Skin Care Benefits of Dry Brush Detoxing

At first mention, dry brush detoxing may seem like a skin care fad, like coconut oil pulling or those tiny fish pedicures. However, dry brushing is a centuries old technique said to have been pioneered by the Russians and Scandinavians for its ability to detox, exfoliate, and stimulate skin. Today, it is becoming an essential part of detox programs.

Shannon Sliger, owner of Atlanta-based Dtox Juice and someone who knows a thing or two about detoxing, is a big champion of dry brushing, especially when used in tandem with a clean diet and non-toxic skin care regime.

Because we believe in the good that comes from this detoxing practice, we invited Shannon to discuss the hows and whys of dry brushing. 

Being the founder of Dtox Juice, an Ayurvedic wellness consultant, and a yoga teacher, I know a thing or two about detoxing.  Did you know that one third of your body's toxins are excreted through the skin?  This means you must keep those pathways, or pores, clear. Our body’s ability to detox daily is essential to vibrant, radiant health. Dry brushing helps to unclog pores and excrete toxins that have become trapped in the skin.  This keeps skin exfoliated and silky smooth all year long. More importantly, dry brushing stimulates the body’s lymphatic and circulatory systems. Massaging the lymph nodes helps the body shed excess water and toxins. When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and cause sickness.  Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid.  Dry brushing also increases circulation to your skin, which encourages the elimination of metabolic waste.

One of the immediate effects of dry brushing is smoother skin, but it can also help improve digestion, kidney function, and more.

HOW TO DRY BRUSH

Choose the right brush. Use a natural bristle brush - the firmer the better for massaging skin and stimulating lymph nodes.

Work from the outside in. Start from the bottom outermost parts of your body (think feet and hands) and work towards the heart.  

Use small circular movements.  With light to medium pressure, use the brush in circular movements on top of clean, dry skin. Spend extra time over your thighs, bum and other areas with cellulite.  Dry brushing helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is toxic materials that have accumulated in your body’s fat cells and are trapped, unable to be eliminated from the body. Compliment this cellulite-busting brushing by drinking water and raw, organic Dtox Juices. They, too, can help flush cellulite-causing wastes.

Dry brush regularly. It is recommended to dry brush often to keep skin - the body’s largest organ - looking, feeling, and functioning properly. Some will do it every day and others a couple times a week.

While we typically think of detoxing as a juice cleanse, there is more to consider when ridding the body of unwanted toxins. The skin care products you use - on your face and body - and practices like dry brushing compliment detox diets so that your entire body system can harmoniously work together to keep the body functioning at its very best.

Curious to start your own dry brushing routine? You can purchase a dry brush, here.