Tip Tuesday: #9

Dry Brushing

That's right! Today we are going to talk about dry brushing. You may have heard of it before. But it's not as easy as just brushing your skin with a brush. There are techniques. And rules to follow to do it correctly!

But why do it? Why would you want to take that extra time to brush your skin? You already have to brush your hair and your teeth. I have to brush my skin too?!

Yes! It is very important! Here are a few reasons why it is so great.

• Restores radiance to skin 
• Stimulates circulation 
• Eliminates toxins 
• Rejuvenates the nervous system 
• Boosts skins elasticity 
• Removes dead skin, revealing a fresh glow
• Can, overtime, smooth cellulite (rumor has it)

So who doesn't want better looking skin?!

Now let's talk about how to go about dry brushing!

First, you will want to get a good brush! Find yourself a REAL brush with natural bristles, do not get one with synthetic bristles. Natural is always better.

If you are having a hard time finding a brush like this, look at these ones. They have GREAT reviews!

Earth Therapeutics Purest Palm Body Brush  - $8.48
Ecotools Bamboo Bristle Bath Brush  - $9.95
Bernard Jensen’s, Natural Bristle Body Brush, 1 Brush  - $10.33
Merben International Jute Body Brush For Dry Use Only  - $24.45

Technique

Now that you've gotten a good brush, it's time to move on to how to use it!

You can not just brush your skin where ever you feel it's needed. There are ways that you can use your brush to get the most out of it!

Now I have read of two different ways that are best and through lots of research... I'm not sure which is absolute best. They both sound like amazing techniques and help with different things! So I will tell you both!

First Technique:

It is said that the best way to help your skin is by brushing towards your lymph nodes. If you look at this picture below, all the dots are your lymph nodes and the arrows are the direction you should be brushing towards. This technique is to help stimulate your lymphatic system. If you are anything like me, you have no idea what that means until someone tells you.

So let me tell you, "The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system. It is full of a network of comprising a network of channels called lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph directionally towards the heart."

Why is this important?

"The circulatory system processes an average of 20 litres of blood per day through capillary filtration which removes plasma while leaving the blood cells. Roughly 17 liters of the filtered plasma actually get reabsorbed directly into the blood vessels, while the remaining 3 litres are left behind in the interstitial fluid. The primary function of the lymph system is to provide an accessory route for these excess 3 litres per day to get returned to the blood.

Lymph is essentially recycled blood plasma." (thanks to wiki for helping me find all this info!)

So now you know! Follow the picture above to dry brush to help circulation.

Second Technique:

Now the second one I've heard of is a lot like the first. But instead of brushing towards your lymph nodes, you need to brush towards your heart. It has a lot of the same benefits. Brushing towards your heart helps encourage blood to flow back towards your heart. Another great way to help circulation throughout your entire body!

Follow this picture to help dry brush with this technique.

Now with both of these techniques, it is important that you brush in a circular motion. It is best to go circular towards your heart. So go grab yourself a brush with natural bristles and on your way towards better looking and healthier skin!

 

Have any questions? Comment below! And don't forget to pin this to your board! Share on Facebook! Spread the word to better skin!