6 Totally Legit Reasons To Start Dry Body Brushing This Summer

From ELLE UK

Let's get one thing straight: detox diets and body lotions aimed at banishing cellulite almost definitely won't actually banish cellulite. And that's not just our opinion, the dermatologists are with us as well.

But before you lose all hope of trying to achieve supermodel-esque limbs before whipping on your gingham playsuit this Summer, there is something that can help - dry body brushing.

A regular dry scrub using a brush over the thighs and bum is proven to do more to erase dimples and tone any wobbly bits than the hundreds of lotions, potions and creams that flood the beauty sphere daily.

And diminishing cellulite isn't the only amazing thing the humble bristle brush can do - it has amazing benefits for your overall health and well-being of your body, too.

'Luminous skin sends a message of health and vitality,' says Katie Neal, body and skincare expert at Mio, 'and the secret to vibrant, dewy skin lies in your commitment to caring for it. Body brushing can also improve the immune system and increase energy, which is why it should be a staple in every beauty regime.'

Here's what you need to know...

1. It's A Great Way To Exfoliate Without Using Scrubs

With micro-beads banned for good, body scrubs have turned to other exfoliants to slough away dead skin. But for a lot of people with sensitive skin, alternatives like crushed walnut shell or apricot kernels can be pretty skin-ravaging. Er, ouch.

Enter dry body brushing.

'As we grow older, our skin becomes less efficient at shedding layers of dead skin cells,' says Mio's Katie, 'but dry body brushing is fantastic at exfoliating these dead skin cells away.'

That's not all, though, because regular exfoliation primes your skin to absorb the ingredients from body creams and serums much more effectively, which means you get a lot more bang for your buck in the long-run.

2. It Can Prevent Painful Ingrown Hairs

Alongside smooth skin, regular body brushing encourages cell turnover so that your limbs will look and feel supple, and whether you wax or shave, a quick brush is fantastic at keeping pesky, ingrown hairs and clogged pores at bay.

Those undergoing laser hair removal will also find that the process helps to loosen zapped hairs from the root, resulting in less shadows and even less spikiness. We swear by it.

3. It'll Help You Tone Up Without Breaking A Sweat

Gym dodgers rejoice!

While dry body brushing won't completely rid your legs of cellulite, it helps to mobilise and contribute to the even distribution of fat deposits under the skin - and if you stick at it, it's proven to give your limbs a much smoother, and firmer, look and feel.

3. It Has The Ability To Boost Your Immune System

'Bacteria, toxins and waste from our blood filter through the lymph nodes where these substances are destroyed,' explain Natalie Viklund and Marie Hansen, founders of Aevi Wellness, but sometimes, the process can be sluggish.

'Dry body brushing really really stimulates the lymphatic system,' they add, 'and by doing this, we are directly assisting in [removing] pathogens. This strengthens our immune system and lessens our susceptibility to illness.'

We're sold.

4. It Increases Circulation To Help Banish The 'Orange Peel' Look

'Dry body brushing encourages important blood flow,' says Katie, 'and this has a plumping effect on the skin which really helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.'

The best way to do it? Apply a good pressure to the brush as you stroke upwards to really aid that important circulation process. Laters orange peel pins.

5. It Helps Deliver Much-Needed Oxygen To Cells

...which prevents the formation of cellulite, varicose veins and skin discolouration, according to Natalie and Marie.

So how does it work? A healthy blood flow instantly speeds up the transportation of both oxygen and nutrients to the the cells and tissue to help increase collagen for a smooth, supple appearance and feel.

6. It Increases Energy So You Can Skip The Coffee

Morning espresso? Kick it to the kerb.

As blood flow and circulation is stimulated by the zealous brushing action, it lends the body, skin and mind a much needed boost, which is why Natalie and Marie would suggest swapping a bedtime brush for an invigorating A.M. sesh.

'It really increases energy levels,' seconds Kate. 'It's such a great step to add into your skincare routine.'

We're Sold! What's The Best Technique?

'Start at your feet (you can even brush the soles) and work your way up your legs to your arms, chest, back and stomach,' says Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, cosmetic surgeon and skin expert. 'Always brush towards your heart to work with your circulation and the lymphatic system,' she adds.

'Use upward strokes as you move up your body to your arms, heart and back and brush your stomach and chest using clockwise sweeps,' advises Katie. 'Also, make sure you adjust the pressure of the brush to the different parts of your body, so it is comfortable yet stimulating enough to increase circulation.'

And remember: consistency is key. 'You should see a rosy flush to the brushed areas,' Katie continues. 'Do this for a minimum of three minutes, ideally three times a week.'

Busting The Body Brushing Myths

We buy into detox teas, diets and beauty products every day, but according to Dr. Jonquille, there is no clear scientific evidence that we excrete toxins after dry body brushing, contrary to popular belief.

'That said, stimulating the lymphatic system may help to move the lymph (a fluid in the circulatory system containing white blood cells) along,' she says, 'and as a result, our own bodies can remove those toxins at a faster rate.'

The Best Dry Body Brushes Out There Right Now:

- Aromatherapy Associates Body Brush, £21

The coarse, cactus bristles make for a truly invigorating scrub. No wonder it has such a huge beauty journo following.

- ESPA Skin Brush, £18

The natural bristles in ESPA's wooden brush are super-sturdy yet have the ability to reach even the jiggly bits of flesh around the thighs.

- Mio Body Brush, £14.50

Mio's boar bristle brush also boasts massage nodules to enhance your pre-shower scrub. Skip the salon and invest in this baby.

- Aevi Wellness Karmameju Recharge Ionic Body Brush, £55

Body-care collides with science in this clever brush which supercharges the skin with negative ions to soup up the transportation of oxygen to the cells. Be quick - it's constantly selling out.

- Green People Age Defy & Body Brush, £8

The longer handle makes reaching areas such as your back much less of an effort and the natural bristles are compatible with even the most sensitive skin.

- Iris Hantverk Body Brush, £16.50

This handmade brush will give your bedside table a touch of rustic charm; the horsehair bristles are flexible yet vigorous.

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