Dry brushing and DIY Cellulite Cream

 

Dry brushing. Everyone does this right? I’ve been dry brushing my skin for several years, and I simply was not aware that not every woman on the planet was aware of this simple, extremely effective DIY body basic!

It is customary for blog posts to be created as a direct result of conversations inside the treatment room. Last week we were busy discussing laser hair removal and somehow the softness of the skin was brought up.  After 14 years of treating with medical lasers, it doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination that I have had hair removal – well, everywhere. We were discussing my arms specifically (which used to be really hairy with a light blonde-light brown hair mix). The client wanted to know if there was a need to treat in the future, or if there were any skin disruptions, was it soft, etc. The client asked if the softness of my skin was due to laser hair removal. Although, hair-free skin is indeed softer, my hair removal was over 10 years ago. As the conversation progressed I found myself repeating my daily routine for my own skin (body, not face). I realized that in addition to the DIY body butter I use (click here for recipe) as posted on the lovely Rachel Holder’s blog at holderingherown.com, that I only use the body butter if not treating for cellulite. As I tend to do, I was on to the next laser treatment and in a post-note sort of thought-out-loud statement added “in addition to dry skin brushing”.

In the world of holistic beauty treatments, dry brushing is kind of the genesis of all body skincare — it’s the one thing that people with glowy effortlessly gorgeous skin do – everyday. When I heard about this years ago, it seemed like something that I would definitely not enjoy. They wanted me to take a dry scratchy brush with no product and brush it over my already sensitive red skin? Yes, that’s correct. They insisted it would make it softer. “Right” I thought and discarded that almost as soon as I heard it. On his very next visit, the skin care professional that I trained under for over a decade asked how often I replaced my dry brush? I’m sorry, my what? My attention was then captured. Admittedly, the first few times I tried dry brushing, I didn’t spend much time on it because initially it felt a little torture-esq. However, with a recent considerable amount of weight loss and a sluggish lymphatic system I was dedicated to dry brushing daily for 30 days. I measured various body areas and took photos (scary photos!).

BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING

1. Removal of dry skin. Let’s face it – we spend a great deal of time on the appearance of our face, but largely ignore the skin on our body. Dry brushing is fantastic for whole body exfoliation. The good news is, that’s not all it’s good for.

2. Say good-bye to cellulite! Of course it’s easy to think that cellulite is a problem reserved for individuals who are over-weight. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is – cellulite is experienced by those with a sluggish lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating (cellular) waste products.  Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules transport cellular waste to your blood for elimination, (this is called lymphatic drainage). In addition to the aesthetic presentation of cellulite, if your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins will build up and can make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid. If you have the body type that is characterized by sluggish lymphatics, dry brushing will wake up the lymphatic system and get the lymph flowing freely. (If you are not sure of your primary body type, ask during your next visit, these body types have been studied specifically for the treatment of your skin – there are 4 primary body morphologies: Sanguine, Lymphatic, Nervous & Bilious).

3.  When you dry brush your skin, it increases circulation to your skin, which encourages the elimination of metabolic waste. If this waste is not properly eliminated, cellulite (or fatty deposits under the skin). Dry brushing will help eliminate toxins as well as more evenly distribute any fat cells.

DRY BRUSHING 101

1. Purchase a natural bristled brush (like the one pictured above).  These should not cost more than $10. It is better to have one with a handle for hard to reach spots (mine has a detachable long handle).

2. Brush your skin once a day, preferably in the morning before you shower.

3. Start at your feet and use long upward strokes  always towards your heart.

4. Be sure to go over the armpit area really well – there are many lymph nodes here.

5.  Brush over an area several times – just remember the point of dry brushing is stimulation, not irritation. It is normal for the skin to be slightly red immediately after brushing.

6. When you get above your heart, brush downwards towards your heart.

7. Dry brush at least once per day before you shower or bathe. After you shower, apply the DIY body butter from above. For an added punch – make this DIY Cellulite cream and apply after towelling dry.

DIY Cellulite Cream

What you’ll need:&

• 3/4 cup Coconut Oil
• 2 tablespoons of shaved Beeswax
• 3 tablespoons of Witch Hazel
• 10 drops Juniper oil
• 10 drops Rosemary oil
• 30 drops Grapefruit or peppermint oil
• 30 drops Cypress oil

How to:

• Mix together all of the essential oils and the witch hazel. Stir until well blended.
• Over low heat and using a double broiler, melt the beeswax & coconut oil together. (This gives you a creamy base).
• Once the beeswax has melted, add the oil mixture to the beeswax & coconut oil blend.
• Pour into a resealable jar and store in a cool place. *Preferably glass. I use a wide mouth mason jar).

This homemade cellulite cream packs a powerful punch, thanks to the amazing essential oils!  Why? Well, Juniper is a diuretic and purifier while also being a great circulation stimulator. Rosemary is essential for increasing blood flow throughout the body which significantly reduces the appearance of cellulite over time and it is also great for flushing out your lymphatic system and getting rid of water retention. Cyprus and grapefruit essential oils are both effective towards increasing circulation, relieving fluid retention and flushing toxins from your skin. Witch hazel is a crucial ingredient, as it helps refine and tighten your skin.  Having a more even-toned surface will deflect some of the visual effects of cellulite.

*It is not recommended to use this DIY cellulite cream while pregnant. If you have varicose veins (not spider veins) that are rope like, do not dry brush nor use this Cellulite cream.

Treatments 

As part of Summer Skin Camp we’ve been providing cellulite treatments in the treatment room as well. Slightly different from being at home. First, we start with cleansing and exfoliation of the area to be treated as we teach you to dry brush. Next we apply the slimming solution to the body area being treated. We then wrap the area in plastic wrap and add a thermal blanket that activates the slimming treatment. After this solution is hot toweled off, our Cellulite Treatment cream is applied and clients take home a jar of their own. This service is now a part of our regular menu offering for $175. This includes any laser service for your face during the wrap (might as well not let this time go to waste!). From today through Saturday, June 28th we are offering the cellulite body wrap service (along with any laser service for the face) with take home treatment cream and dry skin brush for $125!  (This service can not be combined with other offers).

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