Okay, here’s another slightly weird favorite for you: body brushing.
Body brushing does not make sense to me because it hurts like mad, and then I can’t wait to try it again.
It’s a very simple little favorite to add to your life.
Basically, you run on down to the Body Shop, ask the girl working there to point you in the direction of the body brushes, buy one, take it home, and brush your body all over with very, very scratchy bristles until your skin feels as though it’s on fire, and then you jump in the shower and watch yourself turn bright red.
After that, you think a lot about how you feel all fantastically refreshed, scratched out, and invigorated, and decide to do it again, even though brushing your stomach could almost be a form of torture.
Now, why would you want to do all of this?
Well, there are a number of reasons why it’s really healthy for you:
Brushing exfoliates and tones the skin, slows down the process of aging, increases circulation, and alleviates muscle tension. Brushing also increases blood flow and improves circulation. The action will tighten the skin, making it less prone to wrinkles. It’s a simple, reliable practice that keeps skin healthy and vital, and leaves you feeling healthy and strong. This proven practice is also known to prevent and reduce the formation of cellulite in the thighs and bottom area, where peroxidized lipids (fats), proteins, and waste products tend to accumulate.(source)
(The whole article is interesting, and you can read it here.)
I do it because I kept reading about body brushing everywhere, and it seemed like a simple, cheap option for improving my health. Because it improves circulation and gets rid of toxins, it addresses a number of health issues I’ve dealt with in the past.
A brush costs around twelve bucks, it’s easy to do, and it feels fantastic and awful at the same time! I haven’t been doing it for very long, though, so apparently my skin will toughen up and not feel so irritated with time.
So, who’s all rushing out to buy a body brush?! You should try it! Or maybe you already have? Tell us all about it!
(Click here to read more about “34 Days of Favorites”.)
Here’s the list of favorites, in case you missed any!
Ordinary Days 
Hi, thanks for writing this post… you know what? I bought a Body Shop body brush, amongst other things, years ago at a Body Shop party. I used it a couple of time but never got into it… it’s now hiding in my “don’t use all the time” beauty draw. Your post has inspired me to dig it out and give this a go… refreshed skin all over here I come! Nicola
That’s awesome! I’m glad the post inspired you. 🙂 But I totally know what you mean about letting it fall by the wayside. When I don’t feel like taking the time for it, I have to remind myself it takes 5 minutes, which is not that much when you look at the big picture.
Good luck as you give it another go!
We also have discovered body brushing, but tend to only do it before using the sauna (another good way to release toxins and feel refreshed). Maybe I should get into the habit of brushing before showers too.
Kendra your blog has been such an encouragement to me and you leave such great challenges for us. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts:) Keep it coming:D
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