Dry skin brushing for cellulite

It is believed that 80% of adult women suffer from cellulite, but this problem is not limited to women only and it affects men as well, although at a much smaller extent. Cellulite is basically stretched fatty cells caused by accumulation of toxins in the body. In order to eliminate cellulite, one must make significant changes in lifestyle and diet and try to break the deposits beneath the skin.

Many women have entire arsenals of home remedies for cellulite, and studies, as well as personal experience of many cellulite sufferers, have shown that dry brushing should definitely be one of them.

Dry Brushing Against Cellulite

Dry brushing is a simple technique that uses brushes of different shapes and sizes, usually made of natural materials. These brushes are used in circular motion for 10-15 minutes each day. The effect of dry brushing on cellulite is based on a simple principle.

The most obvious effect of dry skin brushing is elimination of dead skin cells. This leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. Repeated motions of the brush against the skin improve the circulation of blood to and from the skin, bringing in the oxygen and important nutrients and carrying away toxins that are the main cause of cellulite. Brushing increases the metabolism and thus increases the process of skin detoxification.

The lymphatic system is vital in the process of toxin elimination. Dry brushing stimulates this system, making it work faster and better.

Why is it that some of the healthiest habits make us look and feel kind of ridiculous? (See: oil pulling, yoga, turmeric masks.) Dry brushing is no exception, but just like sloshing oil in our mouths, hanging out in downward dog, and slathering our faces with neon-yellow paste, it’s totally worth it. Need a few reasons why? Here are some of them:

Dry brushing gets your lymphatic system moving, which helps your body eliminate toxins lingering inside.
No surprise, much like massage therapy, skin brushing can get the blood flowing.
Dry skin brushing can help to soften fat deposits below the skin, which can minimize the appearance of cellulite when coupled with other lifestyle changes and home remedies.
A dry-brush routine is also great for skin exfoliation, as you’ll be sloughing off dead skin and unclogging pores from top to bottom.
Dry brushing helps stimulate the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.
Stimulating the nervous system also stimulates muscle fibers, which builds muscle tone that helps counteract sagging skin.
Dry brushing can be a soothing, stress-relieving ritual that eases tension in the body.

✓ Fact confirmed: 7 Benefits of Dry Brushing + How to Get Started Stephanie Gerber (medically reviewed by: Dr. Jennifer Haley M.D., FAAD; November 6, 2020

How to Dry Brush the Skin

Dry brushing does not require any equipment other than one or more brushes, preferably made of natural hair. Synthetic hair can be too harsh and irritating for the skin. It is recommended to have one medium-sized brush and one with a long handle that allows access to all parts of the body.

It is recommended to dry brush the skin after showering. The skin should be clean and dry. It is important to start from the bottom, brushing from the feet to the top of the legs in long, sweeping motion. Hands come next, working the way up towards the shoulders. Finally the torso is brushed, again from the bottom to the top of the chest.

The strokes should move towards the heart, because it stimulates the detoxification. Areas of broken or damaged skin and rashes should be avoided until they heal.

Dry brushing results in smooth, firm and elastic skin and it has an invigorating and energizing effect. This technique should be a part of the daily grooming routine and for the best results it is recommended to use it along with a diet low in fats, sugars and processed foods and with proper exercise.