Spa Notes: Dry brushing for beautiful skin

Merben Sisal Body Brush (also available without handle)

It takes only minutes a day, but its results are long lasting.

Dry brushing the skin improves the circulation, and stimulates the lymphatic system to more effectively remove toxins. Over time, this can improve the immune response and help us keep healthy. Dry brushing also delays skin aging. As we age, our bodies become less effective in shedding outer layers of dead skin cells. This build-up of dead skin can result in a thick, dry and somewhat leathery look, particularly on the back of the arms. The act of brushing removes older, keratinized skin cells, and encourages the skin's basal layer to produce more fresh, new cells. In this sense, dry brushing is rejuvenating. In addition to exfoliating this outer layer, dry skin brushing also stimulates the sweat and oil glands, helping to keep the skin more moist. It also helps keep young skin fresh, vibrant and free of breakouts. Some women say that regular, daily brushing can help control cellulite.

As well as exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, dry skin brushing also stimulates the sweat and oil glands, more effectively removing toxins and allowing the skin to better retain needed moisture. It can also help keep young skin fresh, vibrant and free of breakouts.

When dry brushing your skin, it is important to use the right brush. A back-scrubbing bath and shower brush is not as effective as a natural fibre brush designed especially for dry brushing.

Most people choose to dry brush right before their shower or bath. When beginning to dry brush, you should leave a couple of days in between brushings. You can then work up to three or four times weekly, or even every day if you choose.

How to dry brush effectively

1. Beginning with your feet, moving in gentle circular motions, moving towards the heart. Some people prefer to brush in longer, more sweeping strokes towards the heart, so experiment to see what feels best to you. You might prefer to do long, sweeping strokes on the arms and legs, and smaller circular motions everywhere else. Begin with the soles of the feet, and then the insteps.

2. Brush each leg, one at a time, first the back of the leg, then over the derrière. Move the brush to the front of the leg and repeat, up to your groin. If you have very delicate skin on the inner thighs, use a lighter touch and fewer brushings.

3. Now, you'll dry brush the hands and arms, again one at a time, starting with the palms and back of the hands and moving up both sides of the wrist, forearm, and upper arm. Pay particular attention to the back of the upper arms, which often have rough, dry skin that requires more attention.

4. Next, dry brush your back, from the shoulders down to the waist, one side at a time. Now move to the front of the trunk and, beginning at the groin, gently work upwards to the neck, being very careful of the nipples.

5. Shower or bath as usual.

Tips for better brushing

■ Avoid sensitive areas like the face and neck. Most dry brushes are too rough for fine, sensitive skin.

■ Use a brush designed for the purpose of dry brushing the bikini line to help prevent ingrown hairs. Spa Utopia carries the Merben Bikini Brush—with soft jute bristles that won't cause irritation.

Merben Bikini Brush

■ Dry brushing in the shower, with the water turned off, is a good idea to prevent skin cells from landing all over your bathroom! When you're finished, simply shower off.

■ Brush for a total of 3 - 5 minutes.

And for a change of pace...

Don't forget our wonderful Spa Utopia Body Scrub & Polish! This gentle body exfoliator will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and touchable. (So get working on your skin today to be super soft for Valentine's Day!)

The natural pumice in this formula gently sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal fresh new skin underneath, while Moor Mud hydrates and detoxifies, leaving you fresh and moisturized. Hemp Seed Oil in the formulation further protects your skin from dryness, leaving it silky and comfortable.