Amidst out annual quest to achieve a babein’ bod by bikini season, we discovered the truly amazing benefits of dry body brushing. Aren’t au fait in the cellulite eliminating, blood-circulation stimulating, silky-skin delivering benefits of body brushing? Read on, STAT! By Katie Martlew
What is body brushing?
Dry body brushing is the process of brushing your skin using a bristle brush, to achieve a variety of holistic benefits from eliminating toxins such as cellulite, to improving blood circulation and function, aiding digestion and softening the skin. Even the gorgeous Miranda Kerr is a fan of dry body brushing, telling GQ Magazine that she dry brushes to get body bikini ready “It promotes movement of the lymphatic system, improves circulation, and leaves your skin feeling softer and smoother,” she said.
How does it work?
Unbeknownst to many, our skin is the largest organ in the body, and is responsible for the body’s daily detoxification, acting as an exit route for sweat and other toxins. Did you know-the skin should be eliminating over a pound of waste every day! Alas, when the body’s pores are clogged with dead skin cells, toxins cannot be expelled as they should be. The poor kidneys and liver then have to work overtime to eliminate these toxins from the body. It’s been proven that dry brushing helps to open up the pores, and get lymph fluid moving as it should around the body, improving circulation and eliminating toxins from the body. Other benefits include aiding poor digestion and strengthen a sluggish immune system.
How To Dry Body Brush
How often should I body brush? Try to incorporate it into a daily routine. If you can’t manage this, aim for 2-3 times per week.
What you’ll need: A natural bristle brush. As a guide; if you’re new to body brushing, opt for a soft brush as a good starting point. If you wish to achieve increased stimulation and exfoliation, choose a medium brush. Firm brushes should be used by experienced dry body brushing devotees only. Check out www.bodecare.com who specialise in dry body brushes.
Dry Brushing Tip #1: Be sure to never dry brush freshly shaven skin (as you’ll overdo it in the exfoliation stakes) and only brush dry skin.
Dry Brushing Tip #2 Always brush in motions towards your heart as it’s been proven to facilitate better blood and lymph circulation through the body. It doesn’t matter what order you start in, however it’s typically easier to begin at the feet, working upwards.
Step 1
Begin on bended knee, looking over your shoulder so you can start with the sole of your foot. Start by brushing the bottom of your foot in a light sweeping stroke, then move onto the top of your foot and up around your ankles.
Step 2
Move on to the knees, calves and thighs, brushing in upward strokes. Apply extra pressure when brushing the back of your knees and inner thighs, as lymph nodes are particularly prominent here.
Step 3
Then, moving towards your upper body, brush your arms and hands, while paying particular attention under your arms (lymph nodes are prevalent here also-so apply more pressure here).
Step 4
Brush up onto your stomach and bum in a gentle motion. Use gentle strokes to brush the torso, making sure you brush over the area of the liver.
Step 5
A little tough for the less flexible among us-brush your shoulders and back in long, fluid, upward strokes.
Step 6
Always shower after you dry body brush to rinse those nasty toxins and dead skin cells down the drain.
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