In an ongoing effort to detox my body from the long term antibiotics I was on for Lyme Disease, I started dry skin brushing a few months ago, and wanted to share the benefits I've noticed and how I do it in case you wanted to give it a try yourself.
What Type of Dry Skin Brush?
First things first. All you need is a brush. There are lots of different styles out there, and the only thing that really matters is that it's a natural bristle dry skin brush. Below you can see the ones we have. My husband uses the smaller one, I use the one on the right.
Two options for dry skin brushes.
How to Use a Dry Skin Brush
Do it before you shower, when your skin in dry. This is really key, as apparently you can stretch and damage the skin if it's wet.
Begin at the feet and with long, sweeping movements (not circular), go from the tops of the feet to the front of the hips, then from your achilles heel to the low back. Then, go from the tops of the hands to the shoulders, followed by the forearms to the armpits. Then, start from the collarbones, go toward the sternum and once you get to your sternum, brush a circle that goes to the right. Then, begin from the low back to the shoulder blades, and you're done. Don't do the face. You can gently do the breasts in a circular motion (avoiding the nipple), but be really gentle if you decide to do that.
The movement should be long, sweeping, and it shouldn't leave your skin red. If your skin is red, you're pressing too hard. You should only pass over your skin once with the brush.
Pros and Cons of Dry Skin Brushing
Like everything, there are positives and negatives to dry skin brushing. There are lots of documented benefits to dry skin brushing including improving the appearance of cellulite, getting the lymphatic system moving, and improving digestion. For me, I noticed my skin felt smoother, softer and had a more even tone. While my digestion has greatly improved, I can't say for sure whether it was the dry skin brushing or the diet change I've done, or maybe a combination of the two.
I personally haven't had any negative side effects from dry skin brushing, but my husband has. For the first week or so, every time he'd do it, he'd feel light headed and queasy. This is apparently normal - a quick side effect from getting the lymphatic system going, and it went away after a few weeks.
Will you be trying dry skin brushing? Do you already do it? If so, for how long? Any benefits you've noticed?