Words by Ateh Jewel
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Discover how to introduce a quick dry body brushing routine into your day to help boost and invigorate your skin.
Happy New Year! It’s a fresh start and a time to look to the future and give yourself self-care and self-love. Forget about making lists of New Year’s resolutions that won’t last, and instead start a new and ever-so-simple wellness routine, like dry body brushing.
Dry body brushing has been used as an invigorating and energising body care ritual for over 5,000 years – since the ancient Egyptians in fact! Dry body brushing is great for lymphatic drainage – which helps rid the body of toxins – and for boosting circulation and giving your skin a healthy glow.
How do I use a body brush?
Starting at your feet, brush upwards in circular motions towards your heart to exfoliate, unclog pores and help firm and tone the skin. The best time for body brushing is just before a shower so that you can wash the dead skin cells off afterwards.
Dry body brushing also makes your body oils and creams work harder, as the skin is prepped and primed to absorb moisture more deeply.
10 of the best dry body brushes and products to use
Here are some great body brushes and products that promise to leave you feeling renewed and rejuvenated.
1. The Body Shop, Cactus Long Handle Body Brush, £12
This body brush comes with a long handle so you can reach those hard to brush areas on your back to help leave your skin feeling soft and exfoliated. You can also use your favourite body wash with the brush if the bristles feel a little too hard.
2. Anatome, Detox Brush, £6.50
This unique brush is made up of natural bristles and flexible nodules to stimulate blood flow and brighten the skin by getting rid of dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
3. Balance Me, Vegan Body Brushes, £22.40
This pair of vegan body brushes are great for anyone who is time poor as they speed up the process. Use the brushes together like a wave effect up the body towards the heart.
4. Elemis, Body Brushing Cellulite Duo, £38 (worth £61)
Cellulite isn’t a dirty word – it’s just a part of the body – but this exfoliating and skin softening duo will help to soften and smooth the skin.
5. ESPA, Skin Stimulating Body Brush, £14.70
Made with natural bristles from Mexican Cactus plants, this body brush feels luxurious. Using it in your bathroom at home will make you feel like you’re in a spa.
6. Ren, Radiance AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum, £38
This exfoliating body serum is laced with Lactic Acid – not as scary as it sounds as it’s (AHA) – which helps to gently aid the skin’s natural renewal process.
7. Kylie Cosmetics, Body Brush, £19
This vegan and cruelty-free, round body brush is made of bamboo and nylon bristles with a cotton strap to help grip. It fits snuggly in your hand and works perfectly in circular motions.
8. Botanics, Exfoliating Body Brush, £6.50
Made with soft, synthetic bristles, this round brush will leave your skin feeling super soft and invigorated – and a great price point too.
9. Dr Organic, Manuka Honey Body Butter, £9.99
This gorgeous product is packed full of Aloe Vera, Jojoba, Shea butter and New Zealand Honey to help nourish and protect the skin. Slather on and massage the body butter into the skin after body brushing to soothe and nourish.
10. Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush, £28
The Bentley of body brushes, this iconic brush uses natural Cactus Sisal bristles to help keep ingrown hair at bay and help to leave the skin purified.
Enjoy!
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Ateh Jewel
Beauty Columnist, Award-winning Journalist and Diversity Advocate
@atehjewel