What are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?
HOW TO DRY BRUSH
Dry brushing is a simple ritual, and all you’ll need for this new self care routine is a brush with firm yet soft, natural bristles.
Start from your feet and ankles and brush in circles or sweeping motions up your legs, knees and thighs, you can go over the same area a couple of times. Only apply a gentle pressure as you brush. Once you have done your legs, hips and buttocks, move onto your arms. Start from the wrists and move up towards your shoulders. After your arms you can do your shoulders and back. If you don’t have a brush with a long handle to reach your whole back, just do what you can or get someone to help you. When you have done your shoulders and back, move onto your stomach. Star from your hips and brush upwards towards your chest. Finish with brushing from your collarbones and onto the chest. This way you’re moving in towards your heart centre the whole time. You can buy smaller and softer dry brushes for the face, where the skin is more sensitive. Don’t worry if your skin starts to develop red patches. This indicates blood coming to the surface which will calm down once you stop.
Try dry brushing in the morning before your shower, and rinse off any dead skin afterwards. Finish with your favorite body butter or oil.
BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING
Exfoliation
Dry brushing gently exfoliates the skin, getting rid of dead and dull skin. Compared to using a body scrub or a glove in the shower or bath, dry brushing doesn’t strip the skin of it’s natural oils because it’s done without any water or soap, which makes it a much more gentle way to exfoliate.
Increases Circulation
Dry brushing stimulates the skin, which is why you will sometimes see a bit of redness rising to the surface when you are using your dry brush. This paired with the motion of brushing from our extremities and towards the heart centre, helps increase circulation and blood flow to the heart.
Boosts Energy
Whether it’s the boost in circulation or the ritual of taking care of yourself, dry brushing will make you feel energised. Try dry brushing in the morning to set yourself up for a good day.
DRY BRUSHING FOR SELF CARE
My favourite thing about dry brushing is that it is such a simple yet powerful self care ritual. I love the idea of showing every inch of my body some self love as I go through the motions of dry brushing. I put on some calming music and set an intention for myself, you can even use a self love mantra such as “I am beautiful and deserving of self care” or “my body is sacred” as you brush. Breathe deep and take this time to slow down.
Try the dry brushing ritual in The Self Care Space Library and follow along with my own routine.
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