I had the best night’s sleep the last couple of nights and I attribute that to starting a daily regimen of dry brushing! I used to do dry brushing once a day, but stopped several months ago. At the time, I didn’t really like the brush I was using and it was awkward to hold. But I ordered a new brush and after starting up again, the benefits are so evident!
Our skin is the body’s largest organ; it absorbs anything you put on and also plays a critical role in eliminating toxins.
It is estimated that the skin eliminates over a pound of waste every day!
Many people spend extra time exfoliating their face to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores; however, this should also be done for the rest of the body, as well. This can easily be done by dry brushing just a few minutes each day.
Dry brushing has many health benefits, from improving your immune system to reducing cellulite.
Not only are there great health benefits, but it is also very soothing. I love to do my dry brushing just before bed. At night time, my house is always nice and quiet so it is an extra peaceful time. I do it right before bed with the lights out and it is very relaxing, it even seems to have helped me fall sleep easier these past few nights. I’m not sure if it is due to the soothing nature of dry brushing or the increased circulation, but my sleep has greatly improved. I was surprised when I couldn’t find too much information on the connection of dry brushing and improved sleep.
What is Dry Brushing?
I could go on and on about how much I love dry brushing, but for those of you new to dry brushing:
Dry brushing involves using a brush to lightly brush your skin without any water; you don’t want your skin or brush to be wet.
It is very easy to do and only takes a few minutes!
Benefits of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing provides numerous health benefits. Many say that after spending a few minutes dry brushing, they feel rejuvenated and energized. It is a very soothing way to massage your skin.
1. Increased Circulation- Helps improve circulation throughout your body and blood flow.
2. Stimulates Your Lymphatic System – The process of dry brushing stimulates your lymphatic system which aids in the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
3. Increases Your Immune System- The increase in circulation and elimination of toxins aids in boosting the body’s immune system.
4. Eliminates Toxins-Aids in detoxifying the body as circulation is increased and the lymphatic system is stimulated.
5. Removes Dead Skin & Improves Skin Appearance- Helps remove dead skin cells clogging pores and allows your skin to breathe and toxins to be expired.
6. Reduces Cellulite- It helps increase stimulation and circulation of your skin which helps minimize the appearance of cellulite.
7. Prevents Spider Veins and Varicose Veins- Targeting areas, such as your legs, helps increase circulation and blood flow, from moving the brush in a direction towards the heart.
Additional Benefits
In addition to the benefits of dry brushing listed above, I have noticed several other benefits from doing it myself, including:
- Improved Sleep- Ever since I started doing my dry brushing right before bed, I have noticed that I’ve been able to get to sleep quicker and not have trouble waking up during the night. I have been getting the best sleep which I believe is due to the dry brushing! When I was doing the dry brushing only in the morning, I don’t believe it had the same effect. So now, I do my dry brushing in the morning and at night.
- Decreased Cortisol- Dry brushing is very soothing and relaxing. The relaxing nature of dry brushing and the increase in circulation has helped me decrease my levels of stress.
- Improved Acne- It has helped my acne immensely. I noticed a change in just a few days. I believe this is due to the increased circulation and my body’s ability to better eliminate toxins.
How to Do it:
1. Make sure your skin is dry and you don’t have any products or lotions on.
2. Take your dry brush and start gently brushing your skin making long sweeping motions starting at your feet, brushing in the direction towards your heart. Some people prefer to do circular motions.
3. Start brushing from your feet, making your way up both legs.
4. Brush from your belly button down to your lower abdomen, then from your belly button up towards your heart.
5. Next, work from your hands to your chest, do one arm at a time. Then brush downward form the bottom of your neck towards the collar bone. Also work from your lower back upwards.
You should dry brush your entire body. Some use a similar method and gently brush their face as well. However, I haven’t tried it on my face yet.
The main idea is that for dry brushing, it is important to start at your feet and make your way up the body, this allows the lymph in your body to drain optimally, such as near your collar bone.
Dry Brushing Tips:
-Do the dry brushing gently, especially your first time to avoid irritation or redness.
-Only use gentle pressure, your skin should not be red or irritated afterwards. When your skin gets used to dry brushing, you can add a little more pressure.
-ALWAYS brush in the direction towards your heart, this promotes blood circulation.
What Kind Kind of Brush Should You Use?
Make sure to use a brush that is specifically designed for dry brushing or body brushing. Select a brush that has natural bristles, not synthetic bristles. Synthetic bristles can be too harsh on skin. Some brushes have a long handle others have shorter handles, either works well, it just depends on your preference. I prefer dry brushing with a brush that has a longer handle this way it is easier to reach areas. This is the best dry brush I have found so far.
Getting the right kind can really make a difference!
Most dry brushes are only $8 to $12 dollars, they are very inexpensive!
How Often Should You Dry Brush?
Dry brushing should be done daily, preferably two times per day, but even just once will be very beneficial.
Many say to do it before you get in the shower and/or before you go to bed. It is best to do it before your shower, this way your skin is dry and it’s before you apply any products or lotions to your skin.
How Long Should it Take?
Dry brushing should only take a few minutes. It is easy to add to your morning or night time routine because it only takes a very short time.
Note:
If you have any sensitive areas, bruises, rashes, wounds, cuts, or infections, avoid dry brushing near these areas.
Have you tried dry brushing? Have you noticed any health benefits?