Does skin brushing really help?? 

There has been a lot of buzz about dry brushing in the beauty industry. If you haven't heard about dry brushing it involves daily massage with a dry, stiff-bristled brush.

As we all know, there is always a new skin trend popping up that is the miraculous cure all. Most of these trends fade away once it is discovered that the results are temporary, or worse, false. Enter dry skin brushing.

There have been a variety of health claims about dry brushing:

• Helps with flaky, dry, winter skin
• Increases circulation
• Aids in digestion
• Improves the look of cellulite
• Promotes detoxification 

So the question is "does skin brushing really deliver?" 

The answer is yes, mostly.

Dry skin brushing does help the body eliminate toxins

Our skin is the largest organ in the body. A third of our body's toxins are excreted through the skin via the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. The lymph system has many vessels ducts and nodes that exist solely to eliminate waste. A lot of these lymph vessels are right below the surface of the skin. According to Dr. Gohara, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, dry skin brushing stimulates the lymphatic system thereby naturally detoxifying the body.

 Dry brushing does help diminish the visibility of cellulite - Temporarily

Dry brushing exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells. This makes our skin more susceptible to moisture. As a result the skin appears plumper and smoother. Unfortunately it isn't permanent. However, with regular brushing you will find that you can maintain these results and you will have softer, younger looking skin as well.  

There is no documented evidence that dry brushing affects digestion

I searched and searched and could not find any evidence to support this claim. I suppose it could be individual to each person. If you try skin brushing and it helps your digestion leave us a comment below. 


The Verdict

Dry brushing is well worth the time and effort. I have begun dry brushing. It has only been three months, but I do see an improvement in the appearance of the small wrinkles on my forehead, my skin is much softer. I definitely give skin brushing two thumbs up!

How to dry brush   

1.  Use a firm, natural bristle brush. I prefer one with wild boar bristles. You can find a good brush on amazon here. 

2. The best time body brush is before bathing. You will always start with your feet and work your way towards you heart following the lymphatic system. Using long firm strokes:

   • Begin with the bottom of your feet   
   • Continue brushing up your legs
   • Next move on to your arms and hands always stroking towards the heart.
   • Move to your neck and chest
   • On the abdomen area use circular counter-clockwise strokes
   • To dry brush your back go upward from the buttocks and down your neck.