Dry Brushing 101

Dry brushing is a centuries-old technique that originated in Ayurvedic medicine. Dry brushing can help stimulate the lymphatic system, exfoliate skin, increase blood circulation and energy and help break down cellulite. It's also believed to help the body naturally detoxify.

Incorporating dry brushing into your routine is easy to do - just dry brush before you hop in the shower! It's important to brush the skin while it's dry, versus in the shower, to help reduce moisture loss from the hot water and to help increase blood and lymph circulation. It's often recommended to do this in the morning as it can help boost your energy - so it's a great way to help you wake up.

If you're in need of a brush to get started, Blendily offers a Natural Bristle Body Brush as well as a Sisal Body Brush.

Please keep in mind that dry brushing is not recommended for those with broken skin such as cuts, scrapes, lesions, sores, or sunburns. Do not brush over infected areas, redness, general irritation, inflammation, cellulitis or skin cancer, and avoid active eczema and psoriasis.


How To Dry Brush

Before showering, or after waking, grab your natural bristle body brush  or sisal body brush and work from your toes to your head. Using long fluid strokes and a light pressure, brush upwards towards the lymph nodes of the body which are located throughout the body but clustered in the groin and armpit. The bristles will naturally exfoliate your skin, no need to apply a lot of pressure. In fact, a lot of pressure can cause irritation and will not support lymph movement as well as a lighter pressure. 

Your abdomen may be particularly sensitive and not used to this technique yet so continue to be gentle. Go in a circular, clockwise motion on your stomach.

Once you've reached your arms, work from your fingers to your chest. Continue to move in an upward motion on your chest and back where you can reach. You should avoid using the brush on your neck and face.

After you've finished dry brushing, it's time to hop in the shower to rinse off any dead skin.

With the winter months coming, it's especially important to keep our skin moisturized and maintain a healthy routine, that's why I recommend incorporating Blendily's Force Field Aromatic Body Oil.

Force Field is formulated to help boost your body's natural defenses and contains moisturizing oils. Simply pour a small amount into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and gently spread over your skin after your shower. 

Be good to yourself and take time to rest during these stressful and chaotic days.