Did you know that skin is regarded as the largest of the four vital eliminative organs in your body? Did you know that skin is sometimes called the “third kidney?” Did you know that your skin is in charge of part of your body’s detoxification every day? Plus, it receives almost a third of the entire blood circulated in your body?
More than 16 ounces are expelled every day, the majority of which is released through sweat glands? Your face is usually the very first to indicate deficiency and imbalance. Dry brushing daily helps rid the look of cellulite. It also improves the suppleness of your skin tone and helps to prevent wrinkles. It is imperative to use a brush that is made from natural bristles.
Do make sure that you are using a non-synthetic or nylon brush.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
The process is incredibly inexpensive and highly beneficial. A few advantages that you are expected to witness are outlined below:
1. Dry brushing removes impurities and dead layers of skin.
2. It keeps your pores open and assists the skin in breathing.
3. Gets your blood moving by stimulating circulation.
4. Dry brushing boosts the eliminative capacity of your skin.
5. It revitalizes your skin.
6. The process prevents colds and other similar problems by eliminating harmful, toxic buildup on the surface.
7. Dry brushing stimulates nerves.
8. It encourages the oil-producing and hormone-producing glands.
9. It will help get rid of cellulite for a healthier muscle tone.
10. Dry brushing will make your skin look more youthful and more velvety than before.
How to Dry Brush Your Body Correctly
If possible, get a family member to get your back, so you get all the hard-to-reach places. It is recommended to opt for a natural-bristle brush approximately the size of your hand. You will most probably brush each part seven to fourteen times.
Hang in there – it isn’t as difficult and complicated as it might sound. Remember that the best time to brush your body before taking a shower or bath. (I would suggest dry brushing while standing in your shower or bath so that you can quickly wash away any follicles that fall off your body from dry brushing).
Technique: Beginning from the soles of your feet, brush the skin vigorously using a rotary (circular) motion. To brush correctly, you want to start from your feet and move upwards towards your heart and then move to your hands and work your way towards your shoulders.
Massage every part of your body, front, and back, except for your face.
Dry Brushing Tip: Avoid blood vessels breaking and varicose veins from appearing by moving the brush away from the middle of your chest out. So always move out to in and not in to out. The inner face, thighs, chest, and abdomen are some of the most sensitive areas of your body, and care must be taken while you brush these areas.
Avoid being overly rough with your skin. If any part of your body is irritated in any way or if the skin is broken, do not brush it. Try to press the brush against the surface as much as you can stand comfortably. Be very careful if your skin is sensitive. You can also brush your scalp to stimulate better blood circulation to your hair follicles gently.
Recommended Stroking Techniques
Feet: Small, vigorous circular strokes.
Armpit: Use clockwise and anti-clockwise strokes.
Chest: Start above the breast, from breastbone to armpit, and vise verse — next, sternum to armpit strokes below the breast.
Back: From the middle of the spine up to the shoulders.
Sides: Waist to armpit.
Neck: Beginning from the back of the neck to below the base of your throat.
Jaw: Starting along the jaw-line and gradually moving down to the collarbone.
Arms: Wrist to the elbow.
Hands: Use circular strokes on fingers, palm, and back of the hand.
Abdomen: Circular clockwise strokes.
Lower Body: Small circular strokes.
Buttocks: Small circular strokes.
Lower Back: Starting at the end of your spine, move gradually up to the shoulder blades.
Legs: Small circular strokes from ankle to knee Brush continuously for approximately five to ten minutes. You will begin to notice a more even tone with a little rosy glow. If your skin looks flaky, apply a moisturizer or beauty oil. The best time to get maximum results is rising in the morning and before going to sleep at night.
Since dry brushing loosens up dead skin, it is better to take a hot shower or rub-down with a wet towel or a sponge after using the technique. An alternative cold shower is also equally beneficial. Although some people prefer a warm shower, a hot/cold bath has a more stimulating effect on your skin.
Post-Brushing Routine
Once you are done with your shower, massage, or rub your body with the nourishing oil explained below. You can use any cold-pressed vegetable oil for this purpose. However, here is the formula that can be made quickly: It is composed of beautifying oils known for doing wonders for your complexion. The oil prevents not only premature aging of your skin but also wrinkles and dehydrated skin.
Ingredients:
- Wheat Germ Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Almond Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Avocado Oil: 4 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil: 5 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
Directions:
Place the ingredients mentioned above into an empty, clean bottle, and shake the mixture well. Add small amounts of the oil mixture to avoid using too much; a few drops are more than enough. Hands, arms, neck, and face tend to be more vulnerable to dehydration. Therefore, it is advisable to apply more oil to these areas. Place the mixture in the fridge for future use. Don’t forget to shake the bottle well every time before applying to your skin.
Warnings
Always keep it clean, rinse it off after every use, and store in a cool, dry place so that it doesn't mildew. Don't share for sanitary purposes. It is recommended to start with a soft brush and use a very gentle touch until your body is used to dry brushing. Once you think your skin is seasoned enough, graduate with a natural-bristle brush.
Article Contributed By
Danielle Lewis