I'm a recent fan and convert to dry body brushing. Although this practice has been around in the press for a good few years, not many of us (speaking to my wider circle of friends anyway) actually dry body brush on a regular basis. If we do it at all, we tend to leave it until the Summer when we know that our body is going to be more 'on show'. Most people I spoke to think a) it takes too much time and b) it's something they simply forget to do. Both of these reasons 100% resonated with me - and they're certainly the reason I didn't do it for a long time. Last Autumn however, I picked the practice up. And, as an advocate of 'habit stacking' (whereby you add on one new habit to an already established habit) I decided that putting the brush with my towel, in order to remind me to do it just before popping into the shower, would be the best way to remember to incorporate it into my routine.
6 months in and my skin tone looks SO much better - particularly on my legs which has some cellulite, and on my under arms which has lost tone as I've gone through the menopause. In fact ALL of my skin has lost some tone as I've gone through the menopause due to the drop in collagen/estrogen production.
But it's not just my skin tone that has benefited. I've been surprised by how much the practice has benefited my overall energy levels, mood and well-being in addition to skin health.
So why body brush during these crucial and challenging years?
The number one reason - hormonal skin changes. During menopause, hormonal changes can affect the skin, often leading to dryness, sensitivity, and changes in the elasticity and firmness of the skin tone. Body brushing, also known as dry brushing, involves using a natural bristle brush to gently exfoliate the skin. This helps remove dead skin cells and any dryness but also, improve circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage which can help with cellulite and detoxification
How and when to body brush?
To get the most benefits, try dry brushing in the morning before you shower. It’s important to be gentle and consistent and try to aim for daily, or 3-4 times a week. Start at the feet and brush upwards towards the heart, using long, sweeping motions. This not only supports the body's natural detox processes but also provides (crucially) a moment of mindful self-care, which can be especially soothing during the transition of menopause.
How does body brushing work on low energy?
The biggest suprise for me was that the body brushing definitely led to a boost in my fluctuating energy levels. Dry body brushing boosts circulation and provides a surge of energy after you've done it, and the repetitive motion, for me anyway, is a rhythmic way to almost (but not quite!) meditate - another practice which can boost feelings of energy
How are cellulite and the menopause linked?
This is a question that I've been asked by several clients recently and have also asked myself. The hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body as estrogen levels decrease, often causes the skin to become thinner and less elastic, which can lead to more pronounced cellulite and changes in skin tone. When it comes to cellulite, dry brushing is thought to help by encouraging lymphatic drainage through stimulation of the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body, and the massage-like effect of dry brushing can plump and tighten the skin, making cellulite less noticeable. Along with body brushing to help with the removal of toxins and improve circulation to the skin surface, I've also found that keeping hydrated really helps. Water is so important for our overall skin health!
And finally, if you are worried about your skin tone as you age, do remember, cellulite is not the worst thing in the world! I've still got it, 6 months after starting body brushing. But my skin tone is firmer and the benefits from feeling more energised and the mental benefits that arise from taking a moment each day to offer up a little self-care to myself far outweigh any disappointment I might feel when I notice that some lumps and bumps are still there. My legs are 50 years old. And they work. Which is more than I can ask for!
Self love all the way! Hope this has been informative and do shout if you have any questions,
Marie x