WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?
Dry brushing is the process of applying delicate strokes to your body with a brush made of coarse, natural fiber bristles. This procedure is highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic therapy and has been used in India for many years.
WHY SHOULD YOU PRACTICE DRY BRUSHING?
You may be wondering with technology, spas, and so many health products available on the internet, why would anyone practice an age-old approach at home? Many claims have already been made on the internet about the benefits and drawbacks, and one that’s most prevalent is that it benefits your body’s circulatory and lymphatic systems while also exfoliating your skin to a large extent.
BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING
● Exfoliates skin
If you enjoy exfoliating at least once a week, dry brushing can be added to your routine because it not only removes dead skin cells but also makes your skin smooth and soft.
● Reduces stress
With all of the skin benefits indicated, one of the most pleasant effects of dry brushing on a regular basis is a sense of tranquillity. On days when you’re feeling anxious, all you want to do is relax and get a decent night’s sleep. Take your dry brush and begin moving it very gently on your skin. Since this is your skin and not a floor, you must be extremely gentle when applying pressure to avoid injuring yourself with scratches. Post that, take a relaxing warm shower and use a body moisturiser or oil to leave your skin feeling smooth and supple. Dry brushing activates the neurological system, which helps to relax and calm you.
● Lymphatic drainage and improved blood flow
If you’ve ever heard of lymphatic drainage massage or body massage at a spa, it basically helps with blood circulation by applying pressure to your skin to promote blood flow throughout the body. According to research studies, dry brushing has evident benefits such as reduced body inflammation, improved blood circulation, and greater energy.
SENSITIVE SKIN: IS DRY BRUSHING RECOMMENDED?
For someone like me, who has sensitive skin and easily becomes red under the slightest pressure — I was terrified of using the dry brush, but after a few uses, I learned that it did not injure my skin. Instead helped with eliminating dead skin cells and helping me in managing my keratosis pilaris.
It is, however, recommended that If you have sensitive skin, test dry brushing on a tiny area of your hand or leg and discontinue use if you experience extreme roughness, redness, or swelling.
HERE’S HOW TO USE A DRY BRUSH
● First, use a natural, soft brush. It is recommended that you do it before taking a shower, at least once a week.
● Start with your feet and work your way up to your legs in a circular motion with gentle strokes of your dry brush. It can also be done around the stomach area. Avoid sensitive places.
● You can repeat the process by beginning with your hands and working your way up to your shoulders. Be very careful until you get the hang of it.
● After brushing, take a shower with lukewarm water. You might also use a body oil wash to keep your skin hydrated.
● After exfoliating your skin, pat it dry with a towel and apply a heavy body moisturiser or body oil. Follow the same routine once a week for the best results.
● After each usage, wipe your dry brush with mild soap and water and air dry it to prevent bacterial growth.
It is advised to do this only once a week as exfoliation is not recommended on a daily basis. Overuse of dry brushing can also lead to breakouts, dry skin, and bleeding. If you have a skin issue or have particularly sensitive skin, you should contact your doctor before including dry brushing into your routine. If done properly, the results can be felt almost immediately.
Here are a few recommendations of brands that sell dry brushes in India.
- Glow Glossary
2. Amala Earth
3. House Of Beauty India
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