Dry Brushing 101, and why you should be doing it daily
We all have routines and rituals that can turn an average day into an unbelievably EPIC day. A powerful morning ritual sets us up for the day. Sends us off into the big wide world with a skip, smile and can do attitude. That’s right ladies, YOU can do anything your beautiful heart desires!
Here are a few of my absolute musts I do every morning otherwise I’m left feeling off. First thing I meditate (sometimes with my daughter) for 20 minutes. I write in my gratitude journal, move by body and perform a body ritual known as dry body brushing!
I’m in my mid late 40’s now, and as our skin becomes less efficient at shedding layers of dead skin, I give it a little help by dry body brushing. Similar to exfoliating your face, you body also benefits from regular exfoliation, this primes your skin to absorb all the delicious ingredients from your body creams and oils!
Since I started dry body brushing, my skin is much smoother, I have no more ingrown hairs and I notice less cellulite on my bum and thighs! We all want radiant skin, it’s a clear sign of health and vitality, but it does that a little effort on your part.
What is dry body brushing?
Simply put, dry body brushing is a body massage using a dry, stiff-bristled brush.
How to dry body brush:
Start at your feet using upward strokes (you can even brush the bottom of your feet) and work your way up your legs, arms, chest, back and tummy. Always brush towards your heart to work with your circulation and lymphatic system. Brush your chest and tummy in a clockwise direction, and be sure to adjust the amount of pressure of the brush; you want it to feel stimulating but comfortable. You should see a light rosy colour to the areas you’ve brushed. Do this for a minimum of 3 minutes, ideally 3x per week. For added benefits, add a couple drops of essential oil to your brush for increased stimulation and to boost circulation.
Benefits
- aids in detoxification
- supports the lymphatic system to move lymph along allowing our bodies to remove toxins faster
- increases energy (do this in the morning)
- blood flow and circulation is stimulated which has a plumping effect which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite
- delivers much needed oxygen to cells, preventing the formation of cellulite, varicose veins and skin discolouration
- increases circulation and improves collagen production
- boots our immune system as bacteria, toxins and waste from our blood filter through the lymph nodes and destroyed.
- reduces susceptibility to illness by strengthening our immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system
- helps to mobilize and supports even distribution of fat deposits under the skin for smooth, firm looking skin
- allows you to exfoliate and increase blood circulation without dehydrating the skin as hot water in shower can
- encourages cell turnover (exfoliation)
- fantastic at preventing annoying ingrown hair
- prevents clogged pores
- a beautiful form of self care to celebrate your body, try adding a drop of your favourite essential oil to your dry brush
Notes
- avoid your breasts and genital area
- do nut brush if you have a sunburn, rash or other skin irritant
- wash your brush after each use to remove dead skin cells
- be sure to dry bush before you shower, then you can wash off any dead skin cells
- moisturize with your favourite body oil/moisturizer afterwards (non toxic naturally)
I bought my body brush from my local health food store, here are a couple similar options:
Give it a go gorgeous and be sure to let me know how silky smooth your skin is!
Do you have a favourite morning routine or ritual? Be sure to let me know and share all your favourites! I’d love you to pin this post on Pinterest or share it on Facebook. Post on Instagram. (tag me @amandavs, #amandavs)!
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XO