I love dry body brushing as part of my daily routine. Dry brushing is the practice of brushing the body with a bristle brush, to stimulate lymphatic drainage and release excess toxins from the body via the skin; and has existed in cultures around the world for centuries, dating back to ancient civilisations, including the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.
Personally, I like to dry body brush first thing in the morning before my shower, as I find it invigorating and helps wake me up, however you can do it at any time of day. As the name implies, your skin needs to be dry, and moisturising is best done afterwards. If like me you are dry body brushing before a shower, then wait till you’ve towel dried to moisturise.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Dry body brushing opens the pores of your skin and removes dead skin cells, acting as an exfoliant. Hello, silky smooth skin.
It stimulates and increases cell production giving your skin a healthy glow. Yes, please.
Increases blood flow, stimulating the lymphatic system which releases stored toxins and better absorb nutrients. Bye, bye toxins!
DOES DRY BODY BRUSHING GET RID OF CELLULITE?
Maybe, but only temporarily. Again, dry brushing is a form of exfoliation, so smoothing out your skin could cause a brief improvement in the texture of your skin overall.
DO YOU HAVE TO SHOWER AFTER DRY BODY BRUSHING?
You don’t have to shower after dry brushing, but it’s recommended—you don’t want to loosen all those dead skin cells and gunk from your skin and then go on with your day! Wash it off and then seal in moisture and keep your skin smooth by applying your favourite body oil or lotion.
HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK SHOULD YOU DRY BODY BRUSH?
As much as you want! The more you do, the more you’ll see a benefit. I personally like to dry body brush each day, others prefer a couple of times a week.
HOW TO
To do it yourself, start at your feet and brush upward towards the heart in long firm strokes. Brushing towards the heart encourages lymph flow to the main lymphatic ducts. Similarly, when you start on your arms, begin at the hands and work upward. For the stomach, work in a clockwise pattern.
Use softer strokes and less pressure where the skin is thinner and use more pressure where the skin is tougher, such as the thighs and buttocks.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Avoid on sensitive skin, sunburnt skin, varicose veins, open wounds, inflamed skin or painful rashes.
Seek your GP’s advice if you’re pregnant, as it’s detoxifying.
Stroking away from the heart places a strain on the lymph vessels, as they have one-way valves.
Brush your face, genitals or breasts.