DRY BRUSHING THE SKIN: BENEFITS DURING PREGNANCY & THE FOURTH TRIMESTER
Pregnancy dry brushing can be done to provide an extra boost of energy, lymphatic support and extra exfoliation to reduce cellulite.
It provides stimulation of the lymphatic system while enhancing blood circulation, which is why cellulite may appear lessened for several women.
Dry brushing has also helped women ward off stretch marks (to a degree, everyone is different!) and assists in tightening the skin during the postpartum period.
Below I listed the 3 most common benefits of the dry brushing technique.
Here are 3 Benefits of Dry Brushing:
1. Lymphatic Support
The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs, lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels that transport lymph through the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just under the skin. Dry brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and helps the body detoxify naturally.
2. Exfoliation
The benefit of exfoliation is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. You’ll notice that your skin becomes smoother & softer the more that you dry brush.
3. Reduces Cellulite
Though the evidence is slim, there are many accounts of people who claimed that regular dry brushing greatly helps to reduce cellulite. As mentioned in point number one, dry brushing promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce inflammation and strengthen connective tissue—and in turn, can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
DOES DRY BRUSHING HELP WITH STRETCH MARKS?
Dry brushing can support in the reduction of stress marks due to the nature of how it provides lymphatic support in the body, exfoliation and the circulation drainage. Every body is different and our bodies are so amazing to stretch and accommodate our growing baby(ies).
A great way to support stretch mark reduction with dry brushing is to stay hydrated, focus on a whole foods diet and add collagen into your diet as this supports your skin elasticity while it stretches for the growth of your baby.
How to Dry Brush; The Method:
Here is a video where I walk you through the steps of dry brushing and how dry brushing helps with stretch marks. Written steps are listed below!
How to Dry Brush:
- Start at feet, brush in small circular motions around the ankle joints and all other joints. continue with long smooth strokes up all sides of your legs and thighs.
- Always brush towards the heart as this is where your lymph system drains.
- Over your buttocks and upper thighs you may want to apply a bit more pressure in this area as it is typically thicker here.
- Continue the same process starting with your hands, moving up the arms in long strokes. circular motions around the shoulder.
- Use extreme caution under the arm pits! Very gentle, light circular strokes here.
- For the abdomen, go in a clockwise motion to follow the flow of your intestine and then do your back as much as you can.
- Now jump in the shower! 🙂
But, Does Dry Brushing REALLY work?
There have been no scientific studies that have been done, however there several claims that people have stated that dry brushing has proved positive side effects. There are also some dermatologists that recommended this practice for lymph drainage. I am not a doctor and do not claim that dry brushing will cure any issue or disease. Dry brush at your own risk. 🙂
Dry Brushing Benefits for Pregnancy & Postpartum:
- Many women have started to dry brush during pregnancy to support detoxification in their bodies and lymph nodes, increase blood circulation and a boost in energy.
- Dry brushing supports in a possible reduction in stretch marks and also supports the skin during the fourth trimester by tightening.
- Dry brushing is a great way to build in a self-care practice during pregnancy, daily or every other day. Our skin is the largest organ on our body which can feel sluggish due to pregnancy when your body is working in overtime.
- Swelling during late pregnancy and postpartum can also be reduced by dry brushing as it helps with water retention.
WHERE TO FIND A DRY BRUSH:
Disclosure: The Maternal Method is an affiliate partner of various brands and may earn commission on qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
These are reader favorites that the moms love in our community to support their stretch marks.
1. dry brush before shower/bath,
2. then rub this collagen supporting foam lotion over concerned areas and
3.lastly add this Prenatal Collagen to your daily routine will support your skin from the inside out.
Top reveiwed Dry Brush on Amazon 
IN CONCLUSION:
There has yet to be any long term studies done about dry brushing; however there are several benefits from the dry brushing method as discuessed above. Lymph drainage, smoother skin, exfoliation & detoxification. Best thing to do is find what works for you! Everyone is different, I’m sharing my honest reviews and find that it has been very helpful for me.
Try it and let me know what you think! XO
References:
www.primallypure.com/blog
https://www.stassandco.com/the-journal/2018/1/14/pregnancy-and-dry-body-brushing
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