from the body shop

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING?

Like most beauty trends, there have been some pretty big claims made about body brushing. Die-hard fans swear that 5 minutes a day is all you need for smooth, glowing skin and reduced cellulite. While we’re much more in favour of embracing your soft bits – nothing will get rid of cellulite entirely – regular exfoliation and massage does have its benefits.

The brushing helps remove dead skin cells and ingrown hairs for skin that feels smoother, and massage is said to help boost circulation and stimulate your lymphatic system – the vessels beneath your skin that help the body detoxify. This, its devotees claim, results in everything from glowing skin to an energy boost. And all for a few minutes a day? We think it’s worth a try.

HOW TO USE A DRY BODY BRUSH

• Use your Body Brush on dry skin, before your morning shower. 
• Start on the soles of your feet, brushing upward towards your heart in short, firm strokes. 
• Move up to your hips and bum, and use circular motions around your tummy and armpits 
• Let the brush do the work – pressing too hard may scratch your skin. 
• Make sure you avoid any sore, irritated or sunburnt areas.

POST-BRUSHING BODY CARE

After your body brushing, hop in the shower to cleanse away any dead skin cells, and make sure to moisturise well afterwards to soothe skin and replenish moisture. In the morning, try a Body Yogurt. They can be used on wet or dry skin to save time, give 48hr hydration and absorb instantly, so you can get dressed straight away. For dry skin, apply plenty of nourishing Body Butter or Body Oil.

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from elle uk

HOW TO BODY BRUSH

Body brushing is best done before hopping into the bath or shower, the process only takes a couple of minutes. And - in case you've skipped straight down to this bit - your skin must be DRY. Duh.

‘Start at the feet in the direction of your heart,’ advises Aromatherapy Associates Global Director of Education, Christina Salcedas, ‘then continue working over the entire body.’

‘Quick flicks’ rather than long slow, strokes are key, says Shapland. These should continue from feet to knees (don’t forget behind them - where the lymph nodes are), knees to hips, over the bum, hands to shoulders.

As well as your limbs, don’t forget the torso too. ‘Brush your stomach and chest using clockwise sweeps,' advises Mio’s Katie. 'Also, make sure you adjust the pressure of the brush to the different parts of your body, so it is comfortable yet stimulating enough to increase circulation.'

And remember, consistency is key. It might mean skipping that last snooze button in the morning, but the results should have you bounding out of bed reaching for that brush anyway.