It’s that time of year again…  Are you ready to put on a bathing suit?  What does your skin look like?  Dimply?  Dry?  Dull?  Congested?  Let’s fix that.

What if I told you that you could reduce your cellulite and improve your overall health for a one-time fee of approximately $20?  It may sound like a cheesy infomercial, but this is no hoax.  Dry Brushing is a miraculous practice that has so many benefits, they must be bulleted:

• Dry Brushing cleans the lymphatic system.  Lymph is part of our immune system and is made of white blood cells called lymphocytes and the interstitial fluid that bathe our cells, bringing them nutrients and removing their waste. All detoxification occurs first and foremost through the lymph. Our bodies contain far more lymph than blood, so you can see how important this is.
• Dry brushing helps reduce cellulite. Improving cellulite is one of the main reasons people look into dry brushing. Toxins are often trapped in the subcutaneous later of fat cells just beneath the skin which contributes to cellulite (in addition to other health concerns). Cellulite is unattractive but also very difficult to affect. Dry brushing is a cheap and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your skin in addition to the many health benefits it provides.
• Dry brushing removes dead skin layers. Dry skin brushing helps shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cellular renewal. Dry skin can be a sign of detoxification; therefore it’s good to keep the process going by removing the dead skin daily. If this does not occur regularly, a buildup of dead skin cells and lead to eczema, psoriasis and dandruff, in addition to blocking the skin’s regular excretions like sweat.
• Dry brushing strengthens the immune system. Dry skin brushing may reduce duration of infection and accelerate the clearing of toxins. It helps support the immune system during treatments for cancer and other chronic illnesses (but always check with your health care provider).
• Dry brushing stimulates the hormone and oil glands, thus helping all of the body systems perform at peak efficiency. The skin is your body’s largest organ. When improperly maintained, the elimination duties of the skin are forced upon the kidneys. So, give your kidneys a break—keep your skin clean and rejuvenated. Bathe daily and dry brush beforehand to help stimulate blood flow to the surface so toxins can more readily escape.
• Dry brushing tones the muscles. Dry skin brushing helps muscle tone by stimulating the nerve endings which causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move. It also helps mobilize fat and helps to even distribution of fat deposits. This is a great technique for those with limited mobility.
• Dry brushing stimulates circulation. Our skin breathes! However for most people this vital route of detoxification is operating far below its capacity because it is clogged with dead skin cells and the un-removed waste excreted through perspiration. Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes. Increased blood flow begins entering the areas brushed and you will experience an increase in electromagnetic energy that helps you to feel energized and invigorated. By activating the circulation you also help prevent varicose veins.
• Dry brushing increases skin functions. Dry brushing helps your skin respire by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health. When you brush, the pores of your skin open allowing your skin to absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins. Clogged pores are not just a cosmetic concern. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.

How to Dry Brush:

• Use a natural bristle brush.  They can be found at any health food store.  Cost: about $20.  Purchase my favorite one here.
• Brush before bathing.  You will be sloughing off some serious dry skin.  Don’t use any drying products in the shower, and always moisturize afterwards.
• Avoid sensitive areas like bruises and anywhere the skin is broken, such as areas of skin rash, wounds, cuts or infections. Also never brush an area affected by poison oak, poison ivy or sunburn.
• The entire body should be brushed, including your back, but skip the face and scalp (and maybe breasts). Use long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction to help drain the lymph back towards your heart.
• Use the amount of pressure that is right for you; at the beginning, always error on the side of caution
• Take your time and do it right; dry brushing should take 5-10 minutes, but remember, it’s effective and FREE!

I’m going to be attending The Southern Coterie Summit that is taking place here in Charleston for the next few days, and this weekend is my sister-in-law’s wedding.  It’s going to be so much fun and very busy and very boozy.  I am going to have to dry brush my body for days to recover.  Follow along on Instagram (@barebeautyblog) to see Annabel in her flower girl dress 🙂

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