Why you need to make Dry Brushing part of your self-care health rituals

In simple terms, dry brushing is running a very dry brush across your very dry skin. You do it firmly but gently and it is almost painless, even enjoyable. In a way, it activates your skin from a sort of a deep sleep, leaving you feel invigorated. It’s also therapeutic, as you detoxify your body, stimulate blood flow, lymphatic flow and brushing away dead skin cells. Finish it off with a warm shower or bath, followed by rubbing in a clean body oil and you will feel like you are in heaven!

If you can make it become a regular self-care ritual, you will start seeing real benefits in your life. With only a 7-10 minute commitment, why would you not!

Read on to hear how it really works and how to do it right.

What it is

Dry brushing is a technique where you rub your body with a brush made with natural bristles, and a large enough handle to grip and reach easily. Use it on dry skin, massaging your body in swift, gentle, upward strokes and circular motions. Start at the  toes going all the way up your legs, arms, belly and back. You’ll notice how it brightens your skin, as it removes dead skin, thereby enable your skin oil to penetrate more deeply and effectively.  It’s great for lymphatic drainage because it assists in keeping the toxin removal cycle of your body in check.

What it does

1. Increases circulation: Don’t worry about the skin turning red after dry brushing. Increased circulation in the regions you've been dry brushing causes the redness or inflammation which can be soothed by using a clean oil, such as any of our Gemelle body oils.
2. Helps with lymphatic drainage: This ritual increases blood circulation, which helps with. moving lymph through your body, and thereby allowing toxins and infections to be removed more quickly.
3. Exfoliates dead skin: Dry brushing removes dirt and excess oil, as well as dead skin cells. This results in enhanced cell turnover and a more radiant skin.
4. Skin plumping: Dry brushing can reduce the appearance of cellulite due to its temporary plumping impact on the skin.
5. Boosts immunity: This technique boosts the natural circulation and health of the exoskeleton plus helps build immunity against certain lifestyle diseases.
6. Reduces cellulite: It moves the stubborn fat, called cellulite by helping tone the underlying muscles.

Dry Brushing Do’s and dont’s

It’s a simple enough technique once you know how so don’t rub randomly or add too much pressure.:

1. Make sure your skin is completely dry.
2. Starting from your ankle, move your brush over your skin in long upward strokes on your limbs and circular motions around your joints, belly and back—always towards your heart.
3. Use firm pressure.
4. You can do it at any time of the day, three to four times a week, preferably before showering. Rinse off all the dead skin cells and apply a clean body oil right after to seal in all your hard work—post dry brushing-hydration is a must.
5. Sensitive skin types should stick to dry brushing once or twice a week.
6. Don’t brush too hard or too often, while redness of skin may be normal post dry brushing, it shouldn’t feel discomforting or irritated.
7. Avoid completely if you suffer from eczema, psoriasis or other serious skin issues, and never dry brush an open cut or wound.

There are many dry brushes available on the market. Make sure you choose one with a comfortable paddle handle and with natural hair. Also, only ever use clean body oils after you dry brushed and then showered. See our Gemelle collection. Any of the oils in the collection will be most suitable for you.