Dry Skin Brushing -- New to Me!

Dry skin brushing was a new one for me!  I read about it on the Clean website (exfoliating the body is an effective and easy way to eliminate toxins), and as I prepare my "wellness plan" following my cleanse, I'm adding it to my list.  Plus, summer is coming and it's time to unleash the bod!

I knew all about loofah mitts in the shower (but haven't used one in years and years).  And I'm on again off again with exfoliators in the shower -- a great way to rejuvenate your skin.  Rub thoroughly all over your wet, clean body in circular motions (or use on loofah). Don’t rub so hard that the skin gets irritated -- over exfoliating can seriously damage your skin.  Twice a week max.  This one by Decleor is my fave:

Decleor Body Exfoliating Cream to remove impurities and stimulate the cellular renewal process

Dry skin brushing happens before you step into the shower.   Before getting into the steps, did you know:

• The skin is the largest most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day?
• The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands?
• That the skin is known also as our third kidney?
• That the skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body?
• That the skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency?

Whoa.  I think about my facial skin, and my feet, but take everything in between for granted!  

Here's a link to the LiveStrong website, explaining the difference between exfoliation and dry skin brushing.

Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage.  But there are many other benefits:

1.    Removes cellulite

2.    Cleanses the lymphatic system

3.    Removes dead skin layers

4.    Strengthens the immune system

5.     Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

6.    Tightens the skin preventing premature aging

7.    Tones the muscles

8.    Stimulates circulation

9.      Improves the function of the nervous system

10.    Helps digestion

You need a soft natural fiber brush with a long handle.  I bought this Aldo Vandini body massage brush at Marshall's yesterday for $8.  Before you shower, use long sweeping strokes starting at the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hand toward the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction to help drain the lymph back to your heart. Never stroke away from the heart.  

Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.

Continue brushing up your legs.

Proceed to your hands and arms.

Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.

Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.

Lightly brush the breasts.

Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck.

For complete directions, including switching from hot to cold water in the shower, click here.

Korean Bath Massage Towels are the ticket...

One more tip that I picked up from the Clean blog...I just ordered the above "Korean's best kept secret for beautiful skin" from eBay -- $2.  Search for Korean Bath Massage Towel.  Use it on wet skin to feel super soft and clean -- and it helps get rid of cellulite.  They're called Ddeh Towels or Korean Italy exfoliating towels.  You literally see the dead skin come off.  Make sure they are made in Korea for the real thing.

Follow your shower by a great moisturizer and you'll be glowing!