I don’t know about you Savvy snowbirds…but my skin is so dry! It’s feels like sandpaper. I am licking my lips non-stop! I hear people complain about humidity in Florida but boy is it good for keeping your skin dewy fresh!!
I have been reading a lot about the benefits of dry brushing and thought I’d give it a go.
The hardest part is remembering to do it before I get into the shower. Half the time I am part way through my shower and I realize I’ve forgotten and I make that face. You know the one I mean? You shoulder’s slump, you look up, your mouth gapes open and you moan “Uhg” LOL..did you just try it? 😂
For active women of a savvy age 😉 , dry brushing can offer several positive benefits for their skin and overall well-being.
- Exfoliation: Dry brushing helps exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells from the surface. This can leave the skin feeling smoother and softer, promoting a more youthful appearance.
- Stimulates Circulation: Dry brushing stimulates blood circulation, which can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. Better circulation may result in a brighter complexion and healthier-looking skin.
- Lymphatic Drainage: Dry brushing is believed to support the lymphatic system by encouraging lymphatic drainage. This can help remove toxins and waste products from the body, reducing inflammation and promoting detoxification.
- Cellulite Reduction: While the evidence is anecdotal, some people believe that dry brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by promoting lymphatic drainage and breaking down fat deposits under the skin. If this isn’t reason enough then I don’t know what is! 😆
- Energizing Effect: The act of dry brushing can have an invigorating effect on the body, similar to a light massage. Many people find that it helps them feel more awake and energized, especially when done in the morning.
- Stress Relief: Dry brushing can be a relaxing self-care ritual that allows women to take a few moments for themselves each day. The repetitive motion of brushing can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
- Improves Absorption of Skincare Products: By exfoliating the skin and stimulating circulation, dry brushing can help improve the absorption of moisturizers, serums, and other skincare products. This allows us active, savvy aged gals, to get more out of their skincare routine.
- Promotes Healthy Glow: Regular dry brushing can promote a healthy glow by encouraging cell turnover and revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath. This can enhance confidence and self-esteem, which are important for women at any age.
There are a lot of great videos on exactly how to dry brush. Apparently there are rules on where to start and which direction you should go. I’m not at that point 😂 I give my body a once over with the brush and then hop in a warm shower. I am trying to avoid hot showers right now. After my shower, once I am dry I do reach for an all over body moisturizer. It really does feel amazing!!
When it comes to choosing a dry brushing brush, there are a few factors to consider, including bristle type, handle design, and bristle stiffness. Here are some considerations to help you select the best type of brush for dry brushing:
- Bristle Type: Natural bristles are often recommended for dry brushing because they tend to be gentle on the skin and provide effective exfoliation. Look for brushes made from natural materials like boar bristles or sisal fibers. These materials are firm enough to remove dead skin cells but gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- Handle Design: Choose a brush with a handle that feels comfortable to hold and allows for easy maneuverability. Some dry brushes have long handles that make it easier to reach the back and other hard-to-reach areas of the body. Others have shorter handles or even straps that you can slip your hand through for better control.
- Bristle Stiffness: The stiffness of the bristles can vary depending on personal preference and skin sensitivity. Brushes with softer bristles may be more suitable for sensitive skin or beginners, while brushes with firmer bristles provide deeper exfoliation and stimulation. It’s essential to choose a brush with bristles that feel comfortable on your skin without causing irritation.
- Quality and Durability: Look for a high-quality brush that is well-made and durable. Cheaper brushes may have bristles that fall out easily or handles that break over time. Investing in a quality brush ensures that it will last longer and provide consistent results.
- Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the brush head. A larger brush head may cover more surface area and be more efficient for full-body brushing, while a smaller brush head may be better for targeting specific areas like the face or feet. I wonder if a broom 🧹 would work? 😂
Ultimately, the best type of brush for dry brushing is one that feels comfortable to use, suits your skin type and sensitivity, and provides effective exfoliation and stimulation. Experimenting with different brushes may help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Lavender and Honey Scrub
Recipe from Paisley Sparrow Blog.
Ingredients:
5 or 6 drops of quality lavender essential oil
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
Directions:
Pour the honey in a small bowl, add the brown sugar and mix it well.
Add the lavender oil and give it another mix. Done!
Scoop some out onto your finger and massage the paste into your lips for a couple of minutes in small circular motion.
Rinse with warm water and add a quality lip balm. I love to use Burts Bee.
This is good if you have consistently chapped lips like I do. The lavender oil calms inflammation to soothe and hydrate your lips. Honey is a natural lip moisturizer. Who knew?
The brown sugar in this recipe acts as an exfoliant and really removes all the excess dead skin. It feels so good when you rinse it off!
Now you can just pucker up and kiss away….where is Tank 💕 🐕 I’m kidding Steve!! Get your lips over here. 😘
8 Comments
Val
May 5, 2024 at 9:04 AMBeen doing it for years Mare! Feels wonderful every day especially on elbows and heels. Keep it up and enjoy!😊
Marion
May 5, 2024 at 10:24 AMWhy doesn’t it surprise it that you do this Val? LOL. You have been ahead of every known proven health trend before it was a trend! No wonder you look like you are 29!!!!
Happy Sunday Val. 💕
Susan
May 5, 2024 at 10:27 AMThanks for these tips Marion, I have a brush that I rarely use if ever! I think I bought it as a decor prop! 😂 Maybe I should actually try it on my skin. I have dry lips all the time. I am going to try your recipe having said that, it sounds good enough to eat! It might make me want to lick my lips more 😂
Great post. I always enjoy reading your blog while enjoying a cup of tea.
Marion
May 6, 2024 at 7:20 AMHa ha Susan, you sound like me…buying decor props! I am embarrassed to see all the ‘props’ I packed when I moved from the Corner House to here….where am I going to put it all 😢 Too much, too much! LOL
I am glad you enjoyed the post and yes, give the brush a try. Start gently though. I don’t want you to hurt your skin!
Let me know if you make the lip recipe and how you like it.
I hope you have a great week. 😊
Jen
May 5, 2024 at 10:30 AMI love when you add a little photograph of your dog Tank at the end. This one is so cute. He is really quite a character isn’t he? I am an avid dry brusher!! I have been doing it for years. I am not a snowbird. I live in Canada year round and we know how dry the air gets here in the winter!
I love all of the benefits that you wrote about. I believe them all.
Loved your blog today.
Marion
May 6, 2024 at 7:16 AMThanks for all the kind words Jen. Yes, Tank is a character. He makes us laugh every day. He is a child to us.
Glad to hear that so many of you dry brush. I have had a number of emails about this. I had no idea it was such a ‘thing’. Winters can be so tough on our skin for sure. I love the Florida humidity….I know, I am an oddity. 😂 I feel that it helps keep my skin from drying out.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a wonderful week.
June
May 5, 2024 at 10:32 AMGreat information. Thanks. I get cold sores. I wonder if this would help. They are terrible little things.
I am going to buy some lavender AND a brush today!
Have a great week ahead.
Marion
May 6, 2024 at 7:12 AMHello June. thanks for stopping by. I get cold sores too. I actually have one right now. If my lips get too much sun, too dry, I get stressed….BAM! I get one.
I hope this recipe helps you with the dryness and just makes them feel really good. 💋
Have a great day June.