Dry skin brushing, for your health!

 Rather than view dry skin brushing as a fad-like quick fix, it should be seen a habitual practice as fundamental as bathing or brushing your teeth.

Potential benefits of skin brushing are best divided into two categories: vanity benefits and health benefits.

Vanity benefits:

• Removes dead skin
• creates smoother skin and gives a healthy glow
• Improves skin's elasticity
• could reduce cellulite
• improves muscle tone
• prevents premature ageing 
• can change/purify eye color

Health benefits:

• Stimulates the lymphatic system
• clears toxins from the lymph system
• strengthens immune system
• helps with digestion
• stimulates circulation
• improves cell renewal
• stimulates and balances hormones

Why dry skin brushing has so many benefits. 

Most people have heard that the skin is the largest organ we have. The skin removes around a pound of waste every day. The make-up of sweat mimics urine so many consider the skin sort of like a third kidney! So keep those pores clean and open! 

A major factor in the skins ability to properly rid toxins is the lymphatic system, which includes the liver. 70% of the lymphatic system lies underneath the skin in the interstitial space. The lymph system does not have any sort of pump or mechanism to keep it clear and moving, so it requires stimulation to help the flow of toxins. 

A healthy flowing Lymphatic system helps other body systems function better as well. 

How to skin brush

First, you will need to buy a dry skin brush with natural bristles. Any supermarket, drugstore, or health food store should carry them for around $10. Always use it while completely dry and wash it around every week depending on use. 

Quick tips:

• Should take 5-15 minutes. I think it could combine well with a meditation routine. 

• Skin and brush must be completely dry

• Do in the morning or before bed- though, it can be energizing!

• Good to do prior to showering since body is prepared for cleansing

• Sauna is great to use after brushing

• Alternate hot and cold in sauna/shower for extra circulation boost. 

• No lotions for a few hours prior to use

• Should not cause too much agitation. Slightly pink skin is OK. 

• Avoid broken skin or damaged areas

• Wash brush once per week 

Many experts have developed their own methods to follow for skin brushing. I have tried 3 which I have enjoyed and have combined them in different ways. The key is to find strokes that work for you.

Check out the water shed approach which can be found in a youtube video by greensmoothiegirl titled "The correct way to skin brush.

Check out Dr. Bruce Berkowsky's method which can be found in another youtube video by greensmoothiegirl titled how to dry skin brush.

Happy brushing! 

Harrison