Health week; Dry Brushing for the skin

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I had only heard of dry brushing recently and had known straight away I wanted to start trying it myself. The idea is that brushing your skin when it's dry with a soft bristled brush helps detoxify it, remove dead skin cells, improves circulation - and is even said to have a calming effect! I had also heard it was great for stopping and minimising cellulite, so naturally, went to the shops straight away to get my own brush to begin. The results? I have found after just a few days little differences - especially the feel of it. Don't take my advice though - here are some of the benefits of dry brushing from the experts, and how to do it properly should you want to try it yourself (which I can't recommend highly enough).

Benefits of Dry Brushing

• removes cellulite (to remove cellulite stick at it daily for months)
• cleanses the lymphatic system
• removes dead skin layers
• strengthens the immune system
• stimulates the hormones and oil-producing glands
• tightens the skin, preventing premature ageing
• tones the muscles
• stimulates circulation
• improves the function of the nervous system
• helps digestion
• fat deposits are better distributed
• unplugs the pores in the skin
• increases the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients
• increases cell renewal

How To...Dry Brush your skin

To dry brush the skin, you will need a soft, natural fibre brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. A loofah sponge or rough towel can also be used. Do not use synthetic fibre brushes as these may be too rough for your skin.

When dry brushing, always do so before bathing or showering. You can brush from head to toe or toe to head, as long as the entire body is brushed. Use long, sweeping strokes that start from the bottom of your feet upwards, from the hands towards the shoulders, and upward on the torso in order to help lymph fluid drain back towards the heart. Be aware that stroking away from the heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.

When brushing, use lighter pressure in areas where the skin is thinner and heavier pressure where it is thicker. Perform the brushing once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough brushing should take about 15 minutes to complete but any amount of time you spend on it will be of benefit. If you are feeling unwell, you can brush twice a day. Dry brush areas of cellulite for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day to help it dissolve. To see results, you will need to do so consistently for at least five months.

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So what are you waiting for? You can pick up your own brush from your local beauty store for cheap. I am getting in the habit of doing it before my morning shower each day - but of course with anything, find what works for you and then stick at it. Happy brushing!

Looking after your skin

Ever since I was younger my mum has always told me the following things about looking after my skin; Always drink plenty of water, never sleep in your make up and whenever you cleanse & moisturise don't ever neglect your neck and neckline areas. Sure I didn't always follow this advice in my 'younger' years but since my teenage days I've followed the rules to a T. I drink 4L of water a day, never sleep in my make up..ever and have a 3 step face cleaning routine that I follow each night. Doing all of this & more, I sadly however have been battling a mild case of almost adult acne for  the past 8 months. It wasn't until I read on Delighted Momma's blog about skin zones that I have managed to start combating the problem. My skin was reacting in zones 11, 13 & 12 - the reasons? A hormonal imbalance (which was confirmed by a Doctor) and from extensive dental work (my major jaw surgery). Learning the zones though has helped me battle through my skin problems so much & I think it so important you know what your skin is trying to tell you if you're getting targeted break outs. Here is the face mapped out - pick the zone area you have trouble with and find the number and explanation below (& some tips to help you get on top of your skin problems in your trouble areas (p.s I found the best website with all of this information here - although almost every single one says the exact same thing). 

Zones 1 & 3

Traditionally, this zone is regarded as the "sister" to the bladder and digestive system. If you breakout frequently in this area, it might mean that you need to improve your elimination by drinking more water and eating more "whole" foods.

TIPS

• Drink lots of water throughout the day.
• Avoid make up or hair products with comedogenic ingredients (i.e. Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Mysirtate, S.D. Alcohol)
• Be sure to properly remove all make up and cleanser (paying close attention to the hairline

Zone 2

The middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows, is related to the liver. Congestion in this zone can indicate over consumption of alcohol, rich foods, and possibly a food allergy (such as lactose intolerance).

TIPS

• When tweezing hairs in this area, be sure to use sanitized tweezers (and try to avoid too much touching with the fingertips, as this can increase oil production).

Zones 4 & 10

The ears are a highly sensitive area related to the kidneys. If you notice that your ears are very hot, you might be stressing them out – drink plenty of plain water and cut down on caffeine and alcohol.

TIPS

• Make certain to keep your phone or headset clean.
• Be sure to properly rinse out shampoo / conditioner around this area.

Zones 5 & 9

The cheeks often give an accurate glimpse into any respiratory distress. Smokers or people suffering from allergies generally experience fine, broken capillaries or congestion in this area.

TIPS

• Ensure that your make up does not contain comedogenic ingredients.
• Make certain to keep your phone or headset clean.

Zones 6 & 8

The eyes are truly a window to the body's health because they're related to the kidneys. Dark circles , while often hereditary, are made worse by dehydration and poor elimination.

TIPS

• Drink plenty of water.
• Try laying down with a cold or lavender scented eye mask to help calm irritation.
• Never go without eye cream.
• Completely remove make up in this area.
• Use Total Eye Care SPF 15 during the day to help conceal dark circles, help treat current lines (& prevent future damage).

Zone 7

A reddened nose can indicate heightened blood pressure, or the early stages of rosacea. Congestion around the upper lip can occur if you use comedogenic lipsticks or liners.

TIPS

• Be careful if extracting blackheads at home - Poor extraction techniques can damage tissues and cause broken capillaries or damaged tissues.
• Ensure that your make up does not contain comedogenic ingredients.
• Use overnight cleaning gel on this area if you are experiencing excess oiliness (which is very common here).

Zones 11 & 13

If you've had extensive dental surgery done, you might notice a breakout along the jaw line, near the ears.

TIPS

• Avoid resting your hand here (guilty as charged!)
• Ensure that your phone stays clean (double guilty as charged)
• Ensure that your make up does not contain comedogenic ingredients, and completely remove all traces of make up during cleansing. 

Zone 12

Breakouts or unusual hair growth can indicate hormonal imbalance, possibly caused by extreme stress. Premenstrual breakouts are also very common on the chin.

TIPS

• Try to avoid resting your hand on your chin.
• Really focus on this area during cleansing and completely remove traces of cleanser.

Zone 14

Don't forget to include your neck in your treatment regimen - its skin is just as fragile as that on your face, so it definitely needs the benefits of moistuisation and sun protection.

TIPS

• If you are sensitive, avoid spritzing fragrance in this area.
• Don't forget sunscreen in this area.
• Incorporate this area in to your cleansing routine, it is often overlooked! (Turns out mum was right all those years!)