Dry Brushing: What Is It & Why You Should Do It
- Stefanie Smit
- Oct 27, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 30, 2022
Do you have a health routine that you've built into your daily schedule? Something that intrigued you and you started incorporating into your busy life? Dry brushing has become one of mine! Every day when I'm waiting for the hot water to finally show up I like to whip out my only brush that doesn't have hundreds of strands of my long blonde hair in it...my dry brush! It's one small thing I do everyday right before hopping into the shower that helps to detoxify my body while also improving my skin (this tired and dry mom skin needs all the help it can get!). It started off being something I would incorporate on the rare occasion that I would happen to stumble upon an article that intrigued me (or sometimes guilted me) into doing. Other times it was when I happened to spot it amongst my bath and body products bombarding me while trying to find those never easy to find tweezers. It eventually became one of my daily routines that I still incorporate and enjoy while continually waiting for my ever so slow water heater to show me who's boss. Keep reading below for useful information on why it's so beneficial and ways to remember to do it.
What Is Dry Brushing?
It's a weird term to use isn't it? I remember hearing it for the first time and thinking to myself , "I'm good here...my hair gets a good brushing every day". But were not talking about your beautiful mane of hair my friends! Were actually referring to your bodies largest organ ---> Your Skin! You heard that right, your skin is an organ and it deserves some love! This impressive organs epithelial cells lay over your bodies other impressive system...the lymphatic system. Dry brushing happens when we take a stiff bristled brush and gently but firmly brush along our skins surface in an upward or downward motion (toward your heart).
Why Should You Dry Brush
So what is a lymphatic system and why do we even need to move our lymph? The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body source. Unlike your blood that is constantly moving, your lymphatic fluid doesn't possess the ability to move on it's own....kind of like my kids every school day morning! Lymphatic tissue is completely dependent on your bodies physical movements so when you walk, sit, stand, stretch, jump, or rub your skin you are moving your lymph. When you move your lymph moves! All the more reason to get off the couch. Not only does dry brushing move your bodies lymphatic fluid, it also holds an impressive resume when it comes to improving your skin. Ladies...If I lost you above I know your paying attention now! Some of these benefits include: Ridding yourself of dry skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite, increasing nutrient absorption (think of all those clean beauty products), and smoothing and tightening the skin.
How To Dry Brush
Begin to dry brush at the bottoms of your feet going in an upward direction using long and smooth strokes and going over each area several times.
Repeat the same process with the arms and brush up the arm toward the heart going along each section of the skin several times.
On the stomach and armpits brush in a circular clockwise motion and then up towards to heart.
If you desire to dry brush your face use a lighter gentler bristled brush to do so.
Tips When Dry Brushing
Set your brush next to your shower as a friendly reminder to yourself to use it everyday.
Use a long handled bristle brush for those hard to reach areas like your back.
Start at the bottoms of your feet and hands and brush upwards towards your heart.
Don’t brush too hard. When dry brushing use soft and smooth strokes. Your skin will appear slightly pink after brushing, but it shouldn't be red or sting.
Apply a nontoxic body lotion after showering to moisturize your skin.
Occasionally wash your brush with a gentle nontoxic soap.
Replace your brush every 6-8 months.
Enjoy! See this as a nice way to give yourself a few extra minutes and your skin some TLC.
A few great options for dry brushes can be found here, here, and here.
Stefanie is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach & Holistic Nutritionist who specializes in Detoxification, Functional Nutrition, Lyme Disease & Mold Illness.
She is available for one-on-one health coaching sessions to support you and walk by your side. Please reach out for a complimentary consult to learn more about how partnering with me can help you along your healing journey. Together we thrive!
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a product through one of those links, I will earn a small commission that helps me support my family, at no extra cost to you.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed doctor and do not diagnose or treat disease. Please do not substitute the tips I have shared today for the personalized advice of your healthcare practitioner. I have share the above information for educational and encouragement purposes only.
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