I take five minutes everyday to dry skin brush. Skin is the largest organ in the human body and one third of our body’s toxins are excreted through it. Dry skin brushing boosts the lymphatic system which is a major part of the body’s immune system. It’s made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin and regularly brushing the skin stimulates normal lymph flow within the body, and helps the body to gently and naturally detoxify itself. Dry brushing is also one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate the skin and keep it soft, smooth and glowy!
To get started, purchase a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush with a long handle to reach all areas of the body. The benefits of dry brushing are maximized by using stiffer bristles and brushing along the flow of the lymphatic system. Start at your feet and gradually work your way up. Some say to brush toward your heart which is a good general rule, but there are a few areas around your abdomen where you should brush from your waist and hips down and inward toward your pelvis. Proceed in the direction pictured below.
Brush several times in each area, overlapping as you go. Take care as you brush over more sensitive areas, like the breasts. Speaking of the breasts, dry brushing is a gentle way to detoxify that is compatible with breastfeeding and can even help with plugged ducts. Once you’ve brushed your entire body, rinse off in the shower, gently pat your skin dry and apply your favorite natural body lotion or oil. You should notice an immediate difference in your skin’s texture, how much better it absorbs the nutrients in skin care products, and you should feel more relaxed. Continue to dry brush your entire body every day and be sure to clean your brush with soap and water once a week. I leave mine to dry the sun and spritz it with naturally anti-bacterial tea tree oil.