Amazing Skin Facts
Our skin is the largest and most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day.
Our skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day for the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands.
Our skin receives one third of all the blood circulated through the body. And although it is the last organ to receive nutrients in the body, it is one of the first places symptoms or signs of imbalances and deficiencies will appear.
A Simple & Natural Way to Healthier Skin
The practice of dry skin brushing is an age-old secret to great skin, but is relatively unknown to most people. With all the expensive and confusing skin care products and hypes out there, we think it's important to re-introduce a simple, easy, natural process that is not only a great way to maintain healthy skin, but also helps you to maintain a healthy body.
The ability of the skin to excrete toxins is the one of the most important ways to maintain health - and dry skin brushing is one of the easiest self-help methods available to anybody. Stimulation of the skin stimulates nerve beds within the skin structure that sets in motion natural healing processes throughout the entire body.
Your skin is the primary sign of an internally toxic body. As soon as your internal body becomes toxic, it spreads into your skin causing it to become irritated and itchy. There are numerous ports of elimination of the skin including your mouth, face, arm pits, the inside of your upper thigh region, feet, and toe nails. Did you know that body odor is an additional indicator of toxic build-up and is eradicated through the same channels?
Our skin is permeable or porous and can absorb toxins directly from the environment, while also absorbing virtually everything that comes in contact with it or is applied to it directly. Skin brushing and its massaging action stimulates the body's automatic healing actions by bringing fresh blood supplies to its surface. The skin is also one of the best ways to stimulate the endocrine system, reaching all the glands very quickly. The instantaneous result from a brushing session is a feeling of increased physical well being, not the least of which is silky, smooth, beautiful skin that is hard to resist touching.
The Benefits Of Dry Skin Brushing
Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, glands and transportation systems including the skin, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system and mucous membranes. Dry brushing stimulates all of these organs of detoxification to function more efficiently which has a bonanza of health benefits for the body:
1) Dry brushing cleanses the lymphatic system. Lymph is part of our immune system and is made of white blood cells called lymphocytes and the interstitial fluid that bathes our cells, bringing them nutrients and removing waste. All detoxification occurs first and foremost through the lymph. Our bodies contain far more lymph than blood, so you can see how important this is.
2) Dry brushing strengthens the immune system. Dry skin brushing may reduce the duration of an infection and accelerate the clearing of toxins. It helps support the immune system during treatments for cancer and other chronic illnesses. By stimulating the lymph vessels to drain toxic mucoid matter into the organs of detoxification, we can purify the entire system. After several days of dry brushing, sometimes you may notice a gelatinous mucoid material in your stools. This is a normal sign that the intestinal tract is renewing itself.
3) Dry brushing stimulates circulation. Our skin breathes! But for most people this vital route of detoxification is operating below capacity because it is clogged with dead skin cells and the un-removed waste excreted through perspiration. Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes. Increased blood flow begins entering the areas brushed and you will experience an increase in electromagnetic energy that helps you to feel energized and invigorated. By activating the circulation you also help prevent varicose veins.
4) Dry brushing helps reduce cellulite. Improving cellulite is one of the main reasons people look into dry brushing. Toxins are often trapped in the subcutaneous later of fat cells just beneath the skin which contributes to cellulite. Dry brushing is a cheap and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your skin in addition to the many health benefits it provides. Instead of expensive liposuction surgery, try dry skin brushing coupled with an alkaline diet and exercise.
5) Dry brushing tightens and tones loose skin. Women who have just given birth can use this technique to tighten loose skin and speed healing of stretch marks. People who are currently on a weight loss journey, or have just lost a substantial amount of weight may find great benefits in a dry brushing regimen too.
6) Dry brushing removes dead skin layers. Dry skin brushing exfoliates skin, shedding dead skin cells which can help improve skin texture and cellular renewal. If exfoliation doesn't happen regularly, a buildup of dead skin cells can lead to eczema, psoriasis and dandruff, in addition to blocking the skin’s regular excretions like sweat.
7) Dry brushing stimulates hormone and oil glands, helping all of the body systems perform at peak efficiency. The skin is your body's largest organ. When not properly maintained, the elimination duties of the skin are forced on the kidneys. So, give your kidneys a break—keep your skin clean and rejuvenated. Bathe daily and dry brush beforehand to help stimulate blood flow to the surface so toxins can more readily escape.
8) Dry brushing tones the muscles. Dry skin brushing helps muscle tone by stimulating the nerve endings which causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move. It also helps mobilize fat and helps to even out the distribution of fat deposits. This is a great technique for those with limited mobility.
How to Dry Brush
1) To start: purchase a natural, NOT a synthetic, bristle brush. (animal hair or vegetable bristle). One with a long handle is beneficial to reach all areas of your body. A detachable head can be handy so that you can remove the handle for smaller, closer areas, but brush styles are a personal preference. Soapworks Studio has two varieties to choose from and both have had stellar reviews.
2) Skin brushing should be performed (hee, like a circus) once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. Always dry brush your dry body before you shower or bathe because you will want to wash off the impurities from the skin as a result of the brushing action. The brush should be dry and your skin should be dry. And I guess if we're being thorough here, I would mention that I do this inside the tub/shower before I turn the water on. Hence, no extra bathroom clean up. Who wants to dust and vaccuum the bathroom later?
3) Always use brush strokes toward the heart. Brushing towards the heart facilitates detoxification, while brushing away from the heart can adversely affect circulation in the blood vessels and lymph system. You can experiment to find a method of brushing that is comfortable to you, but some general guidelines are to stroke from your hands up your arms several times, covering all areas of skin. Then stroke the brush from your feet to the top of your legs in the same way. Use several clockwise strokes on the stomach, both sides of the chest, and your arm pits. Then repeat these areas with counterclockwise motion. You can also brush in a circular motion on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Concentrate on areas which suffer from dryness or cellulite, but avoid areas of broken skin or rashes. Having said this, don't get crazy about the rules and make it complicated. Start at your feet and move up. Do what feels good. Aim for rosy glow and stop if angry, ouchy, red.
4) A thorough skin brushing takes about 10 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will have great benefits. If you are feeling ill, increasing the treatments to twice a day can be beneficial.
5) Avoid sensitive areas like bruises and anywhere the skin is broken, such as areas of skin rash, wounds, cuts or infections. Also never brush an area affected by poison oak, poison ivy or sun burn (duh, ouch).
6) Tap your brush (over a trashcan or shower drain) to shake off dead skin cells. Each person should have their own dry brush, just like a toothbrush! Keep your brush in a dry area away from steam and potential mildew. Mine just hangs on the towel hook outside. You should wash your brush regularly with soap and warm water, rinse well and make sure it is thoroughly dried in a sunny area before using again.
Some people have more sensitive skin so dry brushing may feel uncomfortable at first but your skin will adjust quickly. Other people find it invigorating and love it from day one. When you begin dry brushing, you will no doubt be surprised at how invigorating and energizing the process feels. Hopefully it requires very little urging to make this natural technique a daily ritual.
Purchase the perfect brush for dry brushing your skin to perfection right here