Dry Brushing

I’ve been hearing about the fuss on getting “THE glow” since day one of my life.  Yes, as an infant, I think I’ve always heard my mom mumble about not having “THE glow” she used to have before she had us.  I really never understood what she meant until I started to become conscious of how I looked.  My forever uncooperative skin has always been so dull especially at the most important points of my life— my first date,  birthdays,  prom nights and graduation.  I look at the photos and shake my head in dismay to see a dull, grayish me.

It took me quite some time before I finally found the right procedure to address this.  My best friend raved about a  simple vanity ritual she generously shared with me— dry brushing.  It wasn’t anything special… it was hell terrific!  I even feel like giving my bestie a big hug right now.  Dry brushing made so much difference in the way my overall complexion looked!  I don’t even consider it placebo because I’ve got photos for proof.  My skin definitely improved.

I do dry brushing once everyday.  It just uses light-to-moderate stroking.  You can’t really say that it falls under the heavy exfoliation category, and so, a daily dose of it is allowable.  I use a natural bristle brush I got from a drug store.  Sometimes I think of it as a magic-wand-in-disguise because of the effects it gives my skin.  I’ve learned that aside from the pretty “glow” it gives me, dry brushing stimulates oil-producing glands that moisturize the skin, lessens cellulite visibility, improves blood and lymph circulation (when done regularly), removes dead skin cells, tones the muscle and makes the skin firm, soft and supple.

So how do i do it?  Before getting into the tub, I get my brush and start with brushing my feet softly.  I work my way up: from my feet up to my hips, from my waist up to my neck, and from my hands up to the shoulders.  The back area will be a little tricky that’s why I recommend the use of a long-handled brush.  This upward method of dry brushing will help the blood get back to the heart, thus improving the circulation. The entire ritual takes me around 15 minutes max, giving seven sweeps each for the different areas of my body .

Here are a few notes on dry brushing:

• Dry brushing is called dry brushing because you brush a DRY, prewashed skin.  Don’t insist on doing it after a shower instead.  You will not achieve the same results.
• Keep the pressure light on areas where the skin is thinner.  A harder pressure may leave ugly scratches and it can also stress the valves in your veins.
• Don’t brush the face.  It is only intended for the body.
• Do a circular, counter-clockwise brushing motion over the abdomen to stimulate proper digestion.
• NEVER do dry brushing over an open wound, inflamed area, or over an infected part of the body.
• It helps to put on special oils, lotions and creams after taking a bath to further improve the skin.  Dry brushing clears the pores from impurities so that anything topical applied to the skin will seep through it.

Getting “THE glow” never felt so self-gratifying.  With a basic procedure such as dry brushing, who wouldn’t want to experience the effects that this simple step  can bring?  I’m already hooked and I don’t think I would throw my magic brush away.  I suggest that you do the same and start dry brushing all that dirt away!