I first heard about this when I was 18. ‘Dry body brushing not only helps blood circulation to help detox the body through your body’s biggest organ (your skin), there has been evidence to suggest that it helps reduce cellulite…’ I don’t remember exactly which magazine I read this from, but it was irrelevant. After some quick research on the Internet, I was convinced of all the benefits of it. I mean, it can’t do any harm to just brush your skin!

I remember venturing to the nearest Priceline to get a pair of those synthetic exfoliating gloves and making sure I used it religiously with my shower gel shower every night. I remember persisting for about a month. Results? My skin was definitely glowing and felt silky smooth every day. However, the cellulite? Hmmm… I’m not sure it had made much of an impact. On saying this, I’ve never had a visible cellulite issue. Especially not when I was 18. It was more like I was paranoid that when I pinched my skin firmly, I noticed some unevenness. All this vanity at such a tender age, right?! Anyways…

Entering my university years with increased work and study commitments, naturally the first thing that gives is beauty routines. That was 12 years ago. From them on, I never bothered again. Not until recently, that is…

While I’m keeping my vow from my last pregnancy to look after myself this time round, I’ve been moisturising religiously to prevent more skin damage. A close friend of mine, who was the most glowing pregnant lady and new mum you will ever meet, reminded me about dry body brushing as one of the ways to reduce cellulite. After my experience with a very lazy first pregnancy, this was a no-brainer to add this into my daily routine now that I have a chance to redeem my pregnancy routine!

Firstly, after much research on the Internet and what Miranda Kerr would suggest, you need to find a brush with natural plant bristle. If you are new to this, start with a brush with fine and softer bristles. If you head to websites that specialise in selling dry body brushes, the description will usually say what level of firmness the bristles have. I personally recommend checking out Bodecare.com. (Should I mention that this is the site that Miranda Kerr recommends, as well.) I eventually got mine from The Body Shop due to convenience and I love it. It has the right firmness and natural cactus bristles. I also find the long handle quite handy so I reach my back and legs easily, especially with my pregnant belly in the way.

There seems to be a few methods as to how to dry body brush. Personally, I start from the soles of the feet and work my way up the body, making sure I am using firm and rhythmic strokes towards my heart, from left to right. I count 10 strokes on each patch of skin I’m working on. I start on the left side of the body. So, left feet, left leg, right feet, right leg, stroking upwards. towards my groin. Then, left hand, left arm, right hand, right arm, stroking towards the heart. Lastly, I work through my abdomen ever so gently because my skin is very delicate with my big belly and finally, my back.

I also make sure I do this before my shower. Well, it’s called ‘dry’ brushing for a reason. So, my routine as described during university days (exfoliating in the shower with synthetic gloves) was never really ‘dry’ body brushing.

I’ve been doing this for a month now.

VERDICT?

Absolutely amazing. My skin is silky all the time. Even without applying any moisturiser, the skin is supple and soft, as if the skin has learnt to produce the right amount of oil to keep itself hydrated. That said, I’ll make sure I lather on Kora Organic’s Enriched Body Lotion every second day, especially now that the weather is just dry.
Another highly recommended routine, especially for expectant mums!

Dry Body Brushing Routine That Works!