Did you ever look at your car following a torrential downpour and wonder how that automobile could possibly still look a bit gritty? Yes, residual grime remains on your ‘ride,’ spoiling its shine and luster, even after hours of a hammering rainstorm.
Well, the same principle applies to our skin. Even after stepping out of a refreshing shower, or steamy bath, our skin retains the residue of indoor, outdoor, and internal daily life. In my last blog, I explained how our faces need special treatment, comparing them to windows, which also need regular attention. This time, I’m comparing us to cars.
What? Sounds a little humorous, doesn’t it: That an aesthetician whose sensitive profession is devoted to healthy skin, is comparing us to industrial strength engineered objects like cars and windows?
Yes – but...
And here comes the “but.” Water alone almost never cleans anything deeply. So in the same way our faces need exfoliation, our entire body does as well.
I recommend brushing – with a dry jute brush like we have here at Changes Spa & Aesthetics, for example – before stepping into the shower or tub. In addition to eliminating dead epidermal cells, the brushing helps detoxify skin and improve circulation. It can also help ingrown hairs to surface up, and help to reduce cellulite. These benefits all result in smoother, brighter skin. Some clients even report feeling some weight loss. Talk about benefits!
Dry brush exfoliating, however, has advantages that are much more than skin deep. The procedure assists in improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which in particular, aids the body in detoxification.
When the body’s lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and have a negative impact on our health. In fact, lymphatic congestion is a leading cause of inflammation, which can lead to disease.
Dry brushing aside, we have additional procedures right here at Changesthat may be effective in helping to activate a stagnant lymphatic function. Among them are microcurrent and LED light therapy. Do give me a call and we can discuss if these treatments are right for you.
In the meantime, brush up on your body! And I do mean brush UP.
When brushing, always brush towards your heart. Start at your feet and work your way up your legs to your arms, chest, back, and stomach. The pressure you apply needs to be firm, but not painful; definitely avoid “scrubbing.” Afterwards, your skin should look pink, not red or irritated.
And best of all, after dry brushing and a shower or bath, your skin will have the glow and luster it was meant to have…even better than the luster on that auto in a showroom!
By Cora Ciaramello
L.E., C.P.E., LMT Aesthetician
PS: I hope you are enjoying my new blog, A Word From Cora , which appears twice a month right here at Changes Spa & Aesthetics. I also hope you will find A Word From Cora informative and educational, providing solutions to some of the most common concerns about skin care, wholesome wellness and beauty. If you have a topic you would like to see addressed, please do contact me at Cora@ChangesSkin.com. I look forward to your comments and suggestions!
And do visit our other virtual location on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ChangesSkin/ ) for even more skin care solutions, suggestions, product information as well as skin care pricing specials.