04 JUN 2019: Quick! What is the largest organ of the body? Most people guess the brain, but that’s actually incorrect. The largest organ of your body is your skin. This complex organ is our first line of defence against the outside world, and with many responsibilities, it’s so much more than just an envelope for our insides. However, it’s often overlooked in our health care regimes.
When we think of skin care, luxurious foaming face washes, moisturizing creams, and Jennifer Aniston come to mind. But don’t forget that the benefits of exfoliating and moisturizing are not limited to your face, they also apply to the rest of your body.
Your skin cells have a life cycle of 28 days. So every four weeks, the old cells on the outer layer are pushed out to be replaced by new ones coming up from underneath. If the dead skin cells aren’t cleared away, your first line of defence can become compromised, not to mention dull and dry in appearance.
An ancient skin care technique called dry brushing has been around for centuries. Radiant and healthy looking skin are just the beginning of the long list of benefits. Dry brushing has many far reaching benefits including:
- improved circulation
- reduced appearance of cellulite
- invigorated energy levels
- supported detoxification
- lowered stress.
All you need is a brush and a couple of minutes. It’s that easy.
Dry brushing is a practice that has been traced back to nearly all historical civilizations. A firm bristled brush is grazed over your skin in a series of small circular motions that starts from the extremities, (hands and feet) sweeping inward towards your heart. The stiffness of the brush stimulates your skin and draws circulation to the surface. This brings nutrients, carries away waste and facilitates lymph drainage. Lymph nodes are the part of your immune system where waste is collected to be removed from the body (picture your swollen tonsils when you’re sick). Supporting this system is excellent for overall health and bodily function.
It’s energizing, health promotive and beautifying, it’s no wonder dry brushing has stood the test of time.
Most beauty boutiques or department stores carry these body brushes with firm bristles. Keep an eye out for natural materials such as boar or cactus bristles. Start slowly until your skin becomes accustomed to the firm brush as you don’t want to irritate your skin. It’s invigorating sensations make dry brushing a fantastic part of any morning routine. It’s best before a shower so you can rinse off and moisturize afterwards with a natural oil such as coconut oil. While all areas of the skin will receive the detoxification benefits, it’s helpful to concentrate your efforts around areas of clustered lymph nodes, these incude behind your knees, inner thighs and armpits. Of course, you always want to avoid areas of broken or irritated skin. You should also avoid highly sensitive areas like your nipples as well as your face.
As the weather gets warmer (albeit ever so slowly…) we peel away the excess layers and more skin becomes exposed. Showing it off in the summer months serves as a reminder of the neglect that happens when it’s hidden away during the winter season. Take a few minutes and make a mindful practise of dry brushing to change the look and feel of your skin as well as your overall health. Whether you’re getting ready to strut your stuff on the beach or simply looking for a Monday morning boost, maybe you’ll consider giving this age old practise a shot. Your body will thank you!