The classic ayurvedic ritual of dry brushing for skin has been gaining a lot of fans lately, and rightfully so. The traditional ritual is known to cleanse and beautify the skin and is one of the most prevalent rituals amongst the Japanese. Many people have now gravitated toward this tradition-inspired self-care. Let us look at this buzzworthy technique and tips to master it.
Why dry brushing?
Dry brushing has been around for centuries and is done using a special bristled tool. The benefits of dry brushing skin are not merely anecdotal and are actually proven. Effectively removing dead skin and toxins from the skin, facilitating lymphatic drainage, and providing plump skin are one of the many benefits of dry brushing.
Dry brushing does not mean randomly picking up any brush and stroking your skin with it in a haphazard method. Below is the dry brushing skin technique ensuring maximum effectiveness of the ritual.
How to Dry Brush your skin step by step
#1. Find the perfect brush
Though finding a dry brush suiting your needs is purely subjective, there are still a few factors that are an absolute must while looking for a dry brush. An ideal dry brush must have a stiff bristle and be durable. You can choose to buy the one with or without the handle. However, handles make it easy to reach those hard-to-reach spots. But it is still your call to go for a handheld or a handle brush.
#2. Preparing for dry brushing
Dry brushing skin is usually done with no clothes on the body. That is why people prefer doing it before taking a shower. It removes flaky and dead skin from the body, and it is best to wash it all off after the process. Make sure your skin is completely dry for the bristles to work effectively.
#3. Doing the correct movement
Mastering the strokes is an essential part of the activity. You want to get rid of the dead skin without hurting your skin. Try doing long strokes with a medium pressure as it helps in pushing up the lymph fluid. Revisit an area more than once and overlap sections. The movement will work in a spiral motion and will turn into shorter, quicker strokes around smaller and folded areas.
#4. Start at the feet and work upward
One of the goals of dry brushing for skin is to encourage lymph toward the upper torso and chest, the region where lymphatic fluid gets re-mixed into the bloodstream. For that, always try to follow the circulatory system.
Start from the top of the feet and slowly yet firmly move your way up the lower leg. From there, target the knee and then the thigh, including the butt. Continue moving upward until you reach onto the small of your back. Then work your way to the stomach in circular motions
#5. Repeat the same with the upper body
The upper body is no different from the lower body, and you should start with your hands working your way toward the heart. Work your way around the back of your hands, to the forearm, and then to the upper arm.
Treat the lymph nodes under your upper arms with extra attention, as that’s where most of them reside. Then move your attention to the more sensitive area of the upper body- the neck. Starting from your jawline, slowly move down toward your chest and conclude by going over your heart in a circular motion.
#6. Post-dry-brushing routine
Ideally, you should take a shower after getting done with the ritual. Wash away all the dull and dead skin, and do not forget to moisturize afterward. Moisturize with a nourishing body cream like shea butter, you can try our shea butter Body Care products.Be consistent with the routine to notice any visible change.
Final thoughts on dry brushing
Dry brushing is one of the oldest techniques used by ancient Greek and Japanese people to revitalize their skin. It has gained a lot of traction recently due to celebrities vouching for the method.
If proper steps are followed, dry brushing can relax your skin and make it look supple and smooth.
