Advocates of skin brushing claim that it helps to reduce cellulite. Some claim that the brushing motion actually breaks down cellulite (ordinary fat cells which are visible because they are just under the skins surface), while others claim that skin brushing simply improves lymphatic drainage or 'circulation, which means that waste products (including fat) gets carried to the liver to be broken down and eliminated. My experience is anecdotal; certainly I have noticed apparent reduction of cellulite after 2 - 3 weeks regular brushing - I brush for 5 mins each side. Benefits are four fold
1)the texture of the skin improves. This is no doubt due to the fact that brushing exfoliates the skin (removes dead skin cells) and because when I commit to brushing I also commit to using a body moisturiser. Currently I am using NIVEA Sunkissed Skin, which has a mild tanning agent and claims to firm the skin. The slight tan definately helps at this time of year! I have used many anti cellulite products over the years and in my opinion, this is a s good as any which is great because unlike some products, it is affordable.
2)the skin does appear to be smoother and have less bumps (cellulite. OK, so this could just be the effect of the slight tan but who cares if the overall effect is slimmer looking thighs.)
3)you burn calories while brushing ! Skin brushing in itself is a workout - if you really go for it you get out of breath and you can also work on flexibility by brushing the bits that are not so accessible to you - if you know what I mean.
4)when you spend time on your self you get to feel good from the inside out, plus when you can see the benefits you get to feel good from the outside in.....
So how do you do it...
:) Morning's are good, but don't worry if you prefer to include Skin Brushing in your evening schedule, that's cool too.
:) Buy a natural bristle brush with a long handle from the pharmacy (I don't recommend you try using your nail brush, or worse still, anything designed for floors!)
:) If you really want to test this I suggest you measure key areas like over knees, thighs, bum, waist....and if you are really brave, and you feel it would help you, take a before photo (you can get this turned into a fridge magnet if you want to use this as a deterrent!)
:) Get naked and start at your toes; work upwards using long strokes all the way up towards the torso; you can use circular motions too. Then work up the arms and down from the neck to meet in the middle as it were. You can then jump in the shower. If you want to continue to work on your circulation try changing the shower temp from hot to cold and back again several times and ending on as cold as you can manage ( easier in summer time admitedly). Don't forget the firming lotion afterwards.
:) Enjoy the feeling that comes with taking good care of yourself all day long
Pam Rigden
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