Our patients often ask us about quick things they can do at home to improve their skin or maintain the results of treatments they have done here in the office. One of the quickest, least expensive and easiest things we tell everyone to try is dry brushing. Once you have tried it you will be a true believer too – not only does it exfoliate and open your pores, it’s fantastic at boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage, and ultimately ridding the body of toxins. Remember, your skin is your biggest organ!

Here’s the When, How, and Why of Dry Skin Brushing:

When

You should do it daily – the morning is a great time, as it truly is invigorating and will help to wake you up. Also, you want to do it on dry skin and shower immediately afterwards to wash away all the dead skin and impurities.

How

Start with a brush that has natural bristles that are somewhat stiff but not too hard. One with a long handle is helpful to reach your back and other hard-to-reach areas.

Remember to only do this on dry skin – thus the title “Dry Skin Brushing”. You should only brush towards the heart in long sweeping motion. Start at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your chest. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise. And, don’t brush too hard: Skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated or red. Remember to shower immediately and nourish your skin with a moisturizer afterwards.

Why

This is one thing that, if added to your morning routine, will definitely give you the biggest bang for your buck – it’s cheap, easy and quick! Among the benefits:

• Cellulite and muscle tone: because of increased circulation to the skin you may see a reduction in the appearance of cellulite – which is made up of toxins that have accumulated in your body’s fat cells. You can also improve muscle tone and get a more even distribution of fat deposits.
• Smoother, brighter skin: because you are exfoliating dead skin cells, unclogging pores and encouraging new cell renewal, your skin will have a brighter, younger appearance.
• Help your body run more efficiently: brushing improves the blood circulation and lymphatic drainage which results in the release of toxins and the discharge of your body’s metabolic wastes.

So go ahead and give it a try – anything that has this many benefits is definitely worth trying!