3 reasons why I happily started dry brushing and why you will love it too
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I’ve always been aware of "dry brushing” but never really tried it until earlier this year when I attended a virtual spa hosted by Exhale Spa. The at-home spa session was led by an esthetician; every step was well-explained in a clear manner and we followed along. One of the steps was dry brushing and as I reached for the brush, I realized that was going to officially be my first dry brushing experience ever.
But since then, I’ve been including it in my body care routine — dry brushing 2 to 3 times a week — because I actually physically feel and see a difference!
Although it is a new step added to my routine, the history of dry brushing goes way back. It is an Ayurvedic practice that uses natural bristles to brush your dry skin. It has been recommended to start from your feet and hands, in circular motions towards the direction of your heart.
So if you’re wondering why I value dry brushing so much now, read on to learn about my 3 main reasons.
Click here to learn about what Sustainable Beauty means
It’s a sustainable way to exfoliate your skin
Beauty finds
100% Biodegradable Loofah by Taza
Dry brushing is a great way to exfoliate dry skin — specifically, dry winter skin. My back and legs often become really flaky in heated rooms, and sometimes really itchy, too. There’ve been mornings I’d wake up to find red marks from all the overnight scratching.
Before dry brushing, I would use body scrubs and the results would vary based on the ingredients used in the formula. Some are great but when it comes to the most sustainable option, nothing beats dry brushing, especially when you go for one that is 100% biodegradable like this handmade loofah from a wellness brand called Taza Ayurveda. The loofah is ethically made with Agave leaves and fresh Vetiver roots; the coarse texture helps buff off dead skin. The palm-size design also makes it easy to use.
The biggest difference dry brushing has made for me so far is the smoothness of my skin. When I run my hands over my back and legs, I no longer come across patches of dry, white flaky skin (I used to have specific areas that are particularly dry). And because my skin has been exfoliated, pores are unclogged in the process, allowing my skin to really absorb the body lotion I apply — and that in turn, helps with the itchiness. Not having itchy skin at night also allowed me to sleep better!
2. It promotes lymphatic drainage
I swell easily sometimes from sitting at my desk or other times from eating food that is too salty. The ankles are usually the most obvious. On days when I can see my legs looking more swollen than usual, I would dry-brush before I hop into the shower to help with lymphatic drainage which in turn reduces swelling and water retention.
Other benefits of lymphatic drainage include relaxation and I do often feel rejuvenated and less stressed after dry brushing.
Lymphatic drainage massages re-stimulate blood and fluid circulation and as a result, it detoxifies your body — which leads to my third reason!
3. It helps detox your body
Through dry brushing, we are actively encouraging blood circulation and cell regeneration, which then leads to internal detoxification and aids with eliminating accumulated toxins in your body. I view it as waking up our skin that has stayed dormant — especially since lockdown started and I’ve been a lot less active.
When I want to reach my back, I go for a brush that has a long handle for easy access but I do realize I’m unable to dry-brush with even pressure. Dry brushing my back is important to me because I get acne in my back and I do see an improvement in clearing my skin. When I get “fresh” acne, however, I avoid the area around it so I wouldn’t make things worse, just in case!
Some people actually told me that dry brushing can also help with improving the appearance of cellulite but I personally haven’t really seen much change on my thighs where I have visible cellulite. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t been dry brushing long enough or it’s just very, very minimal.
In general, I also love dry-brushing because it doesn’t make a mess; I used to use coffee scrubs that I make myself and although it’s great, it requires me cleaning up the bathtub after.
Have you tried dry brushing? What is your experience like so far? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
As always, thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.
xoxo,
Tricia
Your skin is what you eat!