Skin is one of the most valuable organs for eliminating waste products from our bodies. A routine exfoliation practice helps our skin ‘take out the garbage’ by keeping pores clear and healthy. Using a Cotton Bath Pouf or Emulsified Sugar Scrub in the shower (wet exfoliation) is a gentle and effective exfoliation method, especially for thin or sensitive skin. However, dry exfoliation or dry brushing removes dirt and dead skin cells more effectively. Both methods are an easy, inexpensive way to dramatically improve your skin’s health all year round.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
In addition to removing dead skin cells, dry brushing has extensive health benefits! One of the main health benefits is lymphatic stimulation. So, what is our lymphatic system? About one-sixth of our body consists of the space between cells. Fluid in this space between cells is known as interstitial fluid. This fluid flows into our lymphatic vessels and eventually to lymph nodes, which filter waste products from our bodies. The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions to move this fluid throughout the body. When we aren’t getting enough exercise, our lymph can become stagnant, and toxins can clog our lymphatic system. Dry brushing creates a reflex response that encourages lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation and improving our immune function. Additionally, it stimulates the circulatory and nervous systems and boosts metabolism. In other words, Dry brushing is one of the best things we can do for the health of our whole body!
How to Choose a Dry Brush
Before you begin a dry brushing practice, know that the type of brush you purchase matters. Brushes with synthetic bristles can be too harsh for dry skin and harbor more bacteria and fungi than natural bristles. At Simple Body, we have two kinds of natural bristle, vegan, cruelty-free dry brush options available for you to purchase; the Body Dry Brush (long handle) and the Handheld Dry Brush (short handle).
How To Dry Brush
A WORD OF CAUTION: Do not Dry Brush damaged skin with cuts, sunburns, eczema, or acne. First, place the brush directly on dry skin, applying gentle pressure. Starting at your ankles, using a circular motion, sweep the brush across your skin towards your heart. Adjust the amount of pressure you use. Lighter pressure on sensitive areas and more pressure on thicker skin. After doing both legs and your abdomen, begin the same process with your arms, starting at your wrists. Next, rinse off as you would normally. Before you dry off, nourish your skin with one of our Body Butters. A unique combination of oil (apricot kernel, sweet almond, and avocado) and butter (Kokum, Cocoa, and Shea) make this the perfect after-shower moisturizer.
How to Clean your Dry Brush:
Dry brushing helps remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from your skin. All that debris can build up on your brush and be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you are dry brushing a few times a week, you should clean your brush at least once a month. To do this, place your brush (bristle down) in a shallow dish. Fill the dish with water almost to the base of the brush. Avoid getting the base of the brush wet because it can rot the wood and shorten its life. Add three drops of Tea Tree or Eucalyptus essential oil to the water to disinfect the bristles. Swishing bristles around will help release dead skin cells and dirt. Let the bristles soak for five minutes, and then rinse them under water. Give your brush a good shake to help the drying process. To prevent mold growth, you must dry bristles quickly and thoroughly. A few minutes under a hair dryer is the easiest way to do this. Store it in a dry, clean, easily accessible location. Doing this will help you incorporate dry brushing into your skincare routine.
So, now you know everything you need to know about Dry Brushing so you can confidently add it to your weekly skincare routine. Simple Body has two natural brush options for you, plus the perfect Body Butter (which is a very effective, natural anti-aging skin care product). Don’t forget to clean your dry brush for the best results and to extend the life of your brush. Also, wet exfoliation with an emulsified sugar scrub and cotton bath pouf is a better option if you have sensitive or thinning skin. Dry brushing is an easy and effective way to improve not just your skin’s health but your whole body’s health!
If you live in the Colorado Springs Area and are looking to jump-start your lymphatic system, we highly recommend making an appointment with Nancy Dorscht, Advanced Lymphatic Wellness. I (Jewels) have been seeing Nancy since my surgery in April 2022 and it has dramatically improved my recovery time. Learn more HERE.