What if your morning ritual could evolve, to include a simple practice that dramatically enhances your skin as well as your health in just a few mere minutes?
In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans constructed legendary baths and monuments to honour the importance of skincare and good health. Their bathing rituals were designed to be luxurious and relaxing, consisting of long hot soaks and frigid pools. Part of their rituals included passing through what was called a strigling room, where a metal spoon-like tool that was coated in oil and brushed against their skin.
The underlying principle for dry skin brushing is the same, however, we have swapped out metal tools in favour of the gentle fibres of a natural brush. Dry skin brushing is a practice that loves up your lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body, and runs right underneath the surface of our skin. It also bathes our cells with oxygen and nutrients, but unlike the circulatory system that has a heart for a pump, the circulation of the lymph is totally dependant upon physical motion to get it moving. The simple action of sweeping a gentle brush across the skin, moves our lymph, loosens dead skin cells, tickles our chi, massages our meridians, stimulates acupressure points, helps reduce cellulite, stimulates our immune system, wakes up circulation and makes your skin incredibly soft, while also keeping it fresh, vibrant and free of breakouts.
The basics of dry skin brushing are that you take a dry, natural fibre bristle brush, and lightly brush all over the body, imagine butterflies tickling your skin, always moving in the direction of the heart (as that is the way the lymph flows).
Step 1
Setting aside 3-5 minutes, brush your dry body, preferably in the morning before you shower, as this practice can be invigorating!
Step 2
Start at your feet and always brush towards your heart. Use circular motions or long, even strokes.
Step 3
Brush all the way up your legs, then over your stomach, buttocks and back. If you have cellulite concentrate on those specific areas a little longer. Ensure you brush lightly over sensitive areas such as breasts, and apply more pressure over feet.
Step 4
When you reach your arms, begin at your fingers and brush up your arms, towards your heart. Brush your shoulders and chest down, towards the heart.
Step 5
Avoid brushing anywhere the skin is broken, or when you have a rash, infection, cut or wound. Its also best to avoid the face, as most people’s facial skin is too sensitive.
Step 6
Finish off with a shower, to wash away dead skin, and if you choose, use cold/hot contrast therapy to further stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation.
Step 7
As dry skin brushing opens pores, this is the perfect time to apply oil. Dry off, and apply a plant oil of choice, such as olive, coconut or almond.
May this practice become one of your many treasured rituals alongside your natural organic skin care routine…
To your blossoming Bec x