How is your skin looking and feeling lately? Mine has been on the dry side because of the weather shift so I am paying a little extra attention to it. It is my largest and most accessible organ after all! Oh here's a few more tidbits about skin...
-Your body is constantly detoxing and eliminating waste- 1/4 of that process is done by your skin excreting about 1lb of acidity through your pores every day.
-You shed about 50,000 skin cells every minute!
-Your skin is the last to receive nutrients but the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency.
-Cellulite is mostly trapped fat toxins and fibrous tissue that were unable to be eliminated and cause your skin to dimple.
So basically when you smell bad, get pimples, or have random skin issues you can count on the fact that it has to do with your detoxification process. With all the elimination going on it's easy to see why pores get clogged all the time. Dull, clammy, funky, flaky skin isn't just a cosmetic issue it's an overall health concern! Your skin has a big job, why not give it a hand or two.
Dry brushing is a painless, inexpensive way to remove dead skin layers and encourage cell renewal. Who doesn't want fresh, soft, vibrant, buoyant, clean skin (girl OR guy)? When I meet someone I notice their skin immediately and it tells me a lot about their emotional/physical wellbeing. Using a dry brush every day, or even 3 times a week, is a sure way to have healthy, beautiful skin. If the largest organ in your body is healthy, your other organs are probably doing pretty good too. Dry brushing improves circulation, rejuvenates the nervous system, supports lymph flow, improves immune function, tones muscles, aids digestion and definitely tightens skin.
Using a dry brush on dry skin might sound uncomfortable but on the contrary, it is refreshing and invigorating! I usually spend about 5 minutes before my shower (while I'm waiting for the water to heat up) to brush my whole body in brisk, circular motions towards my heart. Its best to start with the extremities (furthest from your heart) then work towards the center of body. I give extra strokes and attention to areas that easily collect buildup like under the arms, beneath the jaw, around my rib cage, my back, between the shoulder blades, buttocks(!), and the back of my thighs. I feel like it reduces my need for moisturizer as well because it naturally stimulates the hormone and oil glands. A good dry brush should be all natural fiber with a long handle and only about $10. Don't share your dry brush, but do wash it with soap and water every so often. It will be a very good friend to you and it will help you be a better friend to your body.