Dry Skin Brushing

The skin is the largest organ in the body and it is the first way that we can tell how healthy a person is but it is also the last organ to receive the benefits of any healthy regime. So, by the time you can see that your skin looks naturally glowing and healthy, you are likely also feeling well. And there is a way to help your skin look and feel its best, especially during the winter months as the skin tends to dry out more easily and become more stagnant. Dry skin brushing is a wonderful natural and easy way to exfoliate dry winter skin. It helps to detoxify your skin and your organs by increasing your blood circulation and promoting lymph flow and drainage and helps to unclog your pores in the exfoliation process. Dry skin brushing also stimulates your nervous system which plays a role in almost every aspect of your health and well-being and is responsible for guiding everyday activities such as breathing, thinking, reading, remembering and feeling your emotions. Your nervous system controls your brain growth and development. Dry skin brushing will make you feel invigorated even before you get in the shower. This is a great practice for all constitutions in Ayurveda but especially for Vata dosha as vata people can tend to dry out. Read more about Ayurvedic Constitutions.

Brushing the skin while it is dry allows you to exfoliate and increase blood circulation without robbing it of moisture, as the hot water in the shower can. Dry skin brushing literally removes the old dead, dry layers of the skin stimulating and increasing your blood circulation. This also gives a wonderful appearance of plumping up your skin from the increased blood flow.

Use a natural quite stiff bristle bath or shower brush. The stiffness depends on your skin’s sensitivity and what your preference is. You could also use a brush with a long handle which would help you to reach your back. I find I just use a hand held brush as it is easier to manage.

Your skin must be dry

It is very important that you brush your skin whilst it is still dry - before you shower. Start at your feet and work your way upwards. Always move your brush towards your heart upwards on your arms and legs and then on your torso and belly, work in circular motions. It can feel sensitive on your tummy, inner thighs and arms so soften the pressure on these delicate areas. You can also bush your breasts but be gentle.

The best time to dry brush is before your bath or your shower. That way you can wash off any dead and flakey skin. I like to dry skin brush about 4 times a week on my body and 1 - 2 times a week on my face.

Moisturise your skin

Don’t forget to moisturise after your shower. I like to use natural oils and natural lotions that are handmade with organic oils and body butters that don't dry my skin out. Being a vata body type this is of immense importance.