Though it has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine, dry brushing is catching
on in spas. Even GOOP has an online how-to, making it a trendy at-home treatment. You should dry brush every day in the morning before you shower
as it invigorates you and helps with circulation. The bristles exfoliate your
skin, sloughing dead skin away and opening up pores.
Externally, it has been
touted as a method to break down and reduce cellulite. Internally, it is
said to stimulate the lymphatic system while naturally detoxifying and boosting the immune system. We don’t
know if all that is true and not a lot of research has been done, but it feels amazing to start the day with a full-body brushing.
Part of the reason it feels good is because it stimulates
our sense of touch. When that happens, oxytocin is released. It’s the same
hormone spike you get from hugs and massages and it can lower stress and make you feel happy. It's why animals love being petted and communities of monkeys pick at each other's fur. All of our senses need to be "fed" regularly, so consider it part of your sensory diet.
If you think you’d like to try dry brushing, first you need a
medium-soft natural bristle brush, like this one from Wholesome Beauty. A smaller, softer brush can be used for the face.
- Start at your feet in using big, long strokes and brush up to your heart, repeating each stroke 10 times.
- Work up through the body, repeating on the arms, and then using a circular motion on the chest, tummy and arm pits.
- A good brushing session should last a few minutes.
If you have skin issues like eczema or sensitive skin, you might want to hold off and check with your doctor first. Otherwise, enjoy and make it a part of your daily skincare routine. It may or may not change your life, but it will give a little boost to your day, like a little piece of the spa you can do anytime for an instant glow and good feelings!