Dry brushing for the skin against cellulite (a before and after for the skin)

Dry skin brushing is a very popular treatment in European spas which, however, can be easily done at home.

It is a type of massage that does not need oil, but rather a horsehair brush or glove, which is beneficial for the skin, circulation and the lymphatic system.

Is a preventive but also therapeutic practice of naturopathic medicine that stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is considered a hardening or strengthening cure.

If done correctly, dry brushing produces many benefits:

Clean the organism. It exerts a stimulating action on the lymphatic system similar to that of lymphatic drainage, since it helps to eliminate toxins from the body and optimize the immune system.Prevents cellulite and varicose veins. It activates circulation and helps detoxify, so it is also very effective in preventing and improving cellulite and avoiding the appearance of varicose veins.Exfoliates the skin. It frees the skin of dead cells and particles of soap, creams or other substances retained in the epidermis, so that the skin breathes and can be renewed.Relax and tone. dry brushing promotes relaxation and good morning, it is invigorating.

Dry brushing for skin: how to do it

Dry brushing is a technique already used centuries ago by different cultures, among which those of the Russian, Turkish and Scandinavian peoples stand out.

It consists of a massage or rubbing carried out with a certain intensity over the entire surface of the body with a brush following a certain route.

The main goal from brushing is to warm and improve the irrigation of the skin. The objective is achieved when intense redness appears as a sign of increased irrigation and a pleasant sensation of heat is perceived.

To get it the brush is moved over the skin with moderate and firm pressure, without lifting it until finished the route of an area or extremity, to then start over in the next area.

brushing in general It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes.If you don’t have a brush, it can also be used a horsehair mitt or a loofah or loofah also smooth. It is important that they are of good quality and that they do not irritate the skin.The movements should be circular and in the direction of the heart: downward when brushing the shoulders or upper back and upward on the arms and legs.It is recommended to start with the palms of the hands and continue with the arms. Then continue through the soles of the feet and continue upwards to the chest and back. rub with the right intensity according to each skin type and be careful with the delicate area of ​​the bust or even avoid it.In areas where cellulite existson the contrary, brushing can be more vigorous and frequent. If you want to improve cellulite or activate circulation, brushing should be daily for three weeksalternating a week off for the skin to replenish itself. But in general once or twice a week is enough.

How to choose the best skin brush

To perform a brushing you only need a body brush, a suitable glove or mitt.

hardness of the brush or glove can be chosen according to the resistance and sensitivity of the skin. it suits renew them when the bristles or fiber lose the tone or strong enough to cause a skin reaction.

The brush should be natural bristles (hemp, pita…). these must be something flexible and about 2 cm long As minimum. It can be found in health food stores or pharmacies. A glove or mitt also works if rough and natural fiber (mane, for example).

To access the back can be used a brush with handle (some can be put on and taken off) or a tape or wide massage band

If they are used wet it is convenient let them dry preferably in the sun or at least air themto avoid that over time they are a potential culture of fungi.

How to perform the brush massage?

The direction of the massage should always be towards the heart, starting from the most distal points to it. That is to say:

It begins with the toes up to the groin in front, and the buttocks and hips behind. It is passed to the hands and the friction is directed to the shoulders. The belly is brushed circularly, in a clockwise direction .In the back, it is done from the spine outwards: first in the sacrum and a hand is raised in each friction until ending in the cervicals. Thorax and neck are also brushed.

Can be repeated 3 to 6 times followed. The frequency must be rhythmic and the intensity can increase in the succeeding days. It’s recommended alternate three weeks of brushing and one of rest.

At first the sensation may seem unpleasant but after a few sessions the body gets used to it and the massage is pleasant and comforting. If not, you will have to find a more suitable brush or glove.

Brushing should be finished by rubbing with a damp towel in cold water (following the same route) or with a brief cold shower. For this reason, the ideal moment for the massage is when you get up, before personal hygiene.

Apply one moisturizing cream or oil after brushing and showering helps enhance the effect.

To make it faster and easier, some people practice brushing while showering. It is still a good preventive practice, but the effect is less than if it is done dry.

Next, if time allows, the ideal is rest ten minutes naked and well covered in bed, until the pleasant “itching” of the skin and its reddish coloration disappear. If it is not possible to rest, it is necessary to dry and dress immediately.

A precondition is that the ambient and body temperature is comfortable. In summer there are those who prefer to practice it with the window open.

Dry Brushing for Skin: Before and After

Dry brushing produces major changes in the skin. There is a before and after:

Less acne and cellulite. circulatory improvement on the skin, in addition to decongesting internal organs and balancing body temperature, makes the skin be better nourished and be less vulnerable to skin conditions such as acne or inflammations like cellulitis.Firmer and smoother skin. Removal of dead cells of the skin together with the greater influx of nutrients from the blood capillaries, it makes the skin better hydrated, firmer, smoother and more luminous. Relaxed face. Finally, stimulate the multiple nerve endings in the subcutaneous tissue exerts a general toning effect which curiously is accompanied by a feeling of relaxation and tranquility after the application.

Dry brushing: other therapeutic benefits

Brushing on the skin, combined with the subsequent application of cold water, It is a powerful circulatory stimulus, both for blood and lymph, which favors purification and elimination of toxic substances and fats.The alternation of the heat of the massage with the cold of the water is a true vascular gymnastics: increases the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizes blood pressure, prevents circulatory problems such as varicose veins and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.Training at temperature contrastsadded to the immune strengthening due to the elimination of toxins and the best blood supply, prepare for seasonal variations and increase resistance to colds and flu. Although general application is the most common, dry brushing can be done in specific areas with therapeutic objectives. Internal organs can be influenced by brushing specific areas known as “Head areas” with therapeutic objectives. You can, for example, increase the secretion of gastric juices massaging the Head region of the stomach. Cellulite can be treated by directly dry brushing the affected area. Brush massage, applied with specific guidelinesit can also result beneficial for bedridden people.

Dry brushing: contraindications and precautions

You should not brush over important varicose veins, edema, areas affected by acne, eczema or other dermatitis or skin lesions such as cracks or cuts.

Neither in people with excessive skin sensitivity, as in the case of dermographism. This technique is not suitable for psoriasis either.