Want Luminous Skin? Try Dry Brushing!

Benefits of Dry Brushing:

• Stimulates your lymph system which is vital to your immunity.
• Removes dead cells and allows your skin to breathe better. It improves the texture of your skin, promotes cell renewal, and enhances the absorption of nutrients.
• Strengthens your immune system and may reduce the duration of infections as well as accelerate the clearing of toxins from your body.
• May stimulate your endocrine system and oil glands, allowing your skin and body systems to function more efficiently.
• Helps to tighten your skin by increasing blood flow to the surface, which in turn moves toxins and decreases the appearance of cellulite.
• Helps to tone your muscles and improve the function of your nervous system.

I recommend that you dry brush your skin on a daily basis, preferably in the morning right before bathing. If you’re not feeling well, you should brush twice a day to help rid your body of toxins. A thorough skin brushing can take up to 15 minutes, but even a 1-2 minute brush does wonders for your whole body.

There are numerous types of brushes to pick from, but most will likely feel stiff to start with and soften up with use. A natural fiber is recommended, however there are softer bristled brushes available that are synthetic fiber. Clean your brush using soap and hot water at least once a week.  You can also use a fiber mitt, which I prefer for sanitation purposes.  You can throw a mitt in the washing machine and dryer, which I recommend after every third brushing. You would be surprised how fast the dead skin cells can build up; the top layer of skin turns over every 24 hours—so keep your brush or mitt clean!

• Start brushing from your feet and move towards your heart starting with long strokes then moving to a circular motion.
• Continue brushing up your legs, hips, buttocks and then to your hands and arms.
• Brush your entire back, abdomen area, shoulders and neck.
• Use counter-clock wise on the abdomen and lightly around the breasts.
• Remember your elbows and knees.
• Avoid sensitive areas or anywhere your skin is broken, such as wounds, cuts or infected areas, especially poison oak or poison ivy.

End by bathing with a cold shower, starting with washing your feet and moving up toward your heart, which further invigorates your skin.  After drying off, massage and slather your skin with a nourishing moisturizer. Plant oils (avocado, apricot, coconut, olive) will work very nicely as well.

Dry brushing is also known to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’s important to keep your diet alkaline and include regular exercise into your regimen. Cellulite is generally found in subcutaneous tissue, which can be a difficult area to address. Plan on a three month stimulating program for best results, followed by a maintenance program.

Be sure to include foods that feed your skin, including those rich in lecithin, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.  Good choices are organic eggs, organ meats, a balance of Omega 3-6-9 oils, fresh dark green leafy vegetables, berries of all kinds, and dark chocolate (keep it to 1 ounce a day).