You can enjoy a luxurious exfoliating treatment at home — all you need is a vegetable bristle brush with a long handle or a hemp glove.
Dry skin brushing isn’t just an exfoliating treatment, either! The benefits of this treatment go far beyond brushing away dead skin cells. The brushing or rubbing stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage, making this a detoxification technique that feels great and leaves your skin with a healthy glow.
You can brush your skin on a daily basis if you have the extra time in your pre-shower routine. DO NOT try skin brushing if you suffer from skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis or have infected or broken skin. Also avoid brushing areas where you have varicose veins.
Dry skin brushing should only take you an extra five minutes per day. Start with your feet, brushing with long, sweeping strokes in an upward direction. Don’t forget your soles! Move up your legs and thighs, front and back. Brush your rear end and lower back with an upwards motion — you want to brush towards the center of your torso. Brush your hands, up your arms, and across your shoulders. Brush down your chest and down your upper back — again, brush towards the center of your torso, towards your heart. Leave your abdomen for last, and brush there with a circular motion.
After you brush, it’s time for that bath or shower. Don’t forget the moisturizer afterwards! Be sure to keep your brush or mitt dry. Clean it every other week with soap and warm water.
If you want to try brushing your face, use a soft bristle shaving brush. Gently sweep across the forehead, around the eyes, down the nose and cheeks and chin, and finally down your neck.
Skin brushing tips
- Don’t brush too hard or you’ll scratch your skin!
- Don’t brush your face — the skin is too delicate.
- Avoid sensitive and genital areas.
- You may experience a breakout of pimples during the first week; this is your body eliminating toxins and they should be gone after the second week.