Smooth Beautiful Skin Using Just A Brush

Not only should you brush your teeth but you should also brush your body. Brush my body you might ask. Seriously! It's essential! Did you know that body brushing can help improve complexion and reduce cellulite? As you hear from time and time again our skin is our largest organ and our body produces a pound of waste throughout the day. That's really amazing! So doesn't it make sense to take good care of your skin?

Per examiner.com body brushing only takes about five minutes prior to showering or bathing and here are some factors on how it improves our skin:

• stimulates the sebaceous glands which encourages natural moisturizing of skin
• removes top layer of dead skin cells which results in softer and silkier skin
• improves circulation and increase blood and oxygen flow to the surface of the body
• activates the lymph system (very important in my opinion! =D)
• aids in detox of the body
• encourages new cell growth
• controls and prevents cellulite ("The Cellulite Solution" by Dr. Howard Murad)

I use a long natural bristle brush similar to the one pictured here. It's great for my back as it is hard to reach back there. They're not too expensive as you can find one at your local store or online for about 6 to 20 US dollars. Mine was like 6 bucks and it works great. You can use a luffa or a dry flannel. I don't wet or moisturize my body as this will not work as well. The brush gets too soft and you won't get the full benefit from brushing. The preferred way per several detox and health websites is to dry brush. Sometimes I do put my favorite handmade body soap and squirt some on the brush. Always remember to start out gently and work more vigorously as your body will adjust to it.

Follow these helpful tips to get the full benefit:

1. Start at your feet and work up your body. Brush both sides of your feet and up your legs.
2. Brush toward the heart and over the breast. Brush the stomach in gentle, circular strokes in a clockwise direction.  This follows the flow of your intestine.
3. Raise each arm in turn and brush from the hand to the armpit.
4. Brush from the buttocks up the back to the neck.

(from the Detox: the process of cleansing and restoration)

You'll notice a difference in your skin as I did with mine. I find my skin to be glowy, less dry, and soft.

Extra tip:

Take a hot shower as this is super relaxing and it dilates the blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and increases the blood flow to the skin and muscles. I love hot showers! The improved circulation helps remove waste products from the body and sends more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues to repair damage. Cold water is stimulating and wakes you right up like a natural energy drink!!! It tightens the blood vessels on the surface, restricts blood flow, and sending blood toward the internal organs, helping them function more efficiently. Tighter skin!!!  So basically take a quick cold shower after a warm shower or bath will do wonders for your circulation and skin.