Taking care of your skin is essential for having a silky soft and smooth body and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is by having the right skincare routine. And while applying sunscreen will protect it and help keep it wrinkle and acne-free, you really shouldn’t forget about removing all those dead skin cells from your body. The most popular and commonly used way for removing dead skin cells from our body is with the help of dry brushing.
This is a technique that has been used since ancient times. As the name suggests, dry brushing is exfoliating your body with the help of a dry brush with natural and firm bristles. By gently brushing your skin, you’ll be massaging your skin to remove any dead skin and leave it smooth.
Types of Dry Brushes
There are many types of body brushes, mainly ranging in the type of bristles, size, bristle density, and design. Usually, you can choose from the ones with or without handles where the brushes with handles seem easier to use, especially when dry brushing your back. While these brushes are doing an exceptional job for brushing your entire body, when it comes to dry brushing your face it would be best if you opt for a brush that is specifically designed for the face. That’s because face dry brushes are made of natural plant bristles that are softer, and perfect for the thinner face skin.
All of these brushes are designed for being used on dry skin before showering, but some people find them too harsh on their skin. In those cases, you can freely use it on wet skin since it’s less scratchy and the results seem to be as effective as the ones of brushing on dry skin.
Benefits of Using a Brush for the Body
Improves Circulation
Dry brushing with a body exfoliating brush can boost circulation by improving blood flow and improving oxygen levels. When the circulation in your body is boosted, the oxygen continually flows throughout your body which allows every organ to function properly. This can certainly keep your brain sharper, it’ll keep your heart healthier, and can help in healing any wounds faster.
Lymphatic Drainage
This method of exfoliating your body with a natural bristle body exfoliating brush may also encourage lymphatic drainage which encourages the drainage of movement of lymph fluids in the body and the lymph nodes. This will certainly help reduce the symptoms and signs of lymphedema which recently seems to be a quite common condition among women. This exfoliation method also speeds up the rate of blood pumping which will result in faster removal of all toxins and pathogens from your body.
Possible Reduction of Cellulite
The uneven skin appearance, also known as cellulite, forms with the appearance of fat cells which push up against the skin. This is one of the most common skin conditions (mainly in women) that causes a dimpled orange-like look of the skin. It mainly appears on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen and one of the ways to reduce it is with massage. By massaging your body with this natural bristle brush, you’ll increase the blood circulation and lymphatic drainage which will result in slowly breaking down the cellulite and evening out the state of your skin.
Clean Pores and Better Nutrient Absorption
The use of this brush will certainly help you remove dead skin cells from your body, but it’ll also help you unclog clogged pores with sebum, dirt, and residue. As a result, your skin appearance will improve and you will help it with all of the nutrients and moisture coming from your daily skincare products.
How Often Should You Use an Exfoliating Body Brush?
Although it’s considered okay to dry brush your body 3 – 5 times per week, it would be better if you listen to your body and see for any signs of irritation. If you find doing dry brushing that often makes your skin extremely dry or irritated, exfoliating once or twice per week would be just enough.
How It’s Done?
Dry brushing is best done before showering and you can start doing this at your ankles and move in long circular motions by applying a slight pressure. Make sure to make your circular motions in a direction toward your heart. Take your time with each area of your body to achieve the needed results. After you’re done, you should take a shower to remove any dead skin cells from your skin and after it, make sure to apply hydrating lotion to nourish the skin. Since the pores of your skin will be open and the dead skin gone, the skin will better absorb the product which will result in healthier and softer skin.
