A Guide To Dry Brushing For Exfoliation, Lymphatic Drainage, And Detoxing Your Body
There are so many beauty trends out there that may seem unconventional, but they actually come with major benefits. Dry brushing is one of them.
If you don’t know what dry brushing is, you may feel a little when you see someone doing it for the first time.
Dry brushing is a technique first originated by the Ayurvedics and involves brushing your skin with a natural fiber brush.
If you’ve ever seen influencers on TikTok using a handheld brush that looks like it could be used to groom horses and brush all around their dry skin, then they’re dry brushing.
This process may look uncomfortable, and it’s easy to get confused about why anyone would want to do it. However, dry brushing has many benefits for our skin and things inside our bodies.
Many people turn to dry brushing because it is a great technique for exfoliating skin. After consistent, dry brushing, you’ll likely be left with soft, smooth skin.
Interestingly, dry brushing also acts as a form of lymphatic drainage massage, which has recently been trending with the popularity of Gua Shas.
Lymphatic drainage massages help your circulatory system by getting your blood moving throughout your body, improving your skin’s appearance.
It is believed dry brushing can also help detox your body as well. Your lymphatic system is being massaged, cleaning out any excess toxins, bacteria, or fluid in your body.
FotoHelin – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
It’s important to note that dry brushing may not be for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin and skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Additionally, if you have any temporary skin irritation, like acne, blemishes, or sunburn, you should avoid dry brushing until you’re healed.
If all of this has made you want to try dry brushing, here are some tips on how to get started.
First, you need to choose a dry brush that is powerful enough to stimulate your skin without scratching it or feeling too rough. Instead of buying a dry brush online, see if you can purchase one in person so you can feel the bristles of each brush.
Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing a dry brush with a handle to access hard-to-reach areas of your body easily.
Most dry brush users recommend dry brushing after removing your clothes and before showering.
You’ll want to dry brush as much of your body as possible, and because the process is exfoliating, you’ll want to clean yourself afterward to wash away any dead skin cells.
It is recommended that you start dry brushing your feet and move all the way up to your chest. You want to apply medium pressure as you don’t want to hurt yourself, but you also want to feel the brush exfoliating your skin. You simply stroke the brush almost as if you were brushing a pet.
When you hit your stomach and your joints, like your elbows, shoulders, wrists, and knees, you want to move the brush in a clockwise circular motion.
Make nice long strokes with medium pressure when brushing your arms and legs. It’s important to remember that this is a self-care technique, so you should take your time with it and avoid rushing.
Be sure to avoid brushing over the same areas of skin several times, as you don’t want to irritate it.
When you get up to your chest and neck, be extra gentle and stroke in a downward motion. Many people find it meditative and comforting to finish their dry brush session by brushing a few circular strokes around their hearts.
Once you’re done, hop in the shower, clean yourself off, and use a nice moisturizer when you get out.
When you’re out of the shower, all clean and moisturized, you’ll notice that your skin is smoother than ever, and before you know it, you’ll be just as addicted to dry brushing as all those beauty influencers you see online.
If you’re looking for a new self-care technique this summer, try dry brushing and see if it’s for you!
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