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Denise Austin
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3 Reasons To Try Dry Brushing - And How To Do It!

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Lifestyle
Dry brushing is a self-care ritual that I have used for a few years, and I love it. Since I get asked a lot about my skin and beauty routine, I wanted to share with you why I dry brush and the technique I use!


Dry brushing is about using a dry, stiff-bristled body brush on dry skin to exfoliate. Some people do this daily, others once or a few times a week. But why even do it? Dry brushing has been shown to:

-Detox the skin. By exfoliating flaky skin, dry brushing can unclog pores and increase blood circulation. This allows the body to sweat and  eliminate toxins, and promote lymph flow drainage.

-Boost your glow. Less flaky skin means a smoother surface for you to moisturize, so you look and feel softer and glowier!

-Protect your skin (versus scrubbing in hot water). Dry brushing avoids the inflammation and moisture-stripping that can happen when you exfoliate in hot water.

Plus, people report feeling energized or like they just had a massage after they exfoliate, due to how it affects the nervous system!

Before I get into HOW to dry brush, be sure not dry brush if you have skin issues, skin cancer, very sensitive skin or have a sunburn. Always ask your doctor if you have any concerns, and be sure not to dry brush your neck and face - the skin here is too delicate and requires a much gentler touch!

Ok, so now how to dry brush! It's simple, and once you add it to your beauty routine it should quickly become a habit. I like to:

  1. Dry brush right before I shower, IN the shower, so the water washes away the skin cells when I am done.
  2. Start with my feet and work my way up the legs with long strokes, repeating each stroke 2-3 times (start with less and move up to more, but don't overdo it - skin is sensitive!).
  3. Then I move up the body, concentrating on my midsection, then arms, then back. 
  4. I immediately shower, trying not to use hot water, then apply a moisturizer - organic coconut oil is my go-to as it melts into my freshly brushed skin quickly and feels (and smells!) amazing.

I use a stiff brush with natural bristles that has a handle, so I can get my back best I can.

I hope this dry brushing 101 helps you if you are interested in adding it to your self-care routine!

Let's live EVER BETTER™ together!

Denise

P.S. For more skin care tips, check out my blog post Dry Winter Skin Care!