I thought I would mix it up a little and talk about self care with regards to your skin. Right now, with the mercury at an all time low, the heat at an all time high, and with frequent handwashing to prevent infections your skin can be in a pretty sad state. Did you know your skin is responsible for 1/4 of your body’s detoxification each day? The skin eliminates acid wastes through your sweat glands and in total eliminates~ 2 lbs of waste each day. Because the skin is a way for the body to get rid of toxins, it makes sense that you would want to help it along. Dry skin brushing is a great way to do this; you get rid of scaly leather skin and your skin can breathe. That’s right your skin can breathe- it inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. It is a living breathing organism. Dry skin brushing moves lymph (brings the cells nutrients and removes their waste), improves circulation, stimulates your immune system, is good for your nervous system and makes your skin softer and more touch worthy when you are snuggled under a mountain of covers with your significant other.
To dry skin brush all you need is a natural -bristle brush found at your local health food store; a loofah sponge could also be used in a pinch. Make sure the handle is long enough so you can reach all the areas on your body but short enough so that is it easy to manuever. You want to do long upward strokes starting from your toes to your heart. Do not brush away from the heart rather always towards it. Feel free to brush in circular motions in places that need more attention. Tackle your cellulite to help with removal of wastes. Avoid areas of your skin where it is thinner or any area where the skin has been compromised (cuts, abrasions, eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.). Don’t forget the bottom of your feet which never see the light of day in winter (it’s too cold!). If you are a super star, exercise first thing in the am before you start skin brushing. (I am not unless we are talking summer. I exercise after work or in the afternoon in the winter). Exercise supports your elimination through your sweat glands so you promote more detoxification all around. Brush your skin before you have a bath or shower. Varying the temperature if you are having a shower will support your immune system. Be in the hot stream for 3 minutes and then turn on the cold stream (brace yourself) for 3o seconds- 1 minute. Do this three to five times and end on cold. This is therapeutic hydrotherapy and it promotes detoxification and stimulates circulation as well. After your water treatment, be sure and apply lotion afterwards. Just make sure it is a natural lotion fit for a king or queen. Check out your local health food store for a selection worthy of your application.