Did you ever tried dry brushing?
Dry brushing or garshana is an ayurvedic ritual done every morning to stimulate the blood circulation. It involves daily body massage with a dry, stiff-bristled brush.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING?
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 does. It also helps detoxify, as it increases blood circulation and promotes lymph flow and drainage. It also stimulates your nervous system, which makes you feel invigorated afterward.
HOW TO DRY BRUSH DAILY
I recommend to use a natural stiff-bristled brush, preferably with a long handle, as it is easier to reach those hard-to-reach places, like your back.
Always start at your feet and brush upward toward the heart. Use firm, small strokes upward, or work in a circular motion. Continue upward onto your back. Similarly, when you start on your arms, begin at the hands and work upward. As for your stomach, I recommend circular motions, work in a clockwise direction. It can be sensitive on the abdomen, breasts and neck, so lighten up pressure as needed. Then finish with neck and décolleté. Be extra gentle, as it is more delicate skin. Here you are deviating from the bottom-up technique, as you are above heart level. Start at the jawline and move down toward your chest. Finish by going over your heart in a circular motion to end your routine.
A few overlapping swipes per area are enough. If you go over one area for too long, you may cause irritation or bleeding. Do this once daily and shower immediately afterward.
As you will be lifting up dead skin cells, consider standing in the shower itself. As, it is energizing, make this part of your morning routine.
After the shower, hydration is key. As you skin will absorb product more readily, use healthy, high-quality ingredients. Do it while your skin is damp, as oil or cream will seal in water from your shower.
WHAT IF I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?
Finally, never brush over skin which has infection, redness or general irritation, inflammation, cuts, scrapes, lesions, sores or burned. Stop dry brushing if skin becomes irritated or inflamed.
