The Benefits of Dry Brushing

What is up with all these people brushing their skin!?

Back in nutrition school, a teacher gave us a handout on dry brushing. It was pretty outdated – from the 90’s – and sounded a little funny. I was sceptical, it was almost too good to be true – how can brushing your body help eliminate toxins, improve focus and increase energy levels!? Well, it can, and it’s pretty rad.

My story

I purchased my first dry brush 2 years ago and tried it a couple of times. To be honest, I got bored, busy, went travelling, didn’t really care and shoved it in the back of my bathroom cabinet. Fast forward 6 months later and I’m sick all the time and just feeling blah. That was a huge wake-up call. Fast forward another 6 months and I’ve started re-incorporating dry brushing into my daily routine – only this time, I took it in small baby steps (like we should do with everything!). I started exfoliating my skin with a brush in the shower. This took no extra time and felt nice under the hot water. It didn’t have the same effect as a 10-minute dry brush session would, but it still was making me feel amazing. A few months ago, I decided to try dry brushing again – and I am never looking back! I now like to use the combination of exfoliating in the shower once a week and dry brushing every other day – it’s easy, realistic and keeps my body balanced. My immune system is top notch and I am feeling amazing! 

What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is an act of self-care that has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient history with Greek and Asian culture. When we brush, this stimulates the lymphatic system, which is a body system that carries lymph (contains white blood cells) throughout the body to help remove toxins and waste. Due to our heavily toxic world (pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, plastics, artificial hormones, etc.), dry brushing can be a wonderful way to assist your body in naturally detoxing these unwanted materials. 

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

• activates the lymphatic system to help effectively remove toxins 
• helps to support the immune system 
• gives you clean, soft and exfoliated skin 
• helps reduce cellulite (built-up toxins in the skin)
• lets your skin breathe

How do you properly dry brush?

I recommend purchasing a natural, non-synthetic dry brush. There are a few options: some are hand-held and others have a holding stick – I prefer the ones without the long stick. Some dry brushes contain boar bristle and others are made from the plant sisal – we sell a Sisal Brush on the site because it is cruelty-free, effective and natural. You can purchase it here. 

I like to dry brush right after a warm bath or shower. To get the best benefit, I like to take a 5-minute warm shower with an alternating 4 x 30 second hot/cold intervals at the end to activate healthy blood circulation. I then dry off and start dry brushing. I start at the bottom, with my feet and work my way upwards, always brushing towards the heart in long, sweeping motions – this will help to remove the toxins effectively and naturally. Make sure to be cautious in sensitive areas like the breasts and underarms. Put on a good song and work your way up from 1 minute, to 3 minutes and eventually to 10 minutes! 

How to clean your dry brush

I like to wash my brush once a week in hot soapy water. I use a natural soap (this one) and wash it well, then I hang it to dry overnight! Easy, peasy. 

So, have I convinced you yet?

To start dry brushing, you can purchase our Sisal Brush here.