Dry Brushing & Cellulite

Oct 20th, 2010

Two things happened last week that fueled my fascination with dry brushing. 1. My summer tan faded. I don’t need to explain to you what this means. Let’s just say it will be lights off in the bedroom until spring. 2. I read an interview with Molly Sims. When asked what she does to maintain her gorgeous and flawless skin she stated she dry brushes every single day. I had no idea what this was but if it would even in just a teeny, tiny way make me look like Molly Sims, I was game. So, I googled dry brushing and immediately felt a little stupid for never hearing about the incredible benefits of such a simple task. In case you were in the dark like me, I’ll explain what this is all about:

You will need one of these. Available at your local health food store. Most likely placed on an end cap.

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing :

1. Removes cellulite. My numero uno reason for starting this technique.

2. Cleanses the lymphatic system

3. Removes dead skin layers

4. Strengthens the immune system

5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging. I was sold at the removal of cellulite but I’ll take this any day.

7. Tones the muscles. My second favorite reason.

8. Stimulates circulation. Great way to ward off those vericose veins.

9. Improves the function of the nervous system

10. Helps digestion Always a nice bonus.

I bought this too. Mainly because I like bags with lots of tiny things inside. I use the oil after the shower.

To start, use a natural bristle brush, preferably with a long handle, and start at your feet, working upward in a circular motion toward your abdomen. The historical theory is to move all of the toxins in your bloodstream and lymph toward your digestive system so that it can be eliminated from the body.

How to Dry Brush:

o Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.

o Continue brushing up your legs.

o Proceed to your hands and arms.

o Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.

o Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.

o Lightly brush the breasts.

o Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck.

After brushing, take a hot shower with soap to remove the dead skin, followed by a 10-20 second cold rinse.

For the most effective results, skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough skin brushing takes about 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to showering will benefit the body. You can also dry brush areas of cellulite five to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve cellulite dissolving but the technique needs to be done consistently for a minimum of five months (I know, kind of a long time but if you start now it may just pay off by bikini season and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than any other cellulite removal system).

Here’s my rather lofty end goal…