The skin is indeed a large organ, covering about 20 square feet of the average person. Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and one that performs vital (often unknown) functions. For example, the skin is among the most nerve-dense parts of the body; constantly interacting with the brain and making adjustments to protect you best.
The skin also contains numerous cells and glands that perform a number of jobs: controlling body temperature, protecting against microbial bacteria and foreign agents, and allows for sensations of touch, cold, and heat. Our epidermis also wards off infection and produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun.
Dry-brushing is a skin-care technique that has been around for centuries and is one of the premier methods of maintaining skin health. It is also a remarkably simple practice. Using a large brush, one gently scrubs their body upwards from the feet to the armpits.
Here are some more specific directions:
– Use a brush that is soft to firm (depending on skin sensitivity).
– Brush upwards, starting at the feet, to the chest, and ending at the arms.
– Use circular, smooth, long strokes.
– Areas of cellulite can be focused on, which may help in reducing its presence.
– Areas covered should include all surfaces of skin on the body; the bottoms of your feet, the whole back, and arms up to the face.
– Many people choose to dry brush just prior to showering (more on this a bit later).
– You may choose to dry brush your face, but do so gently (this is not a common practice).
An abundance of skin brushing video or image resources can be found via a quick Google search.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of skin brushing, we’ll turn our attention to the myriad benefits of the practice.
Here are 7 amazing benefits of skin brushing:
1. Exfoliates dead skin
Of course, dry brushing will naturally remove dead skin cells – a process known as exfoliation. As we age, natural exfoliation is a bit less efficient; and dry brushing can help mitigate this somewhat. Exfoliating at least once or twice a week helps produce healthier and more attractive skin.
To avoid tearing the skin, apply a level of pressure that is comfortable. Also, do not exfoliate too much as this can dehydrate the skin.
2. Reduces stress
Dry brushing can feel like a light massage – a wonderful thing to start your day right. Relatedly, dry brushing is effective at relieving anxiety, stress, and tension. According to a study published in the Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a whole body massage “was effective in reducing anxiety and stabilizing vital signs of patients with acute coronary disorders.”
Not to mention, dry brushing is also a way cheaper option.
3. Unblocks pores
Our skin contains a number of tiny openings or pores. As with any opening, elements of the environment can penetrate, clogging the skin’s pores. Unattended to, the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and dead skin cells requires the body to exert extra effort to get rid of them. Dry brushing helps solve this problem.
4. Can help with cellulite
Cellulite is not only unsightly; it is unhealthy and very hard to get rid of. Cellulite appears “predominantly…on the legs, butt, stomach, and back of arms.”
Increased body fat, fluid retention, and weak circulation all contribute to cellulite’s appearance. Dry brushing can help eliminate underlying toxins while stimulating skin cells, which may make it an effective natural treatment for cellulite.
5. Improved blood circulation and energy
Anecdotal evidence suggests that dry brushing can provide a great energy boost, which makes sense given that the practice improves the circulatory system. Other benefits of dry brushing, such as detoxification of skin cells and unclogging of pores, may contribute to a replenished feeling.
6. Assists the lymphatic system
Put simply, if your skin is clogged with toxins and other “junk,” it makes the body’s job of eliminating waste more challenging. The lymphatic system – responsible for extracting toxins and other waste – is negatively impacted by inflammation buildup in the body.
On the other hand, when the skin is healthy, it directly aids the lymphatic system by naturally removing toxins without requiring the body to overcompensate.
7. It’s a cheap, easy way to take care of your skin!
As we all know, taking proper care of our skin is an essential component of health and well-being. Some people spend hundreds even thousands of dollars to get “spa-like” products and services.
The above recommendations may just save you some hard-earned money!
It turns out that dry brushing is both a cheap and powerful alternative to detoxify, exfoliate and stimulate the skin. Give it a try!
Community
