How To Use A Body Brush For Maximum Impact

There's a certain art to body brushing properly. This guide shows you how to use a body brush with all the skill of an expert...

The skin is your body's largest organ and just like your other organs, it goes through a process of detoxification every day. Your lymphatic system helps your skin to detox, however as we get older the skin needs help to shed the layers of dead skin cells on your body. With over one third of your body's impurities excreted through your skin daily, it's super important to keep your lymphatic system as healthy as possible. Body brushing is one of the most effective ways to polish away dead skin cells, leaving your skin exfoliated, rejuvenated, and in peak condition. Here, we share how to use a body brush the proper way with five key tips you need to know about before kick starting your body brushing regime.

How To Use A Body Brush

1. Dry Brush Before You Shower

For the most invigorating experience for your body, use your hand body brush on dry skin. Professionals have suggested that incorporating it into your shower routine is a simple and effortless way to make it a habit. Keep your body brush in your bathroom and brush away before hopping into the shower. The water will give your skin that extra help to wash away the dead skin cells, leaving you with stronger skin when you step back out of the steam. If you're looking for a fast and super-effective way to give your skin a boost, body brushing three times a week will make a huge difference quickly.

2. Start At The Soles Of Your Feet

For the most powerful and effective body brushing experience, it's vital that you always start at the sole of your feet. Side note: this can tickle slightly! Work your way up your calves, massaging the skin in long, upwards strokes to ensure that you're working in the natural direction of your lymph system. If it feels too intense on your skin, lighten the pressure slightly. It's vital that you don't forget the backs of your knees where your lymph nodes are. This brushing motion will create an instant surge of blood flow to the legs, feeding it with fresh nutrients and oxygen to boost your skin with energy and bounce.

3. Body Brush Towards The Heart

As you move your way up the body, always make sure that your long, upwards strokes are moving in the correct direction towards your heart. This will give your lymphatic system a helping hand to drain out properly, aiding the flow of lymph fluid around the body to remove toxins and boost your natural immune system for a total body detox.

4. Pay Attention To Cellulite Areas

Pay special attention to the backs of your thighs and anywhere where you have cellulite. The brushing will help break down any fatty deposits to release those stubborn, bumpy areas. It's entirely natural and normal but there are ways in which you can prevent cellulite - body brushing is one of the most effective ways to help smooth out its appearance. If you body brush two to three times a week regularly, you are bound to see a huge difference.

Support your body brushing routine with the Clay Away Body Mask and the Future Proof Body Butter

5. Don't Forget The Upper Body

As you move towards the upper body, you'll find that you'll have to rotate the movement of your body brush so that you're working your way towards the heart again. Your neck, chest and underarms all store lymph nodes so these are ultra important areas to massage to get your lymphatic system moving. If you struggle with breakouts on your chest or back, the stimulation will balance out the natural moisture of your skin, boosting your sweat and oil glands to work at their best, preventing blemishes from appearing. Brush the backs of your arms (especially if you have a few wobbly bits there) and finish with your tummy, using clockwise sweeps to follow the direction of your digestive system.

Image credit: Naturalphile

Your Questions

How do I know if I'm doing it right?

You should see a rosy flush appear on your skin as you brush away.

How long should I body brush for?

For optimum results, try and make sure that your body brush routine lasts a minimum of three minutes, ensuring that you brush your whole body.

How long does it take to see a difference?

The results of body brushing are very instant - you'll see and feel a difference in the texture of your skin straight away. It's important though that you keep up a regular routine of 2-3 times a week to experience long-term results.

Can I use my body brush on wet skin too?

Although most experts recommend using your body brush on dry skin, the results from brushing on wet skin gives huge benefits, too. It can feel less scratchy and the moisture can make it easier to glide the body brush over your skin after you've just stepped out of the shower.

The Body Brushing Routine Edit