It’s NO secret I like INTENSE.
Sometimes to the point where I feel like I may (???) alienate some people. Here’s the thing- I am always running late & usually overwhelmed so the more intense the more effective…at least that’s what I tell myself.
I mean I lay on my acupressure mat for 13423048 hours when directions say ten minutes, I leave my clay pimple cream on for 2 ( or 3-ish ) hours when it says 30 minutes, & you sure as hell won’t catch me leaving a cupping session without some INSANE BRUISING.
My Dad says I’ve been like this since I was a little girl.
It’s all or nothing with me, you know?
My pain tolerance is odd.
It’s either freezing fucking cold or scolding hot in my shower.
Anyway, a few years ago I became a HUGEEEEEEEEE, HUGGEEEEE FAN of dry brushing.
If you’re unfamiliar with dry brushing, let me update you?
Basically it “wakes up the lymph system. gets rid of excess fluid, bacteria, viruses, & cell waste. The lymphs act as check points along the pathways of the vessels. And when they’re working well, we feel strong, healthy, & energized.”
& that my friends, is exactly what dry brushing does. IT WAKES UP YOUR SYSTEM.
Also you can scope this post ( I feel like you’ll need to learn the basics before we get started on this very weird post ).
Tony Robbins is a big fan of waking up & jumping on a mini trampoline.
He also loves cryotherapy & dry brushing.
Reason being? BECAUSE IT REALLY SHOCKS THE LYMPH SYSTEM…in the best way.
Because of Tony’s findings, I’m also a huge cryo fan AND I recently bought a mini trampoline. Both of which stimulate the lymphatic system.
( Michael wanted to kill me until he tried jumping on it? It’s in our living room…kind of hidden. But I feel like this is a whole different post? Me & a mini trampoline. Hmmmm ).
Anyway, Tony loves stimulating those lymphs & SO DO I.
So much in fact, I very much want you to stimulate your lymphatic system too.
But here’s the plot twist: I was using those dinky body brushes forever.
It wasn’t enough.
::THIS IS THE PART WHERE YOU STOP FOLLOWING TSC BECAUSE YOU THINK I AM A NUT BAG::
So…I searched high & low for something STRONG.
Like the strongest of strong.
AND, well, I found something that works really well ( for me? ).
A dish brush.
Yes like a brush THAT YOU CLEAN YOUR FUCKING DISHES WITH.
Bear with me?
I, Lauryn Evarts, scrub my body with a sink brush.
This is actually very efficient if you think about it. My lemongrass & ginger liquid soap goes in the soap dispenser & I scrub the shit out of my body in the strongest way possible.
AND BOY OH BOY DOES IT WAKE YOU UP- MORE THAN ANY BODY BRUSH ON THE PLANET.
LIKE I AM FUNCTIONING AT A HIGH 30240384 while everyone else who’s body brushing is a measly 4-ish.
Circulation gets me going ( << it’s just so good for you ).
I wake up, DRY BRUSH WITH A SINK BRUSH…get ready & then maybe jump on my mini trampoline. Am I nuts?
Probably.
But at least my lymph system is on fleek.
AND I have so much energy it’s RIDICULOUS. I’m telling you the difference between a sink brush ( go for a stainless steel one like this kind ) and a boring body brush is NIGHT AND DAY.
The sink brush is just so, SO strong- the bristles are gnarly. Just how I like it.
Some benefits? So glad you asked:
1. Stimulates Lymphatic System
In your body, your lymphatic system is the system responsible for eliminating cellular waste products. Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules allow waste to be collected from your tissues and transported to your blood for elimination, a process referred to as lymphatic drainage.
When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up & make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid…YES PLZ.
2. Exfoliates
Dry skin brushing removes dead dry skin, improves appearance, clears your clogged pores, & allows your skin to “breathe.”
3. Increases Circulation
When you dry brush your skin, it increases circulation to your skin, which encourages the elimination of metabolic waste.
4. Reduces Cellulite
Dry skin brushing may help to soften hard fat deposits below the skin while distributing fat deposits more evenly. This may help to diminish the appearance of cellulite.
Dry brushing is also said to help reduce cellulite by removing toxins that may break down connective tissue, although some believe the effect is temporary ( & mostly a result of skin becoming more plump and swollen after brushing ). The Huffington Post reported: “when we’d heard dry skin brushing was an effective method for reducing cellulite, we knew we had to include it in our anti-cellulite road test. Sure enough, it was indeed one of the more successful ways to smooth away less-than-perfect spots on your legs.”
5. Relieves Stress
The act of dry brushing has been described as meditative ( especially if you do it in a quiet space ) & may reduce muscle tension, calm your mind, & even relieve stress. Many compare it to a light whole-body massage.
6. Improves Digestion & Kidney Function
Dry skin brushing may go even deeper, helping to support your digestion and organ function. According to one skin care and spa expert: “…many naturopathic doctors use dry brushing to help with bloating because massaging the lymph nodes helps the body shed excess water and toxins. One of the immediate effects of dry brushing is smoother skin, but it can also help improve digestion, kidney function, & more.”
7. It’s Invigorating AF
Many people become “addicted” to dry skin brushing ( in a good way LIKE ME ) because it simply feels so good. Along with glowing & tighter skin, regular dry skin brushers report feeling invigorated after a quick session.
THIS IS ALL VERY TRUE FOR ME.
{ adapted from | PC }
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Some specific instructions for DRY BRUSHING from Mind Body Green– check it:
1.) Start on dry skin before bathing & work in gentle circular, upward motions, then longer, smoother strokes.
2.) Always begin at the ankles in upwards movements towards the heart – the lymphatic fluid flows through the body towards the heart, so it’s important that you brush in the same direction.
3.) Your back is the only exception to the preceding rule; brush from the neck down to the lower back.
4.) After you’ve finished with the ankles, move up to the lower legs, thighs, stomach, back and arms. Be cautious of softer and sensitive skin around the chest & breasts, and never brush over inflamed skin, sores, sun-burnt skin, or skin cancer. ( Also: ensure you shower to wash away the dead skin cells & impurities ).
Tippity tip: alternating temperatures in the shower from hot to cold will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bring more blood to the outer layers of the skin.
Then follow it up with a slick moisturizer to nourish the skin— raw coconut oil WORKS WONDERS.
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So the whole sink brush thing is a weird discovery that I made on my own- it hasn’t been tested by anyone but me so if you’re suspicious consult a doctor. I love how it feels & the intensity just gets me going.
And if you’re on the fence about dry brushing in general, get on board. Even if it’s with a dinky body brush. It will still get the job done ( just not as intense as I like it! ). Sink brush ( LOL ) I use is found here– it’s legit in my shower now.
Oh & interested in a post in lympathic stimulation for the face? LMK- I do this too…like everyday.
Ok off to finish my latest book, The Brand Gap, & drink a cup of tea. It’s been a longgggg day. Anyone with me?
Happy Monday! XO lauryn
+ be sure to listen to the latest podcast with my dad, stepmom, & brother ; ).
BE WEIRD LIKE ME:
I will definitely have to try this! How do you use it on your face? Do you use the same brush? Always looking to improve my body and health! Thanks Lauryn!!
Love your mention of the trampoline…I’ve been thinking about trying one for awhile. I have lymphadema (swelling) in one of my legs (not cute at 33) and definitely started noticing a difference in the swelling the more I consistently worked out. But it seems to me it was jumping/plyometrics that helps it the most, and now have been reading a long of great things about trampolining (“rebounding”) for lymphadema…just trying to figure out where to put one!
You should give it a try. SO fun too! : ) xx
Love this post! Do you think dry brushing is still beneficial at night? I typically never shower in the morning. Buying a mini trampoline asap!
Yes, please do a post on facial lymphatic drainage techniques!!
I usually work out before I shower. Should I dry brush before the workout or between the workout and shower? I’m interested in the lymphatic stimulation for the face too. Love TSC!
Please do posts on the mini trampoline and the lymphatic stimulation for face!! I just got a mini trampoline a few months ago and I’m obsessed. I jump on it while Netflix-ing and sometimes I even look up cardio workouts to do on it on YouTube.
I’m SUPER interested in lymphatic stimulation for the face. I already dry brush most mornings (with a dinky one, lol) but I have often wondered how to extend that to my face. Would love to hear your thoughts and tips on that.
Thanks for all the great content always, Lauryn! Your blog is among my absolute favorites on my bookmarks and I look forward to checking it for new posts every few days. <3
I love how you take such good care of your lymphatic system! Yes, trampoline works to get your calves working, which boost lymph flow back from the legs. Our main superficial lymph node areas are at the inguinal crease (groin) and armpits, so lymph vessels flow toward those points, even in the back. Does your skin get pink with all that scrubbing?
Ahhhhh! When I heard you, Anabelle, and Michael discussing Tony I wanted to roll over and die. Hahahaha, a bit dramatic, but seriously… LOVE that man and Anabelle is right, his events are INSANE in the best way possible. My father-in-law is a successful entrepreneur who has attended his events for years and years and invited us a long a couple of years ago. I cannot wait to go back!
Stay tuned : ) xx
Try dry brushing after the workout and before your shower. That way you get wash all the dead skin away! xx
It’s SO fun!! Stay tuned : ) xx
Yes!! Definitely still do it. It will help at any time. xx
So do you dry brush with it and wash your body in the shower with it with the soap?
I just got a trampoline recently too!! It’s SO SMALL IN OUR APT HA.
Literally doing all of what Tony/you say to do.
love love love!
xoxo
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
Love this post!! You mention you put the soap in the dispenser…do you take it into the shower after you dry brush? Do you say screw it and scrub in shower w soap to save time?
I bought a dinky dry brush ages ago but never got into it…may need to try this way!!
I was wondering the same thing? Thought maybe buy 2 and use one dry and fill the other with soap?
I was wondering the same too!
“my lymph system is on fleek” haha love it! might have to get on this sink brush train too! 🙂
I want the sink brush!! but if I’ve never dry brushed…will I die? haha generally low pain tolerance but I like things to be EFFECTIVE
Hey Lauryn! There was a great book I read in the 90s about skin brushing. It was a 4 step process. Start with the dry brushing. Repeat the same strokes with a rough washcloth in the shower. Repeat with a rough towel as you dry off. Then repeat same strokes with coconut oil or whatever body moisturizer you use. So you have 4 steps to move that lymph. It really really really makes your skin glow! Make sure you do everything towards the heart – there is a very specific way to do it to actually move the lymph – and it’s not as much pressure applied as you might think. I looked for the book online but cannot remember the name exactly. Get the glow or something. I’ll send you the link if I find it. Great post! 🙂
Thanks for these tips! LOVE it. Would love to know if you find it : ) xx
I cannot wait for you to post about the mini trampoline!! I have one but I don’t use it consistently. I feel like once you report back to us on your thoughts/results it’ll inspire me, LOL
I love to do it every morning;-)
Thanks for the info on dry brushing. Now I know what to do.
Thanks for the support Hichey. x
How often do you dry brush? I love to spray tan too and would imagine it would strip it off. I spray tan once a week, should I dry brush the same amount or daily! Also with the soap in your brush is it still dry brushing??
I feel you girl, when I am spray tanning a lot I’ll only dry brush in the shower before I get it done. Then maybe 3 days later before another spray tan. x
Hi Lauryn,
So you literally brush your skin dry? or with the soap? as in out of the shower? Then you shower? haha sorry if this is a dumb question but I want to make sure. Thank you!
A hot water shower for your skin might feel like a warm shower to another’s. What feels warm to your skin might feel too cold to another. Your skin is the same: it has an exfoliation tolerance similar to it’s sensitivity to water’s temperature. So which “temperature” or level of exfoliation is right for your skin? Answer: It VARIES. Think of these “Levels” as cold, lukewarm, warm, and hot, and, of course, choose accordingly. @wizkerskin
I’m convinced! And I find you entertaining in a good way. I’m going to start tomorrow.
Lauren, the way this post is written just makes me love you so much more hahha