09 Mar Dry Brushing

If you were told that there was an easy and painless way to reduce cellulite, would you believe me? Dry brushing is a natural health practice, which has been a traditional method of removing dry skin from the body however, it does more than just remove dry skin.

The brush stimulates our circulatory system and activates our lymphatic system, due to the large number of lymph vessels just under the skin. The lymphatic system is responsible for moving fluid (lymph) throughout the body, aiding in the removal of toxins.

Now, we all know what cellulite looks like externally; I haven’t met a person yet who ‘likes’ their cellulite. Did you know that internally, cellulite is actually vein and lymph congestion underneath the skin? It’s a combination of ‘stagnant’ toxins in connective tissue, that causes a build-up of fat deposits. Therefore, dry brushing uses lymphatic stimulation to help break down fat deposits and toxins into the bloodstream, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

So, how do you correctly dry brush?
Purchase a brush with natural fibre bristles, with a long handle, similar to a brush you would use to wash your back. Before you have a shower, start are your feet and use long circular movements in a clockwise direction, moving up towards you heart and finishing at your neck – the direction is extremely important for toxin removal. Use light pressure in areas where your skin is thin (e.g. inside of your arms) and firmer pressure on areas like your thighs and glutes.

Ensure your skin and your brush are both 100% dry, continue for a minimum of 5 minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes and follow this routine with a shower, to remove any toxins and dead skin. Your skin should not feel irritated, it should have a subtle glow. Use a natural moisturiser after your shower with coconut oil, vitamin E and/or vitamin C. To prevent the risk of infection, it is important to wash your brush after use, dry it thoroughly and do not share it with another person.

Dry brushing is inexpensive and can be utilised 1-2 times per week, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. Most chemists and health food stores have the brushes for no more than $15 and some places even have dry brushing kits, which include all the essentials. If you are someone who suffers from cellulite, it’s worth giving it a go!