Dry brushing and cellulite are two topics that are almost inseparable. Why? It is common knowledge that dry brushing can address cellulite problems for a relatively low cost. For this reason, many women are using this technique to keep those dimples from appearing on their thighs, butt, and legs.
In this post, we will talk about what connects dry brushing and cellulite by discussing what it is, its benefits, proper execution, side effects, and our final thoughts about it.
What Is Dry Brushing?
Known as Garshana in Ayurvedic medicine, dry brushing is the act of massaging dry skin to improve your skin’s health. This technique requires little effort and tools to achieve a smoother and better skin. Thus, this is a favorite of those who are DIY skin treatment enthusiasts.
This exfoliation technique requires the usage of soft-bristled, palm-sized brush to remove dead skin cells. In addition to that, it promotes better blood flow and lymphatic. This method started in India more than 5000 years ago and is still being used today as part of a daily beauty regimen. This is highly recommended as it can keep your skin youthful and glowing.
Dry brushing aficionados proclaim that doing this up to four times a week can make your skin smoother and tauter. This results in less appearance of cellulite. Why is this so? The reason is improvement in lymphatic flow, massaging of adipose tissue and fibrous bands, and better blood flow within skin and soft tissue.
The best time to dry brush is before a warm bath or shower. After which, finish off by generously applying moisturizing lotion, cream, or oil.
Can you see now how dry brushing and cellulite are interconnected?
What Are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing helps exfoliate and remove the topmost part of the skin by weakening the lipids that make them stick together. This causes the removal of dead and dull skin to show healthy and brand new skin. Apart from new, healthy skin, you also get a smoother and softer skin.
We have mentioned over and over in this post that dry brushing results in less cellulite appearance. This is one of the many notable benefits of dry brushing, however fleeting this result is. You see, this is just a domino effect.
Since dry brushing causes increased circulation, your capillaries expand which causes more blood to flow in that area. This is called vasodilation. All this results in a momentary swelling of the skin, which makes cellulite less noticeable.
Dry brushing does not only make cellulite less prominent, it also keeps it from showing. Based on Ayurveda, cellulite is just stubborn fat deposits. It is extremely sticky and heavy, so it is naturally difficult to get rid of. The longer it stays in your system, the harder it can be to remove it.
But with this Ayurvedic technique, cellulite vanishes as fat deposits are disintegrated. As this happens, new cellulite is kept from forming as more blood flows to those problem areas. As time goes by, you will see significant changes if you do it religiously.
Dry brushing can also affect you emotionally. The brushing triggers the lymphatic system to quickly flush the toxins from the body. This experience induces a different kind of calm and peace. This brings about stress-relief and relaxation. Now, who would have thought that dry brushing and cellulite removal can do so much for you?
How Is Dry Brushing Done?
When you do it right, you will see changes in your skin. More importantly, it can reduce cellulite even for just a while. The whole process is easy to follow and understand, so just read on so you can master the proper way of dry brushing. Below are the steps:
One – Pick the right brush
We recommend that you use a brush with natural bristles. There are also those that are made with goat hair, sisal, boar bristles, and more. The choice is up to you as long as you have self-control in sloughing off dead skin.
It would also greatly help if you pick one that has a handle that is easy to grip. Or if you want, you can go for those which look like paddles. They fit snugly in your hand.
Better yet, you can check out dry brushes with long handles that are ergonomic. They are good for your hands, plus they can get to the hard to reach areas.
Two – Use upward and circular strokes
Start rubbing in circular, upward strokes from the feet going upwards approaching your heart. This way, you are correctly massaging your lymphatic system. Apply a bit firm pressure. Just make sure that you avoid any part of your skin that has wounds, scratches, sores, or any inflammation.
Go easy on your neck and best to avoid your face. You can be a bit rough on your elbows, knees, ankles, and on the top of your feet.
It is best if you do this prior to a warm bath. Ensure that your skin is dry before you get started. As mentioned earlier, liberally lather on moisturizer while your skin is a bit wet to complete your ritual.
Three – Do this three times per week
It feels so fresh and refreshing when you try dry brushing the first time. You might even feel like doing it every day. However, this is not recommended. Those who have sensitive skin should stick to two times a week schedule. The same thing applies for those who are prone to eczema.
Our trick for those who have really sensitive skin, is to do this once every few weeks. If you think that your skin can already tolerate it, you can amp it up to once per week. Slowly move up to two times per week if you really think that your skin can already handle it.
Those who have tolerant skin can go for up to three times per week. Remember not to be too forceful when dry brushing or your skin might get irritated. Be extra gentle on areas where there is thin skin like on the neck.
After dry brushing, make sure that you rinse off by showering. This will get rid of all the dead skin cells that are still clinging onto your body. Don’t forget to put on some sunscreen if you are going out. Why? Dry brushing makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Take care of your brush, too. Wash it with baby shampoo two times a month or more to remove all that dead skin residue.
More importantly, discuss this plan with your dermatologist most especially if you are suffering from a skin problem or if you experience any of the following dry brushing side effects.
Does Dry Brushing Have Any Side Effects?
Unfortunately, dry brushing and cellulite removal have side effects. Remember what we said earlier about being too forceful?
This will cause abrasions and can even make your skin sensitive. Moreover, it can result in excessive redness and continuous peeling. This is commonly seen in those who already have skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and persistent dry skin. Scary, right?
The key here is to be careful. Make sure that you are not doing it too much or with too much force. Another thing worth noting is that cellulite will eventually come back once you stop this ritual.
As your blood flow slows down, the plumping effect also wears off. As the effect is temporary, it means that you will have to keep doing this for as long as you can or the cellulite will appear once more.
Summary
Dry brushing and cellulite removal are synonymous. However, there are many important things that you need to remember well.
First is that you need to pick a brush that you will be most comfortable with. It needs to fit your hand well so you can grip it easily. Second, do upward and circular motion, but keep the pressure to a minimum. Do not brush rigorously or this will result with an irritated skin that might cause more damage.
Lastly, the frequency of dry brushing depends on your skin’s tolerance. Those with super sensitive skin need to do this once every couple of weeks until you build up some kind of tolerance. Those whose skin can handle the process can do it up to three times per week. But we do not recommend this ritual for those who are suffering from serious skin conditions.
We can honestly tell you that dry brushing and cellulite removal through this method has side effects. One of which is an irritation WHEN NOT DONE CORRECTLY. But if you do it the right way, you will not have any problems.
Another thing you need to know is that the effect is not long-lasting. If you stop dry brushing, the cellulite will be visible again.
But if you want results that last for a long time, we suggest Joey Atlas exercises. Want to know their secret? Check out our review to know more about these exercises. Not fond of sweating it all out? Take your chance with Cellinea Pills.
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