Did you know that there’s an upscale spa treatment you can do at home for little more than the cost of a new brush? It’s called dry brushing and is self-applied to your naked skin.
At many spas and skin care centres, dry brushing is a part of special treatments, body scrubs and massages. At home, you can apply the dry brush technique on yourself or your partner before you bathe or shower.
This inexpensive European bath technique exfoliates and detoxifies the skin and it may also reduce the signs of cellulite. Exfoliation via dry brushing works to slough off dead, dry skin, stimulating the release of collagen and removing any scaly patches. After dry brushing is applied, the skin rapidly absorbs oils and other emollients, enhancing routine moisturizing.
Dry brushing is easy, but you do need to use the right brush. Pick up a skin brush designed for this purpose (most drug stores and many health food stores sell them). The firm, dry brush is usually made of natural materials, designed specifically for skin and features a long handle for ease of application on hard to reach places like the back of the legs.
With the brush in hand, apply light pressure over the skin’s surfaces. Brushing the skin in this manner acts similarly to a massage and helps stimulate the lymph system. It also boosts circulation of blood and oxygen to the skin. As toxins can break down connective tissue and add to the appearance of cellulite, dry brushing may be one way to combat these symptoms, or at least provide a temporary plumping of the surface of the stimulated skin.
When dry brushing, direction of application is important. It is recommended that you begin at your feet and work upwards with long sweeping strokes. Continue onto your torso and chest and end by brushing from your hands up to your shoulders towards your armpits. Always brush gently. After rinsing in a shower or bath, apply moisturizer, coconut or body oil as usual. If your skin gets red or irritated, don’t brush so firmly next time.
Dry brushing regularly will result in softer, smoother skin. It is also invigorating and energizing.
