Your body detoxifies constantly by way of organs, glands and transportation systems, including the gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. But guess which one is by far the largest? Your skin! In fact, your skin rids nearly 1/4 of your toxins everyday and yes, it’s an organ. However, if you are slathering on toxic moisturizer, not skin brushing and exfoliating then you are missing out on an amazing and invigorating way to detoxify!
There are many reported benefits of skin brushing, here are some:
1. Skin detox: Sloughing off dead skin cells rejuvenates the skin and allows toxins to move out of the body
2. Cleanse the lymphatic system*: Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymphatic system which is very connected to your immune system. Strong immunity = healthy body.
3. Get your glow-on! Removing dead skin layers softens rough patches
4. Helps reduce cellulite and prevent it.
5. Soft skin: Stimulates the hormone and oil producing glands
6. Stimulates circulation
7. It’s incredibly invigorating!
What is the Lymphatic System* ?
A network of vessels that transport important molecules to be cleansed by the lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, liver and tonsils.) These important molecules include: fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K, foreign particles and microorganisms. If the lymph system is not flowing properly then the immune system does not get a chance to kill invading foreign particles and microorganisms. This includes cancerous cells. Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymphatic system.
Did you know you have more lymph fluid in your body then you do blood? That’s right, but unfortunately your lymph fluid doesn’t have a pump how your blood does. As long as the heart keeps pumping, the blood moves around and we stay alive. Since the lymphatic system does not have a pump it relies on muscle contraction (exercise), jumping (trampolines are a great way to stimulate), yoga and of course a great compliment to daily exercise is a regular dry brush before you shower to keep the lymph system flowing, stimulated and invigorated!
What is a Dry Brush? Where can I find one?
A dry brush is a brush made of dense stiff bristles. Make sure you purchase a brush made of natural fibers, not plastic or synthetic! I bought mine in Kensington Market at a health food store. Whole Foods Market or any health food store will sell them.
Go get dry skin brushing and let me know how fabulous you feel!
Thanks, I got a brush a while ago but I don’t dry brush as much as I should! Does it matter what time of day? I’m an evening showerer.
No it doesn’t matter what time of day at all, so long as you are dry!
Excellent info. I have been meaning to buy a brush to use, but haven’t so far. Hopefully your article will get me going to the health food store and get one!!
Cool! I`m going to look for one of those. I bet it feels great
Great post!
I swear by dry brushing (and I haven’t been sick since I started it!)
I needed the reminder!
I have learned this dry brushing from my grandma when I was little. (I was living in Japan.) I completely forgot about it. I enjoyed the video. Thanks!
Wow great video Joy! I`m going to get one and try it out!!
Dry skin brushing has been a part of my daily routine for 2 years now, and I always feel healthier and cleaner after doing it. I am rarely sick, but always thought it was due to the fact that I use a sauna every other day. I’ll have to start giving my daily skin brushing a little more credit now!
Thanks for the great information in this post!
why cant i use a brush made out of plastic ?? is there any obvious harm behind it?
Natural of anything is always best. Plus, a plastic skin brush isn’t going to feel very joyous on your skin.
but would it give opposite results opposed to using a natural skin brush?
I have a natural dry skin brush but I haven’t used it because it seems to scratch my dry skin. Is this normal and do you get used to it or does it improve?
Your brush might be too coarse. Mine is pretty light… Is it natural fibers? ie. horse hair or something?
It is very coarse so I will go look for a softer brush.
Dry skin brushing works great. I have been doing it for a few years. I even got my sister into it. Many people don’t believe when I tell them the benefits.
I was wondering about dry brushing your back? In what direction should you go?
Towards the heart.
Hi,
It was useful to have a video on dry brushing rather than reading about it. Do you have a video on dry brushing your face? I’ve heard that this is a great way to keep your face and skin young looking.
thanks!
Anna
I don’t, but thank you for this suggestion Anna. It’s a great idea. I personally don’t do my face because I’m more prone to dryness, but I also haven’t found a dry skin brush soft enough for my face. If I do find one, I will certainly do a video.
Hi Joy! Can you recommend a natural product (or handmade concoction) for severely dry, chapped hands and cuticles due to the winter months? Much appreciated!!
Hi Joy, I just started dry body brushing and I have been doing it for about 5 days. My skin has been feeling amazingly soft, but I just noticed today a beakout of tiny pimples all over my back and nowhere else. It looks like a rash. I have been using a body brush that I bought years ago and has just been sitting in my cupboard. I cleaned it with warm soapy water and used vinegar to disinfect it. I’m not sure if it is a natural fibre brush although it has the appearance of natural bristles, but they feel plasticy. Would a synthetic brush have this kind of affect/reaction on my skin so quickly? or do you think it could have been from the vinegar? I really do want to continue doing dry body brushing, but not if It keeps causing a breakout on my back