There is a lot of talk about the different benefits of dry brushing / body brushing, ranging from improving your immune system to great looking skin. All of us at some point want to lose the odd pound here or there, so as well as diet and exercise, is there anything else you can do to help? We ask the question - Can dry brushing help you lose weight?
Benefits of Dry Brushing
A wide range of benefits can be achieved from regular dry brushing. To achieve these benefits you should include dry brushing in your beauty regime at least 3 to 4 times per week. Some are directly visible such as clearer and smoother skin and others are more subtle such as reduced stress or even longer lasting self tan.
You can read more about the benefits of dry brushing in The Real Benefits of Dry Brushing.
Benefits Specific to Weight Loss?
The question we want to answer is: of the many benefits of regular dry brushing, can any of them specifically help weight loss? There are three key benefits that can be seen to aid you in your pursuit of losing weight:
Increased Circulation
By brushing with the proper techniques you will help blood circulate better around your body. This increased blood flow helps to tone your muscles, distributes the fat deposits better under the skin and can help remove waste products from the body. With increased circulation you will likely feel more invigorated and alert than you did previously.
Reduced Cellulite
Cellulite is a fat build up beneath the skin that causes the skin to wrinkle and dimple. It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin. Cellulite and dry brushing is a disputed issue. Whilst there are arguments over the scientific proof of cellulite management through dry brushing, there are countless anecdotal accounts of dry brushing improving cellulite. By dry brushing the affected areas daily, the brushing can help soften and redistribute the fat below the skin and encourage healthy cell growth.
Improved Digestion & Organ Function
Some experts believe that the benefits of dry brushing go far further than just the surface of the skin. By massaging lymph nodes you can help remove excess water and toxins from the body which helps reduce bloating. Improving the effectiveness of your lymphatic system takes some of the strain away from your kidneys and liver, which consequently aids in overall digestion and organ function.
Redistributing fat and improving your body’s capability to flush out toxins and remove excess water, can only benefit when trying to lose weight.
These three benefits taken together, whilst possibly not reducing your weight directly, can be seen to aid your weight loss journey.
And Don’t Forget Your Skin...
If you are successfully losing weight then don’t forget you need to look after your skin. The last thing you want is saggy excess skin or stretch marks and that’s where a dry brushing regime can really pay off. By brushing away the build up of dead skin cells and dirt blocking pores, the skin is able to breathe and oxygenate itself. The act of regular body brushing helps to stimulate the growth of new cells and maintain the skins elasticity. You will soon notice a visible difference of smooth and healthy looking skin. By keeping your pores clear and stimulating your glands through brushing, the skin is kept moisturised and toxins are helped out of the body, all of which leads to vibrant and healthy glowing skin. Exactly what you need as you successfully shed the pounds.
Techniques and Brushes
For a full guide on the best techniques to use take a look at the article:
It will give you all the guidance you need on how to start dry brushing.
As for a dry brush, if you don’t already own one then we recommend Snoozing Beauty’s Premium Dry Body Brush Set that will give you everything you need to start your dry brushing regime.
In Conclusion...
Whilst dry brushing on its own wont help you directly lose weight, the added benefits a dry brushing regime brings when you are trying to lose weight through dieting and exercise is definitely worth the small time investment. Give yourself the edge and a little extra help, by starting your dry brushing regime today.