Skin Brushing

You probably brush your hair, and your teeth but do you brush your skin? And why would you?

You probably brush your hair, and your teeth but do you brush your skin? And why would you?

I love recommending dry skin brushing to my clients for many reasons. Not only is it a great way to improve the look and health of your skin, but it actually acts as a “magic detox scrub”, if you will, for eliminating your bodies impurities from many of your organs. This is also a great trick for anyone looking to do a bit of a cleanse.

Think about it, what did you put into your body this week? This month? This year? As sad as it is, even the water we bathe in has chemicals in it.

So, what can you incorporate into your daily routine that will help get rid of and detox those dirty impurities out of your body so that you aren’t always in toxic overload? I’m about to explain one of the easiest and most effective ways to scrub away these toxins so you can actually enjoy and not feel so bad about it!

So, What are the Benefits of Skin Brushing?

Revitalizes and increases the eliminative capacity of your skin and helps to throw toxins out of the system. It effectively removes dead layers of skin and other impurities.Keeps pores open and functioning.Stimulates and increases blood circulation in all underlying organs and tissues, especially small blood capillaries.Cleanses and strengthens the lymphatic system.Stimulates the hormone and oil producing glands, keeping your skin looking and feeling young, smooth, and strong.Has a powerful rejuvenating influence on the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

How to Do Skin Brushing

Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like… brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush, usually before showering.

You can find dry skin at health food stores or local markets. They are relatively inexpensive.

You want the brush to be a natural vegetable fibre bristle brush. It will feel a bit rough at first, but will, with time, the fibres will loosen up. The handle should be long enough so that you can reach all areas of your body.

You will start dry brushing your body before you shower or bathe so that you can wash off the impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action.

2. In dry brushing, the skin is typically brushed toward the heart, starting at the feet and hands and brushing toward the chest.

Start at one area of the body and work up or down in a circular motion towards the heart, and then repeat with the other side of the body.

Extra Tips for Skin Brushing

Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably in the morning. The scalp can be brushed too! Scalp brushing will stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation and keep the scalp from dandruff, stale oils, etc.Use light pressure in areas where skin is thin and harder pressure in places like the soles of the feet. Avoid brushing any skin that is irritated, damaged, infected, or if you are prone to easy bleeding.

Now that you know how to dry skin brush, you should know how to take care of your brush too!

Care for Your Skin Brush

Every two weeks or so – wash your dry skin brush with natural soap. Dry your brush in the sun or a warm place. Wash the brush regularly to keep impurities from clogging it up.

For hygienic reasons, use a separate brush for each family member.

So there you have it. A simply and easy way to help improve your daily health by brushing all those pesky toxins away! Get ready to see some serious invigorating glow in your skin, and an improvement in your health!

By: Ms Esther - SOL Senior Naturopath