If you comply with wellness and wonder traits, you’ve most likely heard of dry brushing, a body-care apply that includes utilizing a firm-bristled brush in opposition to the pores and skin. While this system has gained recognition lately — and has been adopted by many as a part of their self-care regimens — it’s really rooted in historical therapeutic practices with many confirmed advantages.
We requested the workforce at LifeSpa to share what they find out about dry brushing, why it’s good for health, and the way to do it. Here’s what we realized.
What is dry brushing — and what are its advantages?
Dry brushing is a physique therapeutic massage you are able to do by yourself that includes shifting a rough brush in opposition to your pores and skin in round motions towards your coronary heart. Dry brushing is just meant for the physique. Avoid utilizing the comb in your face and look for a brush made particularly for dry brushing with firm, pure bristles.
In phrases of the way it helps health, findings present it helps with the next:
Exfoliation
Using a dry brush in your pores and skin is nice for exfoliation, particularly within the fall and winter. It may also help enhance your pores and skin’s look and texture by eradicating lifeless pores and skin cells and uncloging pores for a healthy glow.
Increased circulation
Dry brushing may also assist detoxing by rising blood stream and selling lymphatic drainage. The round motions in your pores and skin encourage blood beneath the floor to pump quicker, which helps clear toxins and pathogens extra shortly.
Relaxation
Similar to a therapeutic massage, dry brushing can have a soothing impact. The really feel of the course bristles in opposition to your pores and skin will also be invigorating, so attempt doing it within the morning to really feel extra refreshed and awake.
When and the way usually is it greatest to dry brush?
Dry brushing is greatest executed earlier than you bathe when your pores and skin is totally dry. As a rule of thumb, the LifeSpa workforce recommends dry brushing not more than two occasions per week as an excessive amount of exfoliation can worsen your pores and skin.
What if I’ve delicate pores and skin?
As with many exfoliation strategies, strategy dry brushing with warning, particularly if you’re getting started. Test a small space of your pores and skin first, maybe in your higher leg, and watch for indicators of irritation.
If you may have delicate pores and skin or are combating a pores and skin situation akin to eczema or psoriasis, it’s your decision to skip this in your routine. If you do select to dry brush, use light, round strokes — brushing too onerous can lead to pores and skin irritation.
How to Dry Brush
1. Legs
Start at one foot and work your approach up in lengthy, round motions. Maintain a barely firm strain (however don’t press too onerous!) as you progress the comb in opposition to your pores and skin. Repeat on reverse leg.
2. Arms
Start at one hand and work your approach towards your coronary heart with the identical strain and round brush strokes. Repeat on reverse arm.
3. Stomach
Start beneath your stomach button and brush upward in a clockwise course towards your chest.
4. Back
Start together with your decrease again and transfer upward towards your shoulders. Try a longer-handled brush to get to these hard-to-reach areas.
Shower and Moisturize
Once you’re executed brushing, hop within the bathe to slough off these lifeless pores and skin cells. Your pores and skin ought to really feel clean and prepared for moisture after, so end with a lightweight physique lotion or oil on the areas you brushed.
