“As if you were on fire from within, the moon lives in the lining of your skin.” Pablo Neruda

Paying low attention to your skin can lead to an accumulation of toxins, a build-up of dead skin cells and a reduced ability to efficiently remove waste from your body. A collection of such waste and toxins can make you sick when your lymphatic system is not working properly. A large number of people focus mostly on their facial skin by exfoliating, moisturizing and cleansing. Typically, less consideration is given to the body. Yet the body accommodates most of the skin which is responsible for the removal of up to one third of the impurities discharged from our body. If the skin were not to excrete toxins from the body this would strain other organs and the body in general.

So what if we told you about a virtually cost-free beauty trick which requires just a few minutes of your time and helps your body inside and out? Dry brushing is the secret and can be traced back to ancient Japanese cleansing philosophies and is one of its oldest healing sciences. Dry brushing not only brushes off dead skin cells but also activates waste removal through your lymph nodes. As we age, our bodies become less effective in shedding outer layers of dead skin cells. As well as exfoliating this outer layer, dry skin brushing also stimulates the sweat and oil glands, providing more moisture for the skin. It also helps keep young skin fresh, vibrant and free of breakouts.

In a nutshell, here are some amazing benefits associated with dry skin brushing: (1) Stimulates the lymphatic system; (2) Exfoliates the skin; (3) Helps to prevent premature aging; (4) Reduces cellulite; (5) Provides stress relief; (6) Improves digestion and kidney function; (7) Provides a feeling of invigoration; (8) Increases muscle tone; (9) Increases circulation and (10) Improves skin texture.

Dry brushing is one simple step that you can add to your morning routine that can greatly improve the health of your skin. For this you will need a body brush or loofah pad. Body brushes or loofah pads can be found in drugstores or pharmacies and cost next to nothing, Alternatively, you can use a small cotton towel by holding each end with both hands and using a swift stroke movement on the skin. Make sure you start from your feet (or hands) and move towards your heart by following the lymph circulation with light pressure. Avoid areas which are wounded, sunburned or where you experience skin irritation.

Sae Tsuji