Can Dry Brushing Help You Lose Weight?

There is a lot of talk about the different benefits of dry brushing / body brushing, ranging from improving your immune system to great looking skin. All of us at some point want to lose the odd pound here or there, so as well as diet and exercise, is there anything else you can do to help? We ask the question - Can dry brushing help you lose weight?

#NewYearNewYou #Loseweight #Drybrushing

Benefits of Dry Brushing

A wide range of benefits can be achieved from regular dry brushing. To achieve these benefits you should include dry brushing in your beauty regime at least 3 to 4 times per week. Some are directly visible such as clearer and smoother skin and others are more subtle such as reduced stress or even longer lasting self tan.

You can read more about the benefits of dry brushing in The Real Benefits of Dry Brushing.

Benefits Specific to Weight Loss?

The question we want to answer is: of the many benefits of regular dry brushing, can any of them specifically help weight loss? There are three key benefits that can be seen to aid you in your pursuit of losing weight:

Increased Circulation

By brushing with the proper techniques you will help blood circulate better around your body. This increased blood flow helps to tone your muscles, distributes the fat deposits better under the skin and can help remove waste products from the body. With increased circulation you will likely feel more invigorated and alert than you did previously.

Reduced Cellulite

Cellulite is a fat build up beneath the skin that causes the skin to wrinkle and dimple. It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin. Cellulite and dry brushing is a disputed issue. Whilst there are arguments over the scientific proof of cellulite management through dry brushing, there are countless anecdotal accounts of dry brushing improving cellulite. By dry brushing the affected areas daily, the brushing can help soften and redistribute the fat below the skin and encourage healthy cell growth.

Improved Digestion & Organ Function

Some experts believe that the benefits of dry brushing go far further than just the surface of the skin. By massaging lymph nodes you can help remove excess water and toxins from the body which helps reduce bloating. Improving the effectiveness of your lymphatic system takes some of the strain away from your kidneys and liver, which consequently aids in overall digestion and organ function.

Redistributing fat and improving your body’s capability to flush out toxins and remove excess water, can only benefit when trying to lose weight.

These three benefits taken together, whilst possibly not reducing your weight directly, can be seen to aid your weight loss journey.

And Don’t Forget Your Skin...

If you are successfully losing weight then don’t forget you need to look after your skin. The last thing you want is saggy excess skin or stretch marks and that’s where a dry brushing regime can really pay off. By brushing away the build up of dead skin cells and dirt blocking pores, the skin is able to breathe and oxygenate itself. The act of regular body brushing helps to stimulate the growth of new cells and maintain the skins elasticity. You will soon notice a visible difference of smooth and healthy looking skin. By keeping your pores clear and stimulating your glands through brushing, the skin is kept moisturised and toxins are helped out of the body, all of which leads to vibrant and healthy glowing skin. Exactly what you need as you successfully shed the pounds.

Techniques and Brushes

For a full guide on the best techniques to use take a look at the article:

Dry Brushing Tips Tricks and Techniques

It will give you all the guidance you need on how to start dry brushing.

As for a dry brush, if you don’t already own one then we recommend Snoozing Beauty’s Premium Dry Body Brush Set that will give you everything you need to start your dry brushing regime.

In Conclusion...

Whilst dry brushing on its own wont help you directly lose weight, the added benefits a dry brushing regime brings when you are trying to lose weight through dieting and exercise is definitely worth the small time investment. Give yourself the edge and a little extra help, by starting your dry brushing regime today.

Dry Brushing Tips Tricks and Techniques

If you have recently bought a Dry Brush then you probably can’t wait to try it out. But if you want to get the most out of your new beauty accessory then you need to follow some simple techniques in order to make that happen. By including these short steps into your daily routine you will get skin that looks and feels fabulous, along with the added health benefits that skin brushing can bring.

Photo by Angelo Pantazis

HOW TO DRY BRUSH

BEFORE YOU START - Ensure your body brush is clean and free from any loose bristles (common when the brush is new). It is recommended to brush first thing in the morning before showering or bathing.

BODY BRUSHING

1. Start at your feet, use swift upward strokes to brush up the legs, always working towards your heart.

2. When you have completed the lower body move on to the upper body. Starting with the hands brush using swift upward strokes up the arms, again always brushing towards the heart.

3. To brush your back use the long handle extension as needed. Brush upwards towards the heart from the lower back and brush downwards on the upper back. Again always brushing towards your heart.

4. Lastly move on to your front. Begin with your abdomen and brush in a downwards direction following the movement of your colon. Finally brush your chest and neck in the direction of the heart.

5. You should brush for about 3 to 5 minutes until your skin is rosy and slightly tingly from the brushing.

6. Always shower after you dry brush to wash away the dead skin.

7. Avoid brushing broken or sensitive skin and take care to brush lightly over any cellulite areas.

FACIAL BRUSHING

1. Décolleté (lower neck): brush towards your lymph area from shoulders and breast area inwards.

2. Neck: brush upwards the middle and sides (towards the chin and ears). Brush lightly under your chin in short strokes.

3. Chin: make inverted U strokes on your chin.

4. Cheeks: make expanding circular motions up and outwards from the centre point of your cheek. Then make decreasing circular motions back to where you started.

7. Eyes: using a light circular brushing motion, gently brush around the eyes rotating slowly and expanding up to eyebrow level.

8. Forehead: starting at the bridge of the nose using outwards strokes, brush left above the eyebrow climbing up to the hairline and then again from the start this time brushing right.

9. Rinse your face with fresh water when you are finished. Ideally in the shower. After showering apply moisturiser or serum to hydrate and nourish your skin.

Your whole brushing routine (body and face) should take you about 5 to 6 minutes.

TIPS & TECHNIQUES

We have covered the basics of brushing techniques above. The following tips will help you get the best experience when using your dry brushes.

· When dry brushing you should always try to make fluid single movement strokes towards the heart.

· The pressure you use when dry brushing should always remain at what you feel comfortable with for your skin.

· You can alternate between the different strength brushes as you wish and use different pressure or different strength bristles on different areas of the body to get the best body brushing experience.

· When dry brushing, starting at your extremities (hands or feet) and working towards the body helps to push toxins towards the lymph glands, this will maximise the health benefit of your brushing session.

· It is advisable to shower or bathe at the end of your dry brushing session in order to wash away any dead skin cells and deep cleanse your now open pores giving you fantastic looking skin.

· To end your dry brushing routine, after showering or bathing make sure you use your favourite moisturiser or essential oils to nourish your now fully cleansed skin. This routine will ensure you get smooth soft vibrant looking skin.

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Try the New Snoozing Beauty Dry Brushing Set for all your Dry Brushing Needs...

The Real Benefits of Dry Brushing

Many Beauty Forums talk about Dry Body Brushing and its many benefits, but you may have been asking the questions - What is it all about? How do I do it? And more importantly...What’s the point?

DRY BODY BRUSHING - WHAT IS IT?

‘Dry Skin Body Brushing’ or ‘dry brushing’ in simple terms is the practice of brushing the skin of the body with a dry brush. You can’t just use any old brush though. You need to use a ‘dry skin brush’ usually made with natural bristles and use certain techniques of brushing. This way you achieve the maximum health benefits and glowing skin as an added bonus. Synthetic Brushes are not recommended since they can be too harsh on the skin.

Dry brushing has originated from traditional Ayurvedic Medicine in India. It is known in Ayurvedic Medicine as Garshana (pronounced garshan). Garshana is ayurvedic lymphatic massage that helps remove digestive toxins. In Sanskrit the word ‘Garshana’ translates as “friction by rubbing”.

The practice of brushing the skin with a dry brush, whilst stimulating the body’s lymphatic system means you not only exfoliate your skin and make it look great but you allow your body to release toxins via your lymphatic system and stimulate blood circulation.

THE BENEFITS OF DRY BODY BRUSHING

A wide range of benefits can be achieved from regular dry brushing. To achieve these benefits you should include dry brushing in your beauty regime at least 3 to 4 times per week. Some are directly visible such as clearer and smoother skin and others are more subtle such as reduced stress or even longer lasting self tan. Here are some of the benefits of a regular Dry Skin Brushing regime:

EXFOLIATION & SKIN APPEARANCE

A key benefit to Dry Brushing is to exfoliate the skin. By brushing away the build up of dead skin cells and dirt blocking pores, the skin is able to breathe and oxygenate itself. The act of regular brushing helps to stimulate the growth of new cells and you will soon notice a visible difference of smooth and healthy looking skin. By keeping your pores clear and stimulating your glands through brushing, the skin is kept moisturised and toxins are helped out of the body, all of which leads to vibrant and healthy glowing skin.

INCREASED CIRCULATION

By brushing with the proper techniques you will help blood circulate better around your body. This increased blood flow helps to tone your muscles, distributes the fat deposits better under the skin and can help remove waste products from the body. With increased circulation you will likely feel more invigorated and alert than you did previously.

IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH

Dry Brushing stimulates the lymphatic system and helps move lymph fluid around the body, which in turn helps release toxins and keeps you healthy. Since our Lymph system doesn’t have a pumping mechanism like the heart, it relies on our muscle movement to work. Next to exercise, dry brushing is one of the easiest ways to help move lymph fluid. The Lymphatic system is key to the elimination of the body’s toxins and supports your immune system by producing white blood cells.

You have lymph nodes throughout your body but a high concentration of nodes are under your armpits and your inner thighs. Pay particular attention to these areas whilst dry brushing.

STRESS RELIEF

Dry brushing can be extremely beneficial to reducing stress. The regular routine of methodically brushing your skin can aid with mental relaxation as well as relieving muscle tension. Whilst the act of brushing itself can be therapeutic and calming, by improving your skin through dry brushing you will feel healthier and look better, both of which lead to your improved well-being.

REDUCED CELLULITE

Cellulite is a fat build up beneath the skin that causes the skin to wrinkle and dimple. It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin. Cellulite and dry brushing is a disputed issue. Whilst there are arguments over the scientific proof of cellulite management through dry brushing, there are countless anecdotal accounts of dry brushing improving cellulite. By dry brushing the affected areas daily, the brushing can help soften and redistribute the fat below the skin and encourage healthy cell growth.

IMPROVED DIGESTION & ORGAN FUNCTION

Some experts believe that the benefits of dry brushing go far further than just the surface of the skin. By massaging lymph nodes you can help remove excess water and toxins from the body which helps reduce bloating. Improving the effectiveness of your lymphatic system takes some of the strain away from your kidneys and liver so can aid in overall digestion and organ function.

ADDED BENEFITS

If you use Self / Fake tan then make sure you dry brush before applying it. Removing the layer of dead skin cells from your body before applying will make your Self tan last much longer.

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Try the New Snoozing Beauty Dry Brushing Set for all your Dry Brushing Needs...