You brush your teeth, you brush your hair – but have you ever considered brushing your skin?
It may sound strange, but stick with me here. Your skin is in a constant state of renewal, ridding itself of dead cells and helping to detoxify the body by excreting cellular waste and toxins. (Fun fact: Every minute, you shed 30-40,000 dead skin cells!) Skin brushing can support this natural process and may offer other benefits for your body, including:
1. So long, dead skin cells. As I mentioned above, your skin is in a constant state of renewal, with old cells falling off and new ones taking their place. Gentle skin brushing helps exfoliate the skin, buffing away dead skin cells to reveal newer, softer and smoother skin.
2. Circulate and activate! Skin brushing is said to stimulate your body’s natural circulatory and cleansing processes, moving waste along and keeping things flowing smoothly. In addition, with dead skin cells removed from the surface, your skin can more efficiently eliminate waste and toxins.
3. Adios, cellulite. The theory behind cellulite is that fat deposits gather beneath the skin’s surface, creating those unsightly lumps and bumps. Dry brushing may help redistribute these deposits and soften the surface of your skin, diminishing the appearance of cellulite.
4. Sayonara, stress. Find a quiet, comfortable place to do your body brushing and set the mood by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser. You may find your stress melting away with each gentle stroke.
5. Wake up! In addition to the skin and body benefits listed above, the act of dry brushing can be invigorating and energizing for both body and mind. A quick morning brushing session can prepare you for the day ahead!
TIPS – How to brush your skin:
- I know what you’re thinking – won’t the brush scratch and irritate my skin? The key is to use a natural-bristled skin brush with firm (but not overly stiff) bristles and a long handle so you can easily get to your back, feet and other hard-to-reach places.
- Use gentle, circular strokes, starting at your feet and moving up your body – don’t brush broken skin, wounds or irritated areas.
- The best time of day to do your dry brushing is in the morning before a bath or shower.
- Don’t forget to clean your body brush periodically with gentle soap and water.