Benefits of dry brushing in tropical weather

Dry Brushing: Everything you need to know about the trend

huibing

19 Jun 2017

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Pick up a dry brush
Drop by a health and body shop and grab a natural brush. Make sure it isn’t too hard (or too soft), and a long handle is great for scrubbing hard-to-reach places. Specifically ask for dry massage brushes as some could be meant for wet massages and could be overly harsh without moisture, which will merely irritate the skin. Try out Reikii’s Skin Brush or the Leegoal Skin Brush.
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Start at the beginning (or the end)
Technically, you can dry brush in the morning, or after work, but we’re advocating for the former. Not only will you start the day off right, you’ll also probably be a little too tired to get that scrub going once the day is over. Either way, do it before your daily shower, and you’re good to go!
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Bottoms up!
With a soft but firm grip, go over your body in an upwards direction. This means starting from the bottom and then brush upwards. With your limbs, use upward motions, and when you get to your stomach, use circular motions to get the blood circulating. Avoid brushing your face and chest as it may be too abrasive for these areas.
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Rinse!
When you’re done, your skin might be slightly pink but don’t worry. Take a cool shower to calm your body down, and end it with body lotion to moisturise, or an essential oil massage.
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Don’t forget to clean your brush
Rinse your brush after you’re done and give it a proper scrub about once a week. Then, let it dry out in the sun and open air to prevent mould and mildew from forming.
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Drink up
With your lymphatic system finally starting to wake up, give it a treat with a drink like hot lemon water or tea to kick-start the circulation!

Brushing isn’t just for your hair and your teeth anymore. Introducing: dry brushing, for your skin! Here’s why it’s so great.

When it comes to brushing, we know what to do. Brush your teeth to keep your pearly whites nice and fresh and brush your hair to keep it untangled. Easy. But, how about dry brushing your body? Dry brushing may sound intimidating or, even, really painful, but it really isn’t. In essence, dry brushing refers to brushing your dry body with a brush, and that’s it.

Yes, there are benefits!

But, why would anyone do that? Here are some benefits of dry brushing.

Boosts circulation – The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system that helps to detoxify your body. By dry brushing, you’re stimulating the lymphatic veins that lie very near the surface of your skin. This means dry brushing would help your body remove waste and toxins naturally, keeping your body healthy.
Removes dead skin cells – Not only on the inside, but you’re helping your body get rid of waste on the outside too! As with most exfoliators, this will keep your skin supple and smooth. By loosening and removing skin cells, you’re clearing out your pores, which will keep your skin renewed and fresh.
Reduces cellulite – Disclaimer: there has been no scientific proof claiming that dry brushing effectively helps with cellulite. However, there have been recounts of people who have noticed the reduced appearance of cellulite. Reasons cited are that dry brushing helps to release the fatty deposits that form the basis for your cellulite.

Sounds good? Yeah, we thought so too. Scroll back up and check the gallery for a little how-to guide on dry brushing.

But, a word of caution: dry brushing is not for everyone. If you have a skin condition (e.g. psoriasis or eczema), inflamed skin, or open wounds, don’t try dry brushing unless you’ve consulted with a dermatologist, as the process may irritate your skin. Also, people with sensitive skin should also be wary when trying this out as it may leave micro-cuts on your skin.

Perhaps try going soft at first before slowly increasing your pressure, just so your skin can get used to it. And, as always, check with your own body and how you feel with this treatment. But, if it feels good, go ahead and enjoy it daily!

Lee Hui Bing

Photos: Getty Images

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