Okay, okay. We know we already touted on earlier this week about the wacky trick Miranda Kerr uses to get her wide-eyed look. But since that worked so well, we’re copying her yet again by stealing another one of her beauty tricks - dry brushing.
***Do you even care to know its benefits, or is the fact that Miranda Kerr does it enough proof and we should just skip to the how-to? Alright doubters, we’ll include a backstory.***
Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like- brushing your dry skin with a brush. Basically equivalent to drinking warm lemon water in the morning, it’s cheap and easy, has a whole host of benefits, and you have no excuse not to do it if you want tight, glowing skin, and internal health benefits to boot.
BENEFITS
EXFOLIATION
The most obvious benefit of dry brushing is the removal of dead skin cells. This clears clogged pores (which also prevents ingrown hairs), improves skin appearance, and let’s skin breathe.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The most notable benefit of dry brushing is that it stimulates your lymphatic system, which is the party of your body responsible for eliminating cellular waste product. When not working properly, these waste and toxins can back up, causing inflammation and disease. So anytime you can stimulate it and help release toxins, it’s a powerful detox.
INCREASE CIRCULATION
Dry brushing the skin increases circulation, which on top of encouraging the elimination for metabolic waste, is simply invigorating. Many people report feeling energized after dry brushing.
REDUCE CELLULITE
You read that right. Dry brushing is the cheapest and easiest way to help combat cellulite. It can help soften the hard fat deposits below the skin and distribute fat more evenly. It also helps to remove the toxins that break down connective tissue. Pass the dry brush, please!
HOW TO
Pick up a high-quality, natural fiber brush (found at most drugstores, health food stores, Targets, etc.). We like the ones like this, with the strap on the back for better control, and a long handle that attaches in case you can’t reach your back.
Starting at your feet, brush in tiny circles, and move up the leg. Spend a little extra time in cellulite prone areas (like the thighs and buttox). Move up your torso, then start back down at the hand and move up the arms towards the shoulder.
Keep a firm pressure, but don’t scrub or do anything that hurts.
Always brush towards the heart, which is best for circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Don’t brush your face (that’s what the Luna or Clarisonic is for).
You can spend as much time brushing as you’d like, 2 to 20 minutes. Brush at least once a day (we prefer right before hopping in the shower), and twice a day if you’re really serious.
