Beauty Rituals: The Benefits Of Dry Body Brushing

Beauty rituals: We all have some of our own. Maybe you lather your skin in gorgeous ayurvedic oils every night before you go to sleep; maybe you have a special concoction of delicious-smelling ingredients you spray into your locks when you get out of the shower.

Whatever yours may be, beauty rituals are an incredible thing to embrace – they have the ability to make us look and feel like goddesses. If this isn’t already one of yours, today I have a new one for you to incorporate into your daily routine: body brushing.

The simple act of brushing your skin with a natural bristle body brush for just a few minutes per day has benefits that go way beyond the surface.

dry brushing benefits

On the outside, dry body brushing unclogs the pores and exfoliates the skin, leaving it looking brighter and feeling beautifully smooth and soft. On the inside, it stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to speed up the process of eliminating metabolic waste from the body. Additionally, it increases blood circulation to the skin, which helps to release toxins from within, as well. Body brushing also helps to soften fatty areas beneath the skin – and that, coupled with the toxin elimination, is actually thought help reduce the appearance of cellulite. The feeling of the bristles on your skin stimulates your nervous system and feels awesome. Some natural health experts believe that the benefits can go as far as improving digestion, too. My favorite aspect, though? Dry body brushing undoubtedly soothes the mind. The gentle brushing motion can turn into a meditation in itself, helping to free your mind of unwanted stress and rigidity, and leaving you feeling pampered, happy, and excited for whatever this day may bring your way.

So, how’s it done? First, you need to get yourself a good body brush – go for one with natural bristles, rather than synthetic, as this kind will be much gentler on your skin. There are lots of body brushes on the market that are made with vegetable fibers — like this one!

body brush

Before you bathe, brush your entire body, starting with your feet and working upwards with large, upward stroking motions. Make sure both your skin and the brush bristles are dry, and always brush towards your heart, as this encourages lymph flow to the main ducts of the lymphatic system. Avoid brushing your face (unless you have a brush specifically designed to do so), as well as any other sensitive or irritated areas. Use more pressure on the feet, legs, arms, and butt; and less pressure on the front and back of the torso. When you’re finished, your skin should have a nice pink glow, but should not look red or feel irritated. You can brush for anywhere from two minutes to a half hour – or more! Do what feels right for you. Follow each session with a shower or another form of hydrotherapy to rid the surface of your skin from any toxins that have been released.

body brush

It’s important that you set aside enough time for yourself so that you can relax and enjoy this ritual instead of projecting your mind into the future endeavors of your day. Try your best to be present throughout the entirety of your dry brushing session. Put on soothing music, light incense, and do whatever you need to help yourself feel calm and at ease… this may just turn into your favorite part of the day.

Who here does body brushing on the regular? Let us know!

Follow Brigette on Instagram, and have a look at her blog and Etsy shop!

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JerseyJ
9 years ago

I just started dry brushing last week and I’ve noticed that in just this short amount of time, my cellulite looks much better. The dimples are not so deep and the area (sides of my thighs) looks smoother. When I start exercising again, I’m pretty sure it will be all gone. I spend about 5 minutes on each thigh every night.

lox
9 years ago

Good to know JerseyJ, I was just wondering if it’s really an effective treatment for cellulite. Either way, it looks and sounds like it feels awesome. Definitely going to start up myself.

michelle
9 years ago

I started body brushing 2 months ago and my skin is uber soft!! During the day I will accidentally skim my hand over a my legs or arms and think “Oh I am so soft!” I am not sure if I’ve seen a huge improvement in cellulite but maybe I need to work on those areas a little longer. It really is an amazing experience!

9 years ago

loved this post, going to try to incorporate it into my routine! http://frombtoc.com

Anonymous
9 years ago

Body brushing has actually helped relieve anxiety for me. It not only feels good, but has some great side effects.

9 years ago

I’ve been body brushing for a few years and I love it! My skin is super soft and I have virtually no cellulite! This can help clear up Keratosis Piralis or the bumps some have on the back of their arms or thighs, and will also help eliminate razor burn causing dead skin on your legs!

I definitely recommend body brushing every day in the morning – it gives you a total energy boost and wakes you up better than a shot of espresso!

fabulosityfactor.blogspot.com

Hypnotica Vintage
9 years ago
9 years ago

Love this! Definitely going to try! <3

9 years ago

I’m going to share this with all my clients. It sound like the perfect exfoliating process for spray tan removal and the benefits sound amazing.

Eveline
9 years ago

I have a question actually, is it ok if I use an anti cellulite oil on my thighs and then brush it for some minutes instead of hand massage? Thank you :)

ainsley
9 years ago

I have been body brushing regularly for a few months now, and my usually fair and pale skin has such a nice glow now that people have actually been asking me if I have gone tanning!

hazel
9 years ago

I’m going to have to try this. I just moved from a very humid climate to a dry one and my skin is not happy. I hope this helps

Nancy
9 years ago

Where i can buy it?

karina
9 years ago

dry brushing is my new favorite thing!!! i hate it when i am in a hurry and can’t do it before i shower.
xox

9 years ago

Just bought my brush- so excited to try out dry brushing for my skincare routine and super interested in the digestive benefits it may have!

Thanks FP

Sarah
Cofounder En Bloom
http://www.en-bloom.com

Amanda
9 years ago

Dry brushing is a daily ritual in my house. I ABSOLUTELY love it! Living in Arizona I focus on my butt and it has helped my skin a dramatically after having my baby by tightening up my skin. I wish the brushes had a different handle for better ergonomics.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dahine-booty-brush

Renee LaGamba
7 years ago

I love dry brushing! It definitely makes your skin softer and I love the brushed sheen of my skin afterwards. I think it really improves tone, as well. It’s excellent for your lymphatic system so you feel awesome, too. I always slather on raw coconut oil after – the exfoliation promotes absorption.