Why You Should Start Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is one of the easiest new skincare tools to add to your daily routine, and you’ll find that it invigorates your body and mind when you make it one of the first things you do when you wake up in the morning.

Dry brushing has become a joyous part of our self-care routine, and brushing from your feet towards your heart can lead to some exhilarating changes in your vitality over time. At Okana, we’re always looking for new ways to freshen up our morning rituals, so we’ve created the ultimate guide to dry brushing for newbies.

How Long Has Dry Brushing Been Around?

Many of us are wary when it comes to jumping on the latest fad bandwagon, and rightfully so. What’s the point of spending more money on unnecessary products just because an influencer told us to? Well, you’ll be happy to know that dry brushing has been around for centuries. We’re talking about cultures like Ancient Greece and Japan where they used dry exfoliation techniques to boost the lymphatic system, create softer skin and rejuvenate skin cells.

Many Grecian athletes used skin-scraping tools to stimulate and revitalise the body after bouts of gruelling physical activity. Bathing rituals have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, and they included a dry scrub to ensure all dead skin cells were removed before continuing with bathing and softening treatments. This is so important because you need a clean base before applying nourishing products.

The Many Benefits of Dry Brushing

To explain the benefits of dry brushing, we need to state the obvious benefits of exfoliation in general. Exfoliating your skin prevents acne, unclogs pores, evens your skin tone, and allows your other skincare products to penetrate to a deeper level in the dermis.

Using a firm bristle brush as your exfoliating technique will take away the outer layer of dead skin cells and clear the way for fresh, youthful skin cells to shine through. You’ll look softer, suppler, smoother and even more radiant than you already are.

Stimulating Blood Flow and Toning the Skin

We all know how important it is to promote healthy blood circulation from the heart, and dry brushing towards the heart helps to stimulate the flow of blood throughout the body. This can result in boosted energy levels and an ongoing feeling of vitality as you keep up your daily brushing routine. Plus, good circulation means firmer, fresher skin and a more youthful appearance!

How Is Dry Brushing Done?

Dry brushing is so simple that you can add it to your morning ritual without needing to allocate additional time. If you stay consistent with your brushing routine, you’ll find that the benefits will improve each time you brush. We’ve given you a look at our ritual as a guide, but go ahead and create one that suits your lifestyle and your skincare products.

Step One: You’re Going to Need the Right Brush

Unlike the olden times where brushes were made from the bristles of wild boars, there are plenty of planet-friendly, vegan options available on the market. Here at Okana, we’re all about sustainable and long-lasting beauty products that don’t take a toll on the earth.

These days, most dry brushes are made of fibres from the Sisal plant which is a perennial succulent. Sisal brushes are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and renewable, so you’ll feel guilt-free as you brush away all of that pesky dead skin. Find a brush that comfortably works for you; after all, you’re going to be using it every day.

Step Two: Start from the Feet and Work Upwards

Before you jump in the shower, grab your brush and start gently (yet firmly) brushing from your feet towards your heart. Don’t forget about the tops of your feet. Brush upwards on your shins and thighs in long, smooth strokes. When it comes to finding the right pressure, everyone is different so just make sure you apply moderate pressure that still feels comfortable.

After your legs, work over your bum in circular motions. This is a problem area for many people with blemishes and clogged pores that result in tiny pimples, so take your time and clean away the muck.

Step Three: Moving On To the Arms and Torso

Just like we started with the feet, start with your hands and work towards the shoulder in long strokes. Don’t worry if you experience some redness on your arms, this is perfectly normal for the skin when it is stimulated and it’s a sign that the brush is working.

When you move on to the torso, apply less pressure and work in circular movements towards the stomach. The tissue on the breasts is more delicate than the limbs, so it’s important to be gentle here.

Step Four: Continue with Your Routine

After you’ve finished, jump in the shower and continue your skincare routine. We recommend using a cleanser and then moisturising your entire body afterwards. You’ll find that your moisturiser goes further without the hindrance of dead skin. Plus, you’ll feel all of the aforementioned benefits if you keep it up regularly.

That’s it! It’s that simple. We love hearing about how our customers feel after adding this easy and revolutionary step to their skincare routine, so get in touch and tell us how you go.