brush once a week with gentle soap and water.
- Follow up with your beloved moisturizer to replenish your skin. I love using dry oils and/or coconut oil.
The feeling of dry brushing becomes addictive, as do the results. Watch your skin become glowy and luminous. Feel how buttery soft it is to the touch. In fact, I can’t think of a better way to energize the start of your year than to invigorate your skin via dry brushing. After you’ve tried it and become hooked, pass the tip on to your besties; after all a shared beauty secret must equal good New Year karma.
