How to Dry Brush for Glowing Skin
Dry brushing is a fantastic easy and free tool you can use in your morning or evening routine that support lymphatic drainage, detoxification, reduced cellulite, energy and is calming to the nervous system. I explained the incredible benefits of dry brushing in this post about Why Dry Brushing Promotes Detoxification and Energy In this article, we will look at the logistics, i.e how to use a dry brush?
Step-by-step guide on dry brushing:
Select a natural fiber bristle brush: Choose a suitable natural bristle brush available at health stores, Amazon or pharmacies.
Dry brush before bathing: Perform dry brushing on bare skin to eliminate impurities, ideally before taking a bath.
Start from the soles of the feet: Begin the process at the feet, brushing in a circular clockwise motion towards the head.
Use long sweeping strokes: Employ long, sweeping, and circular strokes, always moving in the direction of your heart.
Focus on arms: Brush from the hands towards the armpits, the location of axial lymph nodes responsible for lymph drainage.
Address the torso and abdomen: Continue brushing in a circular clockwise motion, directing strokes towards the heart.
Gentle strokes for the face: For facial dry brushing, either avoid or use very gentle strokes towards the neck and clavicle, where subclavian lymph nodes are situated.
Particulars
When should I dry brush?
Generally, people prefer to dry brush first thing in the morning before showering, because of its energising effects.
Some people prefer it at night since their mornings are already jam-packed with to-dos. You can alternate between morning and night. Either way, you will reap the benefits of this DIY at home massage so do it whenever you can fit it in your schedule!
How long should you dry brush?
For the best results, aim for a dry brushing session lasting 5 to 10 minutes. I personally enjoy incorporating my favorite tunes (maybe a bit of Cyndi Lauper, anyone?) into the routine. To maximize efficiency, I also engage in oil-pulling mouthwash simultaneously
What if you have sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin conditions like redness, acne, psoriasis, or eczema, using a dry brush may potentially irritate your skin. Despite having psoriasis myself, I’ve been incorporating dry brushing into my routine for years and have witnessed significant improvements in my skin due to the benefits on the lymphatic system and on detoxification. It’s advisable to steer clear of areas that have flared up, open, wounded, red, or irritated.
Moisturizing after dry brushing.
If you have sensitive skin, I would advise dry brushing before you shower. Meaning, first dry brush, then shower, towel dry and most importantly, moisturize with natural oils after the shower.
This is an important step to prevent irritation. Once you have dry brushed + showered, your skin’s pores are OPEN. The open pores are like an open cup ready to receive the moisturiser, helping to to seal in the moisture that natural oils provide.
I prefer using oils that closely mimic the body’s natural oil production, especially those infused with natural anti-inflammatory properties like Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea butter, or Cacao butter.
