The Importance of Body Brushing for Detoxing

The Importance of Body Brushing for Detoxing

What is body brushing? And how does dry body brushing assist in detoxification of the body? It is fast becoming a very popular addition to our daily beauty routine.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and also your body’s ultimate defense between you and the environment. It’s also often referred to as the body’s “third kidney” because of the important role it plays in helping your body eliminate toxins. Dry brushing can help keep the skin functioning properly by removing the dead layer of cells that can build up and clog the pores that waste leaves the body through, as well as help move lymph, increase circulation and strengthen the immune system. And just look at this list of benefits:

  • Helps shed dead skin cells to improve skin texture
  • Increases circulation and stimulates your lymph system
  • Reduces cellulite
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Stimulates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin
  • Tones muscles and tightens skin

Plus, as if all of those benefits aren’t enough, it honestly just feels good. The first thing you will notice is how much more invigorated you feel post-shower. Read on to find out how to get started!

  • Get a natural bristle brush or loofah, it's great to get one which can strap the brush onto your hand for more control, and then add the long handle so that you don’t miss any spots on your back. If your skin is extra-sensitive, look for a brush or loofah that’s on the softer side — you should be able to graduate to a stiffer brush eventually if you think your skin will respond well.
  • Brush once a day, preferably in the morning.This is especially important if you have trouble sleeping — we find dry brushing to be so invigorating and stimulating that we doubt we’d be able to fall asleep if we brushed around bedtime.
  • Brush immediately before a shower or bath.When you brush your skin, you remove dead skin cells — you’ll definitely want to rinse those off! (It may go without saying, but, you should also be dry. Hence “dry brushing.”)
  • Always brush toward the heart.Some people recommend long, smooth brush strokes, while others suggest using a circular motion. Regardless of which technique you choose as long as your brushing toward your heart. Start with your feet and brush up your legs (front and back). Then brush your abdomen, up to your chest. For your arms, start with your hands and brush toward the body. On your back, brush up to your shoulder blades (this is where the long handled brush comes in handy), and then down your neck to your shoulders.
  • Avoid sensitive areas and broken skin.Dry brushing shouldn’t irritate your skin — you also want to avoid brushing with too much pressure. If it hurts, you’re brushing too hard (or your skin is too sensitive for the brush you’re using).
  • Rinse off in the shower.Some people suggest turning the water from hot to cold in three cycles to further stimulate your skin, but it’s not necessary.
  • Pat dry and apply your favorite moisturizer or body oil.
  • Wash your brush with soap and water once a week.