Contributor: Ashley Neese
Photographer: Ashley Neese

Today we’re going deep into dry brushing and why it is one of my favorite beauty rituals. If there is one practice that you add to your routine dry brushing is what I recommend the most.

I learned about dry brushing years ago while on a detox retreat in Puerto Rico. We actually had a class on dry brushing and I’ve been doing it since! People often comment on the softness of my skin and I attribute much of that to this effective practice.

Do you know what our largest organ of detox is? It’s our skin and aside from protecting our insides it is designed to eliminate waste. Next time you go to lather yourself up with soap to get clean consider dry brushing first as it gets rid of more toxins and waste than soap. Pretty amazing right?

Benefits of dry brushing:

Improves complexion, helps the skin glow naturally, and gives skin a smooth texture.
Breaks down fatty deposits (cellulite). Our fatty tissue is what toxins bind to in the body. By breaking it down with brushing we support our body to detox.
Helps to activate the pores which release uric acid and other waste materials our bodies want to get rid of.
Releases emotions that are built up in our tissues.
Stimulates the nervous system which produces vitality.
Increases the ability of the skin to eliminate waste effectively and efficiently.
Activates the lymphatic system which is a major part of our immune system.
Triggers hormone and oil producing glands letting the skin to hang on to its natural oils.
Reduces the need for external use of cream or oil on the skin for hydration.

How to dry brush:

Use a dry, all natural fiber brush preferably one with a handle.
If your brush is too scratchy wash it with warm water and mild soap. Let it dry before using it.
Brush in the morning or evening before you shower.
Movements of the brush are always toward the heart. Use gentle, short strokes starting at the sole of the foot, then the top of the foot. Work your way up to your solar plexus, covering the front and backs of the legs and both sides of the lower torso.
Then start with the palm of the hand working your way toward the heart. Next from your face and neck toward the heart and from the back of your neck down toward the back of the heart. Finish with your head, using your fingers give yourself a head massage.
Be gentle with your face and softer body parts.
Clean your dry brush with soap and water after each use, I just clean mine in the shower to keep things simple.
If you live with others, each person should have their own ;)

Can you believe all the amazing benefits of this simple practice? If you start dry brushing allow 2-3 weeks to start seeing results. After a month or so you will be well on your way to supporting your skin and body in an easy and natural way. Dry brushing as close to daily as possible will yield the best results.