Skin panacea: why dry brush massage?

If you’re a groomer, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of brushing. For those who are not familiar with this technique, we explain: it is a daily body massage with a dry brush with stiff bristles. It is said to help flaky skin, improve circulation, remove toxins, improve digestion and even reduce cellulite. About the subtleties of dry massage in one of her videos, beauty blogger Victoria Kuzmina told about it and shared her personal experience.

What are the benefits of dry massage?

Support of the lymphatic system. It is an important part of immunity and consists of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of the lymphatic vessels are located close to the surface of the skin. Proponents of dry massage claim that regular treatments help stimulate lymph flow, so the body is better able to eliminate toxins naturally.

Exfoliation. Even after the first treatment, you’ll notice your skin feeling softer, smoother and more pleasant to the touch. The brush removes dead cells, naturally exfoliating the epidermis.

Pore cleansing. An additional benefit will be the cleansing of pores from grease and dirt. For the face, you should use a soft dry brush of a smaller size. Stiff bristles meant for other parts of the body can only do harm.

Many girls who are thinking about dry massage, worry about the question: is it possible to get rid of cellulite with this method? In fact, there is no evidence or research confirming that the procedure contributes to the disappearance of cellulite. However, it has a positive effect on blood circulation, which, in turn, can help in the fight against orange peel.

What is the right way to give a massage?

Find your brush

It’s worth choosing stiff bristles, but not too abrasive. Many people like the texture of boar or pig bristle brushes. But if you’re vegan, you should consider synthetic materials.

There are options with a long handle or no handle at all. In addition, you can find brushes with ionic copper fibers, which are believed to help remove even more toxins from the body.

Victoria: When choosing a brush, the appearance of the brush says a lot. Never buy a brush that smells [bad] or has glue drips on it. Long-handled brushes are more effective than brushes without handles, because you have to work with your back for a full massage. It’s easier to reach it that way.

Choose the time for the treatment

It’s best to massage before showering, as you’ll be scrubbing off dead skin cells that are worth rinsing off immediately afterward. In addition, many people claim that a dry massage and a nice shower gives you energy. So if you have time, brushing can be made part of your morning routine.

Victoria: Massage should only be on dry skin! A lot of people like to talk about how great and beneficial it is to combine it with scrubs and other oils, but don’t do that. You will traumatize your skin that way.

Pick the right movements

Stroking should be gentle – do not irritate the epidermis. The most correct will be long smooth movements. Work each area of the body no more than ten times. On curves (e.g. under the knees or on the elbows) or small areas, switch to shorter and faster strokes.

Victoria: You can alternate between long smooth and circular movements, the main thing is to keep an eye on which way you are directing the lymph flow.

Start at the feet and work your way up

The point of a dry massage is to bring the lymph up to the upper torso and chest, where the lymphatic fluid will re-enter the bloodstream. Start at the top of the foot, then move on to the shin, knee and thigh. As you work on the back of the thigh, consider the buttock as an extension of the thigh and “extend” the movement upward to the lower back.

Work the upper body

Here you should start with the hands and gradually move towards the heart. Massage the back of the hands, work the forearm, and then the shoulders themselves. Do not forget to pay attention to the armpits, since it is there that many lymph nodes are located.

Finish on the neck and décolletage area

Be careful, as these areas have very delicate skin. Also, this is where you deviate from the bottom-up technique, as you are above the level of the heart. Start at the chin line and move down to the chest. Finally, make a few circular movements over your heart.

Take a shower

This will help cleanse your body of dead skin cells that have separated during the massage. Do not use scrubs or loofahs after the treatment.

What are some things to keep in mind during a dry massage?

Do not massage the body too hard! The movements should be soft and smooth. The skin may become slightly pink, but there should be no redness or burning.

Replace your brush every 6-12 months as the bristles will wear out over time. Also, don’t forget to wash it to remove dead epidermis particles. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions, you should refrain from brushing, as it will only aggravate the situation.