I would like to add dry brushing to my health routine, and almost all sources recommend doing it daily before a shower... However, my skin dries out easily so I shower every other day or every two days (I sponge bath the areas that need to be washed daily) so I was wondering, is it more important to dry brush on a daily basis, or before a shower? Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by Ralph M
Yes, it is very important before a shower in order to rinse off the dead skin cells. It is also important to shower every day using a mild natural-based soap. If your water has a lot of chlorine, you may want to try to find a shower head water filter to remove the chlorine. Use a good natural moisturizer after showering while your skin is still damp. This should help your dry skin tremendously.
What do you think? Answer below!
No, you don't have to. Dry brushing is primarily used for exfoliating, not for overall health. Yes, it might help circulation a little, but it does this by scraping off your excess dead skin, which is the reason it makes skin "glow" (it's fresh skin that doesn't have as much sun damage). It's normally recommended before a shower because the dead skin cells you just ripped apart will be washed off that way.
ReplyDeleteNow for short-term effects or occasional use, that can be very good for your skin.... but if you keep exfoliating, you will have less dead skin that comes off and you might start scratching fresh skin, so you want to be careful not to do it too much either.
If your skin dries out easily, this theoretically might be the worst thing for you because dried skin breaks off (from exfoliation or other methods) much easier than moist skin.... you might possibly break through too many layers, which can be very bad for you. I would suggest talking to a dermatologist about your intended regiment before doing it, just to be on the safe side if nothing else.
On the flip side, you could also nourish your skin to help prevent it from being as dry in the first place. Topically, you can use a liquid Vitamin E (or squeeze it out of softgels) or Aloe Vera to keep the skin healthy. Be careful about using the Vitamin E, though, as too much vitamin E can build up to toxic levels in your body.
Also, if you would like more benefits, there are some supplements you could take internally to help the health of your skin. Some of the most popular ones are Biotin, Silica (commonly from Horsetail), Squalene, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, L-Cysteine, Collagen, and most antioxidants.
Good luck!
I prefer to dry brush a few times a week. Since I shower every other day (I have dry skin as well) it works out for me.
ReplyDeleteI want to have better circulation so I always brush towards my heart...from the toes up and with my hands raised from the fingertips down.
It's a personal preference so if it works for you go ahead.