5 Reasons To Start Dry Brushing

Dry Brushing.

What is it, how does it work, and why should you do it?

I found out about dry brushing reading a wellness article some time ago. I was intrigued at the concept and decided to give it a red hot go when I started to develop some abnormal, hormonal skin irritations after having my daughter.

I went to Biome and asked 547 questions about which brush I should pick and why, and decided to pick up an Eco Max Body Brush from Import Ants.

I picked this particular brush for a few reasons:

1. I liked the size
2. I liked that it was handmade, all natural, plastic and chemical free
3. I liked that it was ethically made in Sri Lanka
4. I felt like it was reasonably priced

So to reiterate, it's a soft, dry natural fibre brush used to brush the skin.

But why would you even want to brush your skin?

Great question. This is a completely natural and healthy way to invigorate the skin and nourish your body.

Key benefits:

1. It opens pores and removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This acts like a natural exfoliant for your body, without using abrasive bath salts or course scrubs.
2. The movement of the brush along the body helps to increase cell production! Crazy.
3. Dry brushing also increases blood flow and stimulates the lymphatic system, helping your body to release toxins. Brushing helps facilitate lymphatic drainage which is why the brush stokes are toward the major lymph nodes in the body (See diagram).
4. Believe it or not, dry brushing also combats stress. Increasing the blood flow in the body creates a calming effect and helps to rejuvenate the nervous system.
5. It's a wonderful way to practice mindfulness. Taking time out to look after your body isn't easy, but it's oh so rewarding. Making the mindful movement and knowing that you're helping your body from the outside in is pretty remarkable. I find my time dry brushing (and using my gua sha) to be two of my favorite times of day.

That's all fine and dandy, but WHEN should I brush, HOW OFTEN and for HOW LONG for?
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​You can dry body brush any time of day before bathing.

The Import Ant's website recommends dry body brushing 2 times a week for 2 - 20 mins.

I personally try to dry brush first thing every morning for 2-3 minutes before my morning shower. I prefer dry brushing in the morning because I find it to be an incredibly invigorating experience and it really wakes up the body. My skin is left tingling for a few minutes afterward, like the surface is literally buzzing. ​

When brushing: start at the feet, stroking brush from toes to heel, up the ankle and continue up the legs toward the groin area. After the legs, move to your buttocks/back and then to your abdomen. Then move on to the hands are arms. Brush from fingertips to wrist and continue up the arm to the shoulder and armpit.
*DON'T dry brush your face with a body brush as the fibers will be too firm.  

​I recommend brushing in the morning, showering, and then moisturizing afterward with something like this, or this.

Also, I don't wash my brush because it has natural fibers around the handle. If those were to get wet for any reason, they could develop mold. My brush doesn't go anywhere near the shower because I'm afraid I'll forget and get it wet! I keep it securely under my bathroom cabinet (but in our next space I'm going to have it hanging on the wall next to our vanity as a gentle reminder). I'll continue to use the brush, and I'll simply replace it when the natural fiber bristles start wearing out. If you want to learn about ways to clean your body brush, read this excellent brush care guide from Stass&Co. 

Your skin is the last part of your body to  absorb nutrients and it's the first to show signs of deficiency. There are other things you can do beside drinking copious amounts of water and drowsing yourself in collagen supplements.
Naturally helping to detox - Firmer skin - Calming the body.... What more could you want? 
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Have you ever tried dry brushing? Will you give it a go now?

EMK x 

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Still wanna know more?

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Check out Strass & Co 's beautiful line of plastic free beauty
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Still unsure about what to do?
Watch this video about how to dry brush ​