What is Dry Skin Brushing and Why You Should be Doing It!

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Most people pay close attention to the skin on their face, taking the time to exfoliate, shave, cleansing, moisturizing, noticing every little detail, every pimple, wrinkle, or dark spot.

But how many of us take the time to look at or do more than slap a bit of moisturizer on the rest of our body? When you think of it, it’s strange to give so much attention to just one part of our skin; after all, it is our largest organ. Shouldn’t we be giving it as much attention as we do to the skin on our face and the other organs in our body?

There is one simple step you can take that will not only greatly improve the appearance of your skin, but is beneficial to your entire body: Dry skin brushing.

Your skin is more than just a covering; it’s a complex system of glands, nerves, and layers of cells that serve as a type of protective coating that will cushion your body from dangerous chemicals, parasites, and temperature extremes.

Your skin is also vital when it comes to detoxification. When your skin is clogged with dead skin cells or loaded up with other toxins, it cannot remove toxins from your body. Your skin makes antibacterial compounds that help to protect your from infection. It also turns sunlight into vitamin D that is vital to your health and helps to protect us from even more diseases, including cancer. Your skin is one of the most sensitive messengers in your body, sending signals to your brain that let it know if you are cold, hot, in pain, touching something you need to move away from, or something you should get closer to.

Most people never think of their skin in these terms, they only think of it as a type of bodysuit that you can’t remove so you need to wash it and sometimes moisturize it. Sound familiar?

Now that you know all the things that your wonderful skin is doing for you day in and day out, doesn’t it make sense to give it more than just a pass with the washrag?

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One of the main benefits to brushing your skin is that it will stimulate the lymph system. This means that your lymph system will begin to move fluid throughout your body, removing toxins and keeping your immune system strong.

Once you start dry brushing your skin regularly, you are going to find some amazing things happen. You will dramatically cut down on your cellulite. After all, cellulite is a collection of fat and toxins in the blood under the skin surface. Dry brushing will also remove dead skin cells and make your overall skin tone brighter and clearer. Find out other natural ways to get rid of cellulite.

To begin with, you will need to purchase a high quality dry skin brush. Look for one with bristles that are made from natural materials, such as a loofah. You should also buy one with a fairly long handle so that you can reach your entire back. Most brushes are less than $20.

For best results, you should brush your skin each day. Most people do it just before they jump in the shower. Or you could do it after your workout but before you shower. Once you make it a habit, you will never again feel truly clean unless you brush your skin beforehand.

When you brush, always remember to brush towards your heart. Don’t forget all those often neglected areas such as the soles of your feet and your underarms.

Start with your feet and brush them upwards, towards your heart. Move on to your legs, your torso, your arms, then down from your neck and chest, and your back. Avoid your face unless you have a special brush for this delicate area. Avoid any areas that have cuts, abrasions, or rashes.

Be careful that you don’t brush too hard. You aren’t looking to “scrub” your skin, but brush it. Like the hair on your head, brush your skin so that it feels tingly, but not so that it feels sore. Your skin should be a bit pink when you are done, but not red or irritated. You can brush your skin as long as it’s comfortable for you, whether that be 2 minutes or 20 minutes. As long as your skin isn’t irritated, feel free to brush away!

If your skin is red or sore after you brush it, you are doing it too hard. Wait a few days until your skin has returned to normal before you try again.

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By the way, if you really want to have flawless, radiant skin, remember that your diet is also just as important as brushing. The most expensive dry skin brush and a thorough skin brushing daily will not make up for a diet filled with junk foods and fast foods.

Be sure that you are eating plenty of colorful vegetables. Vegetables (or their juices) that are red, yellow, and orange are especially loaded with nutrients that are designed to give your skin a beautifully natural golden glow. In fact, eating plenty of these fresh, organic, deeply colored vegetables will make you look naturally tanned without the sun.

When you are finished brushing and showering, be sure to use a natural body butter or natural moisturizing oil (not petroleum based oils, such as baby oil or mineral oil) to helps seal in moisture. Coconut oil is a super choice for your skin, as well as almond oil, sunflower oil, or jojoba oil.

You should notice improvements in your skin in as little as two weeks. Be sure to change your brush every 3 or 4 months, the same way you would a toothbrush. Even though your brush might look OK, the bristles become filled with dead skin cells, toxins, and they do wear out, even though they might look alright.

Many people get hooked on dry skin brushing simply because it feels so darn good! Happy brushing friends! Remember, a healthy life is a good life!

References:

Books.google.com.mx

Chp.edu

Lymphnotes.com

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