All About Dry Brushing
You may have heard of dry brushing and know you want to try it as part of your skincare routine. What you may need help understanding is this technique's overall benefits. You may have heard that dry brushing exfoliates dry skin, but there are critical benefits dry brushing offers beyond superficial exfoliation. Here is the low-down on the benefits of dry-brushing and how to do it properly.
One of the key benefits of dry brushing occurs in the lymphatic system. This is a significant benefit because the lymphatic system helps remove cellular waste. There is four times more lymph in the body than blood, but the lymphatic system does not have a "pump" to move it like the heart moves the cardiovascular system. Lymph is pumped through the body, only shuttling cellular waste as your body moves. The lymphatic system performed much more effectively when we were hunter/gatherers, but our lymph has grown stagnant as we have become desk-jockeys. Dry brushing helps to move things along and clear up blockages that can build up in joints while we sit.
Dry brushing will also promote increased circulation. This increased circulation helps with the removal of metabolic waste and can help the skin distribute natural oils making the skin softer and smoother over time. One of my favorite benefits of dry brushing is that it tends to reduce the appearance of cellulite over time! Who doesn't love that little perk?
So, what is the proper way to dry brush? Well, I've got you covered. Here's the scoop:
Dry brush first thing in the morning, before your shower, to stimulate and get lymphatic fluid moving. Remember to use light brush strokes, moving toward the heart. There is no need to press hard; press as if you were trying to brush a nickel along the surface of your skin.
Lower Body:
Apply light, even pressure, moving from ankle to knee.
Pick the brush up at the end of each stroke using short, straight strokes and start again.
Stroke 3-7 times in each area before moving to the next spot.
Stroke from the knee up towards the groin, concentrating on the back of the knee.
Move from knee cap to groin, all around the thigh, until the entire upper leg is complete.
Continue to the buttocks, using circular strokes.
Complete by stroking from ankle to groin in one long, even movement over the entire leg, front and back.
Repeat on the other leg.
Upper Body
Use the same technique as the upper body.
Raise your arm above your heart and stroke from your wrist to your armpit.
Repeat on the other arm.
Use the long handle brush to stroke from your lower back and upper shoulders towards your armpit (heart).
Gently brush your chest towards your centerline (heart).
Use the brush clockwise on your stomach, making seven circles around your navel.
Place the brush down. Use your fingertips to gently stroke your neck from your jawline to your clavicle (collarbone) on both sides. Use light pressure.