Dry Skin Brushing

A healthy and simple kind of skin massage to practice at home regularly is dry skin brushing. Using special types of skin brushes, such as a loofah or natural bristle brushes, only a few minutes a day can improve the skin's appearance and general circulation. A loofah is natural vegetable fiber. When the outer skin of the zucchini-like vegetable is peeled, the meshy, fibrous matter inside can be dried in the air. It is naturally abrasive and ready for use without any processing. Some people may find it a little too hard; natural bristle brushes are a softer alternative.

Skin brushing is an excellent habit to adopt because it improves the health of the skin and mobilizes circulation throughout the body. Brushing dry skin brings blood to the surface, activates the cells, and helps to remove dead cells which are not removed when the skin is wet. The skin is better able to eliminate toxins through the pores and fend off problems like acne and fungal infections. The lymphatic system, in which many immune cells work, is also activated by skin brushing. The skin will look healthier because its regeneration capacity is supported.

Skin brushing feels invigorating because in activating the skin and circulatory system, you will feel fresh and awake more quickly in the morning, especially if you have low blood pressure. Brush before a bath or shower to restore circulation and quickly bring warmth and feeling back to cold feet or numb areas. It helps release stress from tense shoulders and balance the nervous system.

Begin at the ends of the limbs and work inward, towards the center of the body and the heart. Start on the right side of the upper right foot making circles, working your way upwards. Brush the soles of the feet, too. Whenever you work on the limbs, brush the outer side first, then the inner side. Press lightly enough to bring circulation into the area and see it redden slightly, but not so hard as to injure or markedly redden the skin.

Do the lower leg first, then the upper, working towards the buttocks. Start on the left side, brushing the outside first, then inside. Next, do the arms, starting with the hand, the right side first. The chest comes next, always working from the outside inwards, towards the heart. Brush lightly around the nipples. Remember to brush the back, shoulders, and neck. If you would like to include the face, use a dry wash cloth or a less abrasive skin brush. The facial skin is much more sensitive to injury. Work downwards from the forehead to the chin, and along the neck towards the collarbone.

Skin brushing can be followed with a bath, shower, a cold wash or an exercise program. Avoid brushing areas where the skin is broken or inflamed, whether it be due to psoriasis, acne, rashes or a similar affliction. Because of its invigorating effect, skin brushing should not be practised at night before bed or if you are suffering from nervous anxiety. If you have extremely sensitive skin and find that brushing raises the skin or causes marked redness, stop the procedure and try using a brush with less abrasion or a terry cloth towel next time. For smoother, healthier skin, dry brushing is an ideal habit to adopt.