The Benefits of Dry Body Brushing
Dry brushing is one method of self-massage, an approach that incorporates a -- you guessed it -- brush. It’s an easy way to exfoliate your skin and stimulate circulation and most people would agree that it’s a pleasant experience.
As the name implies, dry brushing should be done before you get in the shower or bath, when your bod and the brush can stay dry. Start with very gentle pressure, using sweeping gestures to softly move the brush against your skin, always moving towards the direction of your heart. (See more detailed instructions below)
“It preps your body for the moisturizing elements you add in your bath or shower...And, your post-bathing oils and moisturizers will have a receptive, blank page to sink into.”
We selected our dry brush because of its sustainable and natural qualities. Sisal is a stiff, naturally occurring fiber (similar to Jute) that is sourced from agave plants.
The Benefits
By removing dead skin, dry brushing can detoxify your skin’s outermost layer, clearing away blocked pores and the general residue of living in the world. It also goes to work in the deeper layers of the skin by improving circulation and encouraging lymph flow and drainage.
It preps your body for the moisturizing elements you add in your bath or shower (like, ahem, Waterbody’s sumptuous Mermud Soap). And, your post-bathing oils and moisturizers will have a receptive, blank page to sink into.
The practice of dry brushing can soothe your nervous system, which brings instantaneous and profound calm. It’s a similar feeling to having had a massage or after a quiet bath.
It’s gentler on your skin than a shower brush or bath scrub, because you’re not adding hot water into the mix, which inherently inflames the skin and leaves it vulnerable by stripping away the natural oils that protect your largest organ.
Don’t use a dry brush on broken or already irritated skin and don’t use it on your face. Be gentle with your chest area, because that part of your body’s skin is already fairly delicate.
How to use a sisal dry brush
Using the Sisal Dry Brush included in your JAN22 IDYLHOUR box, begin at your feet and ankles, sweeping upwards toward the torso with long strokes.
Then, use the brush to make circular movements on your torso, both front and back. Pay attention to pressure on more sensitive areas like the belly and use a lighter touch when necessary.
Move to the fingers and hands, sweeping the brush in long strokes toward the shoulders, attending to both sides of your arms.
A few passes over each area should suffice, but your body might want more in some places and less in others. Do what your body wants and trust your natural wisdom.
Ready for your own dry body brushing ritual? Shop our all-natural option here.