The Deep Cleanse series is sponsored by Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush
Hands up who wants smoother thighs? A tauter torso? Buffer biceps? Thought so. Getting them scrubbed up to smoother, more svelte proportions and kick-starting your circulation starts in the shower.
When Miranda Kerr waxes lyrical about a DIY beauty treatment, you know it must be good. And when it comes to body brushing, this girl is onto something.
Benefits of brushing the skin – wet or dry – from the toes upwards in long, smooth motions, and across areas of the torso, arms and décolletage extend beyond a smoother, refreshed surface of the skin. Body brushing is also a very powerful and effective way to move and remove toxins, improve circulation and stimulate the body’s lymphatic system.
Body Brushing V’s Body Scrubs:
Body brushing only takes a few minutes before or during a bath or shower. Although it isn’t technically a way of ‘washing’ or cleaning the skin – you can do that with lovely oils or soaps also – the benefits of body brushing over applying body scrubs as a way of sloughing skin are predominately to do with the manual effect of the soft brush bristles, explains Sydney-based, Holistic Skin Therapist, Amy Erbacher.
“Brushing soft bristles across the skin surface – however light – does an enormous amount of good,” she says. “I find the best benefits are from light, soft, swift movements rather than strong, hard pressing movements.” Amy believes the procedure of body brushing – using one handled brush – over tacky, messy body scrubs will not only simplify your soaking experience, but once you get the hang of the brushing movements, the benefits are far from superficial. However, scrubs have their place, she notes. “I like to use scrubs if I’m to apply or remove a fake tan, or feel like I need a little more ‘dead skin cell’ exfoliation,” she notes. “It’s definitely more of a buffer to remove surface dead skin cells rather than smooth the silhouette of the body over time.”
Wet or Dry, Day or Night:
Body brushing can be done on wet or dry skin, depending on what you find comfortable and can be amped up to three times a week once you’ve got the hang of it. If you brush before a shower, ensure skin is dry for more robust results. If you want to take a gentler approach, definitely soak in the bath or shower for a few minutes to soften skin beforehand.
The Best Brushing:
From the feet upwards, press the brush firmly towards the heart in swift, gentle motions – or long, firm sweeps, advises Amy. “Be careful not to press down too hard on the brush,” she notes, and if you want to extend the experience, lead the brush up to the stomach, chest and arms to brush the entire body. “ That’s it!” she enthuses, “you can do this in under 3 minutes!” The life of your brush is based on the quality of the bristles, and the frequency of use. Think of it as a toothbrush and replace both on the same rotation to ensure not too much invisible build up gets caught in the bristles.
Strokes of Genius: Here’s some home truths on DIY Body Brushing:
- If you have sensitive skin, don’t body brush more than once a week, as it may cause irritation and discomfort.
- Arm yourself with some lovely products to indulge in before getting your brush on as when the body is brushed, it is known to increase the production of body oils which the allows products to be absorbed deeper into the skin. So, once you’ve patted yourself dry, apply a scented oil or dense cream to really reinvigorate. You’ll be amazed at how much more receptive the skin is to moisture!
- Check your colour, advises Amy. “Skin should react in a pinkish, flushed colour, which is a sure sign circulation has cranked up. What you don’t want is angry, red blotches as this indicates irritation,” she warns. “And it should never feel like sting on the skin,” she notes, of the pressure placed on the brush when it is in contact with the skin.
- Take it slow, as your skin may not keep up with the new round of regular exfoliation. “Start off once a week as believe me your skin will take tome to adjust,” Amy advises.
- Don’t share your brush, as you will accumulate dead skin cells build up. “Clean it with a natural shampoo and leave in sun to dry out,” suggests Amy.
- Look for a brush that is made from plant bristles, not synthetic, as these are kinder to the skin.
- As a novice, you may find it easier to handle a brush with an, er, handle! Longer handles are easier to tackle hard to reach areas and rounded bristle brushes are also really productive in getting into tighter areas like the back of the knees, nape of the neck and sides of torso.
The Deep Cleanse series is sponsored by Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush