Are you following a skin care routine? Do you love to pamper your skin? If you do, then you are surely spending a bit of your time keeping it squeaky-clean, smooth and flawless. You are also likely to have a regular exfoliating routine, and of course – you love slathering on hydrating moisturizer, don’t you? However, there’s one simple step that you can add to your morning beauty regime. And you’ll be surprised how it can greatly improve your skin – it’s called dry skin brushing.

Dry skin brushing goes just beyond “skin pampering” – it is an ancient practice that helps promote overall wellness. The dry skin brushing technique is exactly what what it sounds like – brushing your skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush before showering or bathing.

What You’ll Need?

You only need one thing: A high-quality wooden brush with bristles made of natural material (not nylon or any synthetic materials). The handle should be long so you can reach your back.

How It Works?

In dry brushing, there’s one general rule: To brush your skin towards the heart. No need a to hire a professional or go to the spa as you can conveniently do it at home. However, doing it the right way is critical.

1. Work in a circular strokes, and then shift to longer, smoother strokes. It’s important to brush in the same direction.

2. Begin from the soles of your feet, and then work your way up to your arms and toward your chest.

3. Once you reach your neck, the next strokes should be from the neck down to your lower back.

Each session may last 15 minutes to 20 minutes.

4. Wash away dead skin cells and bacteria as you shower.

5. Apply a moisturizer to help nourish skin.

A Few Friendly Reminders

• The pressure you put to each stroke must be firm but it should not be painful.

• Do NOT scrub the bristles against your skin.

• After the session, your skin may turn pinkish and not red or irritated.

• Although a steamy, hot bath is tempting, switch from hot to cold to further increase blood circulation and rejuvenate skin.

• Do not brush irritated, inflamed or sunburnt skin.

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

Doing this quick and easy beauty regime every day gives several health benefits, such as:

Improves Skin

Dry skin brushing can be addictive because it’s not only feels good afterwards, but you’ll notice how your skin feels softer, tighter and more radiant as you do it daily.

Lymphatic Support

The lymphatic system is responsible for getting rid of cellular waste products. A process called “lymphatic drainage” takes place, which allows waste to be collected by lymphatic tubules from the tissues, and then transport it to your blood for removal.

Robin Jones, spa director at Lake Austin Spa resort in Texas also explains, “The light pressure against your skin and the direction in which you brush helps move lymph fluid into the lymph nodes so this waste can then be eliminated.”

When your lymphatic system is not functioning properly, toxins can build up inside your body, that can make you sick. Dry skin brushing functions as a natural detoxification aid, as it helps stimulate the lymphatic system to do its job.

Improve Kidney Function and Digestion

Dry skin brushing may help ease bloating because massaging the lymph nodes aids the body in eliminating excess water and toxins.

Boost Circulation

It helps increase vascular blood circulation by supplying oxygenated blood to the skin and other vital organs, which helps them to function well. After dry brushing your skin, you may also feel a rush of energy.

Stress Relief

Like a massage, the gentle strokes of the bristles can be therapeutic and meditative, which can calm your mind, reduce muscle tension and relieve stress.

Reduce Cellulite

Smoothing away those unsightly, hard fat deposits underneath the skin can be frustrating. Dry brushing is probably, the simplest, cheapest and safest way to help you diminish the appearance of cellulite.

Exfoliate Skin

Dry brushing allows your skin to breathe by clearing up the pores. It gets rid of dead skin that accumulates in the follicles, leaving your skin clean and soft. Plus, it also encourages new cell renewal, which results in smoother and brighter skin.

We know – it seems like the benefits listed are too good to be true. However, the dry brushing technique is super cheap and it’s easy to incorporate in your morning routine. There’s no harm in trying!