Need a new practice to help extend your skincare below your neck?
The area can be neglected as we focus on cleansers and serums for our face but forget the expanse of skin on our limbs and torso. It becomes what feels like an even bigger challenge when the weather cools and standing sans clothes after the shower isn’t at all appealing.
However, paying attention to our skin everywhere has more benefits than simply smooth or hydrated feel. Through the simple act of touch and massage we are able to improve circulation, relax the muscles, and even reduce stress levels. Done mindfully it may even help our mental health.
What is body brushing?
The practice of dry-body brushing has many proponents.
Requiring just a couple of minutes a day pre-bath or shower, dry body brushing involves waking up the skin – and your senses – by stroking skin with a stiff-bristled body brush. It is said to help move sluggish lymph fluid, reduce puffiness and fluid retention. Lymph fluid is a key part of the lymphatic system, a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials as well as helping the body fight infection.
While it’s not generally the primary focus, it’s also a great technique to gently exfoliate the skin, preparing it to better receive any body lotion or oil applied on top and prevent clogged pores.
Gwyneth Paltrow has long been a fan of the practice, and has been regularly seen using her Goop brand body brush in posts on social media prior to a morning shower, sauna or exercise session.
“It just wakes you up,” Gwyneth explained in one post. “Its tingling and invigorating. It’s one of my favourite wellness rituals to do before I sweat or workout.”
“It feels like it helps gets the circulation going like it brings the blood to the surface of the skin to really jumpstart that detoxification process,’ the Oscar winner explained.
Moving fluid can help minimise fluid retention, which in turn may help with the appearance of cellulite.
Tronque’s Ionic Dry Body Brush, Fully Ripe Vitamin C Body Oil and Rich as Croesus Firming Butter.
While many body brushes involve biodegradable sisal fibers on a longer wooden handle – just like Gwyneth’s G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush – Tanné Snowden, founder of luxury body care brand Tronque has developed one in more of a paddle style.
The Ionic Dry Body Brush is made made from extra fine ion-charged copper bristles, naturally forming negative ions from natural friction. Also known as an ‘energy brush’, the brand says Ionic Body Brush creates negative ions as you brush, ‘re-grounding your natural energy state’.
Snowden says using the Ionic Body Brush is the perfect way to stimulate energy through improving circulation, with habitual use revealing improved skin appearance.
“Dry brushing your skin with our Ionic Body Brush will exfoliate any dry skin, leaving your skin smoother and brighter, with reduced cellulite, lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation,” she says.
“I recommend initiating your self-care routine by using the Ionic Body Brush before showering or after waking up.”
Snowden says it can be used harmoniously alongside the other Tronque body products like the luxe, Rich as Croesus Firming Butter or active Fully Ripe Vitamin C Body Oil, to nourish your body from the outside in.
How to use a body brush
Most proponents suggest using the brush in short vigorous strokes towards the heart. Be careful not to press too hard.
Tronque recommendations include using their brush in the morning before showering.
‘Brush your skin using wide, circular, clockwise motions,’ guides the brand in regards to its Ionic Body Brush. ‘Start at your feet and move up your body ensuring you use light pressure in areas where your skin is thin and harder pressure on thicker skin, like the soles of your feet.’