We see everyone dry body brushing these days? Why?
It is known to improve blood flow, circulation, exfoliate the skin, even reduce cellulite.
But did you know that the negative effects could be counter productive?
What many don’t know is there is a better alternative that carries all of the exact same benefits without the potential negative ones.
So, what are the negative effects of dry body brushing? And what is the healthiest alternative?
Keep reading to find out…
The Negative Impacts of Dry Body Brushing
Dry body brushes are extremely harsh on the skin. And it is recommended that you use it EVERY DAY to reap the benefits of improved blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and reduced cellulite.
Doing this everyday can be very damaging to the skin. These bristels of these brushes are quite stiff and thick. This can quickly lead to over exfoliation, something I wrote about here.
In my post Everything You Should Know About Exfoliation, dry body brushing would fall under the “don’t” category.
related: why you need non-toxic, organic cosmetics
Dry body brushing everyday can exasperate dry skin causing redness, itchiness, and make “strawberry skin” appear more severe.
So, all in all, I’m against dry body brushing.
BUT
It can offer some pretty great benefits.
So, let’s get into the healthy alternative that will offer the exact same benefits, with no risk of skin irritation.
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What To Use Instead: Body Comb
Full body gua sha carries the positives of dry body brushing (improved blood circulation, lymphatic drainage stimulation, cellulite reduction, decreased bloating) while protecting your skin from any irritation.
Instead of a standard gua sha tool, I prefer a body comb.
Body combs are far more suitable for lymphatic drainage, cellulite reduction, improved blood flow, stress & inflammation relief (plus, they serve as a great scalp massager to stimulate hair growth).
So, I always opt for a body combs.
For weekly bodily exfoliation products (that are far gentler and more effective than a dry body brush) click here.
How to Properly Use a Body Comb
You can either perform this in the shower, or after a shower with a non-toxic, moisturizing body oil. Below are my top recommendations.
Hayo’u Jade Body Comb
This brand is my absolute go-to for face & body massage tools. they have the highest quality products that are absolutely stunning. I perform this therapeutic, rejuvenating Beauty Restorer Body Comb Ritual in the morning to alleviate muscle soreness, lymphatic drainage, stimulate blood circulation, reduce cellulite, and smooth my skin.
Rahua Rainforest Grown Body Oil
This body oil contains natural, organic ingredients such as Rahua Oil, Buriti Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Sacha Inchi, and Vitamin E to provide deeply nourishing, long-lasting moisturization. It provides the perfect slip for body gua sha because a little goes a long way. It also smells of vanilla, palo santo, and lavender, adding to the product’s luxurious feel.
Hayo’u Revitalizing Body Oil
This body massage oil contains Almond Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Lavender and Karanja Oil for a restoring, deep skin massage. It also contains Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and Sandalwood for a relaxing, therapeutic experience.
True Botanicals
This Certified MADE SAFE body oil contains powerful organic ingredient such as Green Tea Seed Oil, Hemp Oil, Chia Seed Oil, and Rosemary Leaf Extract, which are all rich in antioxidants, promoting anti-aging.
I felt inspired to write this post because I’ve heard so many people include dry body brushing in their daily morning routine and then, in the same sentence, complain about dry skin.
I don’t want you to think dry body brushing is the only way to receive powerful result derived from ancient practices.
Full body gua sha is the far superior choice to avoid causing any short or long term skin damage. Dry body brushing can, and one day will, impact your skin’s youthful look.
The last thing I want is for me, you, or anyone, to do something with high expectations of anti-aging rejuvenation, only to be left with dry, scaly looking skin.
invest in healing
comment below:
Have you ever tried full body gua sha?
