Did you know that the skin is the largest and fastest growing organ in the body?
The skin makes up 1/7th of our body weight, which can be between 7.5 and 22 pounds for an adult and it has a surface area of 16 to 21 square feet. That’s A LOT of skin! Somewhat surprising, the skin is very thin. Even at its thickest point, the skin is only a few millimeters thick. The thinnest skin is found under the eyes, while the thickest skin is found on palms and soles.
The skin has a big responsibility when it comes to keeping you both healthy and alive.
It acts as a waterproof barrier, protecting you from moisture, germs, cold, and sun rays. The skin aids in regulating your body temperature. It’s also responsible for that trigger reflex you feel when your hand gets a little too close to something hot. The skin stores water, fat, and metabolic waste. When it is injured, it’s blood supply increases to bring healing nutrients and components of the immune system to protect you from infections.
Responsible for detoxification and protection of internal structures, it deserves a little extra love! This is where dry skin brushing comes in handy. This is a quick and easy way to give your skin a little extra nourishment.
From ancient Egyptians to Native Americans, dry skin brushing has been utilized to support health for centuries. The technique requires a firm bristle brush, small, gentle strokes, and only 3 minutes per day. Beginning at the feet and working up toward the head, follow the stroke pattern demonstrated in the diagram below. It is best to follow dry skin brushing with a warm shower.
If you aren’t sure which dry brush is best for you, here’s a good run down. I prefer a long handled brush, making it easier to reach the back.
Let’s talk about the benefits of dry skin brushing.
It’s Exfoliating!
The mechanical action of dry skin brushing acts as a physical exfoliator, removing dry, dead skin from the body without robbing it of moisture, which is what would happen if you did your skin brushing in the shower.
It’s Detoxifying!
By increasing blood circulation and promoting the movement of lymph, the body is able to move toxins and metabolic waste to the kidneys and liver for excretion from the body. The lymphatic system runs alongside the circulatory system, but unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump of its own. The only time the lymphatics move is when you move your body. Most people don’t move their bodies nearly enough. Dry skin brushing helps to move that fluid (and your immune system) along.
Did someone say self-care??
It takes 3 minutes per day. This is time that you can set aside to give your body some love and nourishment. While you dry skin brush, I encourage you to speak positive affirmations to yourself. Practice positive self-talk. We cannot love others until we first love ourselves.