The Health Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

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By Kyla Miller, R.H.N.:

Everybody has five major paths of elimination; the colon, kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin. Of these, our skin is the largest elimination organ, which is sometimes referred to as the “third kidney” (the second being our lungs). In fact, up to a third of all body impurities are excreted through the skin. It releases a pound of waste each day and will be the first organ to show symptoms of imbalance or toxicity. If your skin cannot efficiently release toxins, you may experience rashes, acne, hives, itchiness, body odour, or even eczema and psoriasis.

 

Dry skin brushing is an important therapy you can add to your detox program. Daily dry friction brushing is far more cleansing and eliminates more waste material than any soap could, and of added benefit, the skin is not robbed of its natural oils needed to keep it from becoming too dry. Dry skin brushing tones the skin, improves circulation, and aids in relieving skin conditions.

 

How dry skin brushing will benefit you

How to choose your brush

 

Choose a dry skin brush that has natural fibre bristles and a long handle for reaching all of your back. The bristles may feel to firms at first, but your skin will adjust to this over time. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to start with a softer brush or a dry towel.

 

How to “dry skin brush”

 

Dry skin brushing means brushing the skin without the use of water or soaps. Use a separate brush for face and body. With the face, start by brushing the forehead and work down over the eyes, along the nose, cheeks, chin, ears and finally neck, using a firm, brisk rotary motion. If your face is too sensitive to use a dry brush, use a loofah or a special facial brush instead. When dry brushing the body, brush the limbs with an upward movement. Every brush motion should be directed towards the heart. Start by brushing skin gently until it becomes conditioned. Avoid brushing the breasts entirely. Avoid brushing the parts of your body that are irritated, damaged or infected. The scalp should also be brushed. It can stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation and will keep the scalp clean from dandruff, stale oils, etc.