The benefits of dry skin brushing

Dry skin brushing is a technique used in Ayurveda as a cleansing method to get rid of dead skin cells, improve circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, improve skin tone and texture, help release fatty deposits under the skin’s surface, prevent premature aging and help assist in the eliminative capacity of the body’s organs.

The skin is the largest organ and it also happens to be an organ of elimination. It is estimated that one third of the body’s daily impurities are excreted through the skin. Moreover, one third of the blood is circulated throughout the skin. That’s why it’s important to include rituals in your routine like dry skin brushing to get rid of dead skin cells and also assist in eliminating toxins out of your body and get everything moving in a healthy way.

By removing dead skin cells, you help the body cleanse itself better, as the skin pores aren’t clogged and any unwanted toxins can be excreted. If you’re skin is constantly blocked, the elimination aspect of the skin becomes inactive.

Dry skin brushing not only removes dead skin cells and promotes healthy skin regeneration, by exfoliating the outer layer, it also stimulates the sweat and oil glands of the skin, which as a result, helps keep the skin moist, fresh, vibrant and smooth.

Other benefits of dry skin brushing are:

• Improves blood circulation in the body. Blood flow increases to the skin following skin brushing and the process of eliminating toxins is improved.

• Stimulates the lymphatic system. This is one of the most important aspects of dry skin brushing and perhaps the most overlooked. The lymphatic system is directly correlated with the immune system, as the lymph carries white blood cells, the cells that fight against any toxic agents that threaten our health. Having a healthy functioning of the lymphatic system is important for immune health.

• Reduces cellulite. Cellulite is toxic fat build-up under the epidermis. The circular movements carried out throughout the skin free the fat build-up under the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

• Exfoliates the skin, making it softer and more radiant.

How to dry skin brush:

The best part of dry skin brushing is that you can do it at home before taking a shower. All you need is a skin brush.

The technique you should use to do it effectively is moving the brush in circular movements around your body.

Start brushing your skin from the feet and working your way upward. The important thing is to always brush your skin towards your heart rather than the other way around. Therefore start at your feet and slowly move up your legs, abdominal area and end with the arms.

It’s very simple and doesn’t take much time. Finish off with a nice shower to remove all the dead skin cells and apply a body oil afterwards to hydrate the skin.

Try including this ritual into your routine and your body will thank you!