10 Minutes for a Toned Body

Adding 10 minutes to your morning routine may seem challenging. However, if your goal is to remodel your body and get in shape before bikini season,  those extra minutes might be worth it .

But what is it? Dry brushing is the simple and quick step of massaging your body with a ‘dry’ brush  made of vegetable bristles, before applying your body cream and getting dressed for the day.

While it may seem like a rough gesture at first, dry brushing is actually an act of love and care for the body: it  provides an incredible burst of energy, improves the deep and superficial circulation, re-oxygenates and detoxifies, renews the tissues and promotes circulation and remodeling . The origin of dry brushing is debated, but it certainly has  ancient roots : testimonies are found both in ancient Greece and Asia, particularly in Japan where it has always been appreciated as an exfoliation and self-massage ritual.

Adding 10 minutes to your morning routine may seem difficult. However, if your goal is to reshape your body and get in shape before bikini season, those extra minutes might be worth it. But what is it ? Dry brushing is a quick and easy step that involves massaging your body with a dry, plant-bristled brush before applying your usual cream and getting dressed for the day. Although it may seem like a harsh move at first, dry brushing is actually an act of love and care for the body: it provides an incredible burst of energy, improves deep and surface circulation, reoxygenates and detoxifies, renews tissues and promotes circulation and remodeling. The origin of dry brushing has ancient roots: evidence can be found both in ancient Greece and in Asia, particularly in Japan where it has always been appreciated as a ritual of exfoliation and self-massage.

Although with some differences, the technicalities of use have some key common traits: first of all, it is  fundamental to choose a brush with rough bristles in order to exert a mechanical scrubbing action  which favors the detachment of the stratum corneum and cell turnover.

Ideal as a self-massage, dry brushing involves slow and circular movements  moving from the bottom upwards with firm pressure that stimulates the microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, responsible for eliminating the toxins present in our body. Especially with summer in view, dry brushing is the best self-treatment to rejuvenate the skin, reshape and restore vitality and radiance to the body after months spent under layers of clothes. If you are used to showering in the morning, do this mini-routine 5 to 10 minutes before stepping into the shower!

Although, with certain differences, the techniques of use have essential common features: first of all, it is fundamental to choose a brush with rough bristles in order to exert a mechanical scrubbing action that favors the detachment of the stratum corneum and cell renewal. Ideal as a self-massage, dry brushing involves slow, circular movements going from bottom to top with firm pressure that stimulates microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, responsible for eliminating toxins present in our body. Especially in summer, dry brushing is the best treatment to rejuvenate the skin, reshape and restore vitality and radiance to the body after months spent under layers of clothing. If you usually shower in the morning, do this routine 5 to 10 minutes before you shower!

Dry blow drying: the benefits

Toned and silky skin – one of the main benefits of dry brushing is the possibility to  obtain a deep and constant exfoliation. The daily, or frequent, removal of dead cells with the rough bristles is the first obvious result of the massage. This is  essential for the elasticity and silkiness of the skin , which also helps it breathe and eliminate toxins. In addition, if done in preparation for sun exposure,  it will guarantee a longer tan.

Circulation, tone and metabolism –  brushing our body, starting from the feet and moving slowly towards the heart, promotes optimal blood circulation , with the result of a  more perfused, oxygenated and hence hydrated skin . Better circulation also ensures a  beneficial activation of the metabolism  which is essential in remodeling and anti-cellulite programs. Finally, a boost of energy for the body and mind increases the overall mood and helps us to face the day with energy and positivity. For this reason, the practice of dry brushing should be inserted into the morning routine, to avoid activating energy before sleeping.

Stimulation of the lymphatic system and detox action – the lymphatic system is a very important part of our immune system. It is composed of organs, lymph nodes and capillaries that transport lymph to every part of our body. Several capillaries radiate under our skin and the dry brushing technique stimulates optimal functionality , guaranteeing the elimination of waste for a better detoxifying action.

Dry brushing: the benefits

Toned, silky skin – one of the main benefits of dry brushing is the ability to achieve deep, consistent exfoliation. The daily or frequent removal of dead cells using the stiff-bristled brush is the first obvious result of the massage. This is essential for the elasticity and smoothness of the skin, which helps it breathe and eliminate toxins. Additionally, if this is done in anticipation of sun exposure, it will ensure a longer tan. Circulation, tone and metabolism – brushing our body starting at the feet and slowly progressing towards the heart promotes optimal blood circulation, resulting in skin that is more irrigated, oxygenated and therefore hydrated. Better circulation also ensures beneficial activation of metabolism, essential in remodeling and anti-cellulite programs. Finally, a boost of energy for the body and mind increases the overall mood and helps us start the day with energy and positivity. For this reason, the practice of dry brushing should be inserted into the morning routine in order to avoid the activation of energy before sleeping. Lymphatic system stimulation and detoxification action – the lymphatic system is a very important part of our immune system. It is made up of organs, lymph nodes and capillaries that carry lymph to all parts of our body. Several capillaries radiate under our skin and the dry brushing technique stimulates optimal functionality, ensuring the elimination of waste for better detoxifying action.

Dry blow drying: the method

It takes 5 to 10 minutes every day, as a habit before showering, to see – and feel – various benefits. Consistency is key to this practice: a daily commitment, or at least every two to three days, to ensure visible benefits. Finally, get yourself a brush with hard and rough bristles, which are not too aggressive on your skin and comfortable for everyday use.

The dry brushing step by step:

In the morning, before entering the shower, massage the brush gently on your skin.

1) Start from the feet, massage both back and front, then go up along the legs with wide and fluid movements. Apply a comfortable and moderate pressure.

2) After massaging the legs, carry on to the buttocks and back, moving towards the front of the body with circular movements.

3) Proceed with a massage on the arms, starting from the hands and moving towards the shoulders. A slight reddening of the skin is possible, a normal consequence due to the stimulation of circulation: it is a visual signal that our body is reacting and energizing.

4) After massaging the limbs, moderate the pressure exerted with the brush and treat the area of ​​​​the bust. Massage the part of the breasts with delicacy, to avoid excessive stress on this particularly sensitive part of the body. Conduct circular movements down until you reach your stomach.

5) Once the whole-body massage is complete, proceed with a shower and your daily routine.

Quick, easy and effective; dry brushing is an act of daily love towards oneself, able to change one’s mood in just a few minutes, revitalize us and give a remarkable burst of energy! Consistency use ensures a feeling of lightness and brighter skin, and it optimizes the effectiveness of nourishing, anti-cellulite and toning products.

Dry brushing: the method

It takes between 5 and 10 minutes every day, as a habit before showering, to see – and feel – the multiple benefits. Perseverance is the key to this practice: a daily commitment, or at least every two or three days, to ensure visible results. Finally, get a brush with hard, rough bristles that are not too harsh on the skin and are comfortable for daily use.

Dry brushing step by step:

In the morning, before getting in the shower, gently massage the brush into your skin.

1) Start at the feet, massage the soles and front of the feet, then move up the legs with broad, fluid movements. Apply comfortable, moderate pressure.

2) After massaging the legs, continue to the buttocks and back, moving towards the front of the body in circular movements.

3) Perform an arm massage starting from the hands and moving towards the shoulders. A slight redness of the skin is possible, a normal consequence due to the stimulation of circulation: it is a visual signal that our body is reacting and revitalizing itself.

 4) After massaging the limbs, moderate the pressure exerted with the brush and treat the bust area. Gently massage the chest, it is a particularly sensitive part of the body. Make circular movements until you reach your stomach.

5) Once the massage is finished, move on to the shower and your daily routine. Quick, easy and effective; Dry brushing is a daily act of love towards ourselves, capable of changing our mood in just a few minutes, revitalizing us and giving remarkable energy! Regular practice provides a feeling of lightness and brighter skin and optimizes the effectiveness of nourishing, anti-cellulite and toning products applied to your body.