7 Reasons Why You Should Start Dry Brushing Today (and How To Do It)

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Ah, the wonders of dry brushing. If you haven’t heard about this ancient practice, then you are in for a treat. Dry brushing is a simple and gentle skin care technique that involves lightly brushing the body with a natural-bristle brush. It helps to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation, which can help to keep your skin healthy, soft and glowing. Plus, it only takes a few minutes each day so it’s an easy addition to your beauty routine. I love to start my day with a little bit of dry brushing. It’s an invigorating way to get the circulation going and release any built-up toxins.

To do dry brushing, you’ll need a natural bristle brush with a long handle. Begin at your feet and use gentle, circular motions to brush up towards your heart. Be sure to put some extra focus on areas where you might be feeling congestion or tightness. Once you’ve covered the whole body, take a warm shower to rinse off any excess toxins that have been released. The end result is a glowing complexion and feeling of lightness!

Here are 7 reasons why you should start dry brushing today:

Improve Blood Circulation

Dry brushing helps to increase the circulation of blood throughout your body, promoting healthy skin and an overall sense of well-being.

“The stimulation of the skin will lead to short-term increases in blood circulation, as would happen with any sort of massage,” notes  Dr. Katie Beleznay, a Vancouver-based dermatologist.

The stimulation of the skin will lead to short-term increases in blood circulation, as would happen with any sort of massage

Dr. Katie Beleznay

Detoxification

Dry brushing helps to remove toxins from your body, boosting the health of your skin and other organs. I love the feeling of my skin tingling after a good dry brush, it’s like a mini massage and energetic detox all rolled into one.

“It gives you instant sensory feedback,” says Dr. Renée Beach, a Toronto-based dermatologist. 

It gives you instant sensory feedback

Dr. Renée Beach
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Reduces Stress

It can be incredibly calming Taking about 10 minutes out of my day to focus on myself and brush off all the worry and anxiety is a simple but powerful act. The sensation of the brush moving over my skin helps to ground me and center me in the present moment. After dry brushing, I always feel a little more relaxed and a little more at peace. It’s an easy way to bring a sense of calm into my day.

Exfoliation

Dry brushing helps to exfoliate your skin, removing dead cells and leaving you feeling softer and smoother.

“The biggest benefit of dry brushing is exfoliation—the brush’s stiff bristles help dislodge dry, flaky cells from the skin’s outer layers. This can improve cellular turnover and help with decongesting pores, which have the tendency to get clogged with dead skin and excess sebum” says Dr. Geeta Yadav, a Toronto-based dermatologist and the founder of Skin Science Dermatology.

The biggest benefit of dry brushing is exfoliation—the brush’s stiff bristles help dislodge dry, flaky cells from the skin’s outer layers. This can improve cellular turnover and help with decongesting pores, which have the tendency to get clogged with dead skin and excess sebum

Dr. Geeta Yadav

Stimulates Lymphatic System

Dry brushing helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining toxins and waste products from your body. I love using dry brushing as a way to give my body an extra boost of energy, and to help it get rid of all the gunk that can build up in our bodies. When I’m feeling sluggish and bloated, dry brushing is a simple way to help invigorate my body and give it some extra TLC.

Improve Skin Elasticity

Dry brushing will help to improve your skin’s elasticity and firmness, giving you a more youthful appearance. This simple practice can be done daily, and all you need is a body brush with natural bristles. Start at your feet and use gentle circular motions to brush upward towards the heart. Make sure you never press too hard, as this can irritate the skin.

“Always moisturize afterward to keep your skin nourished,” adds Yadav. “It will also enhance the temporary glow produced by dry brushing.” 

Reduce Cellulite

Dry brushing can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving circulation and removing dead skin cells, leaving your body looking smoother and more toned. Plus, it’s an incredibly relaxing way to take care of your body. The combination of massage and natural brushstrokes can leave you feeling revitalized and energized.

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