Should I Be Dry Brushing?

Brushing your skin with a stiff bristled brush? This may sound a wee bit painful, especially to those of us with sensitive skin. But you'd be surprised at how good it feels and the many benefits it has for your skin. 

It's common knowledge that our skin is our largest organ, but we tend to downplay the huge role it plays in our health. It is not only are body's front-line defence against environmental factors, but it is responsible for a good portion of our body's daily detoxification process through perspiration. So giving it a helping hand with something like dry brushing can have significant health benefits to the whole body.

5 Benefits of Dry Brushing

·         Exfoliates by shedding dead skin cells, revealing soft, healthy skin.

·         Promotes lymphatic drainage, helping the body release toxins.

·         Stimulates and increases blood circulation.

·         Rejuvenates your nervous system, by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

·         Prevents and removes ingrown hairs, leaving skin smooth.

Dry brushing has been used for centuries in Nordic cultures to keep the body healthy, and it's now a popular treatment option at many day spas and wellness centres. But it's also incredibly easy to adopt into your daily routine. Here are our tips and tricks to easily work this 15-minute ritual into your day.

How to Start Dry Brushing

• Start on dry skin. Use a natural bristled brush on your dry skin before jumping into the shower.
• Begin at your ankles. With firm pressure, brush upward in long fluid strokes from your ankles to your hips. You brush toward the heart because that is the way the lymph flows naturally. Feels good, doesn't it? Your skin may look a little pink, but it shouldn't hurt.
• Brush your arms. Begin at yours hands and work toward your shoulders in long upward strokes. Don't forget your armpits to help with lymph drainage!
• End with your stomach. For your stomach and back, work in a counterclockwise pattern. Avoid sensitive areas, as well as open cuts, abrasions and any patches of eczema or psoriasis.
• Shower. Taking a shower after your brushing session will help get rid of dead skin cells. Feeling brave? You can further invigorate your skin by alternating temperatures in the shower. Moving from hot to cold helps stimulate blood circulation and maximize the benefits of dry brushing!

Moisturize. Gently pat dry your skin and apply a nourishing lotion that'll help put the moisture back into your skin. 

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