Do your skin a favor!

The skin is the largest organ in the body, regulating temperature, sensing pain, and protecting it from trauma and outside dangers. As with any organ, it is important to pay attention to and nurture its health. One way to do this is to start a daily routine of dry brushing your skin in the morning before taking a bath or shower.

Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like – the brushing of the skin with a dry brush. The process removes dry, dead skin cells, leaving the skin fresh and new.

You may be thinking that adding another step to your already busy routine is too much, but in addition to baby-soft skin, the benefits of dry brushing go well beyond your skin.

Here are some of the incredible benefits:

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is comprised of a series of nodes throughout the body that are connected to one another by lymph vessels. The nodes contain immune cells that help fight infection within the body or keep harmful substances out. Dry brushing can help to stimulate the lymphatic system which helps the body detoxify.

Exfoliation

Dry brushing with a natural bristle-brush helps to remove dead skin cells for softer, more vibrant skin.

Natural Energy Boost

Dry brushing is said to increase circulation, which in turn leads to a nice post-brush energy boost. It might not be best to do at night, though!

Also, when done properly, dry brushing feels great!

When shopping for a dry brush you want to look for a brush with natural fibers, like the one found here.

Once you have yours, try this method to get the softest, smoothest skin:

• Start at the feet and brush in an upward motion, covering each section of your leg with 10 long, smooth strokes. To activate the lymphatic system, it is recommended that all strokes along the body be guided toward the heart or the center of the body.
• Repeat this process with the arms by starting at the hands and moving up toward the shoulders, brushing each section 10 times.
• For the torso and underarms, brush in a circular clockwise motion.
• For the face, a more delicate face specific brush is required as the body brush will be too harsh.

Note: Brushing too hard can cause the skin to turn red or sting. Your strokes should be smooth and soft. It is uncomfortable, you are doing it too hard.

Take care of your skin and it will love you back.