When Friction is Welcome - LNE & Spa October 2014

WHEN FRICTION IS

WELCOME Dry Skin Brushing in the Spa

by Nina Curtis

What’s Dry Skin Brushing?

Dry skin brushing most often uses a natural bristle body brush to eliminate accumulated dead cells from the surface of the skin. It also stimulates blood circulation and the lymphatic system.

In addition, the massaging effect of the bristles, as they lightly brush the skin’s surface, is known to be highly beneficial for increasing warmth in the body tissue, which can improve the application and absorption of body serums, gels and massage creams.

Many spa treatments begin with a dry skin brush session to enhance and complement a body wrap, detoxification seaweed treatment or aromatherapy massage.

photos: shutterstock.com

Dry skin brushing‘s been practiced in many cultures throughout history as a part of one’s daily hygiene routine.

Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old science that originated in India, includes dry skin brushing as part of its cleansing philosophies. In Japan, it was traditional to brush the skin vigorously with a loofah before taking the traditional hot bath.

Ancient Greek athletes used a tool known as a strigile after strenuous exercise in order to both clean the skin and promote healthy circulation. The Cherokee Indians used dry corn cobs in order to enhance the strength and beauty of the skin. Within traditional naturopathic writings, dry skin brushing is commonly referred to as a “dry friction bath.”

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October 2014 • Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa

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spa | when friction is welcome Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing Gently removes dead skin cell layers from the surface of the skin to improve smoothness and encourage cell renewal.

Stimulates the lymphatic system by aiding the flow of lymph fluids. The lymphatic system’s job is to eliminate toxins, and it’s an important part of the immune system. The lymphatic system doesn’t have a “pumping” device like the heart, and any accumulated waste can contribute to disease and premature aging.

Regulates and increases blood circulation. As we age, we often lose good circulation due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and stress. Dry skin brushing helps boost circulation.

Rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin. This has a very relaxing effect on the body and mind.

Increases blood circulation to warm the skin tissue. This helps serums, gels and creams be absorbed more readily.

Contributes to healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fat deposits. Skin will begin to show significant improvements in skin texture, tone and smoothness following daily use for a minimum of three months.

Aromatherapy and therapeutic massage. Dry skin brushing before massage therapy increases blood circulation, boosting muscle relaxation, body toning and skin tightening benefits.

Teaching Clients to Dry Brush at Home

Applications for Dry Brushing in the Spa Exfoliation and body scrubs.

Dry skin brushing can be done before exfoliation products or body scrubs are used to begin the exfoliation process on the skin. This also relaxes the client, as the brush strokes are rhythmic in movement.

Detoxification body treatments. Incorporating dry skin brushing before detoxification treatments stimulates the lymphatic system and aids lymphatic flow, enhancing overall treatment results. These types of treatments are best scheduled on a weekly basis for a period of six to 12 weeks. Of course, diet, exercise and breath work are the keys to overall success.

Clients will benefit most from any professional treatment when they’re taught how to maintain the results at home. As professionals, we work with a client for about one to two hours in a weekly or monthly session. In order for our clients to see real changes in their skin and bodies, it’s imperative that we teach them exactly what they must do at home to maintain the results between sessions. The best dry skin brushes to retail to clients are the same ones used during a treatment. Clients can also consider brushes with longer handles since the client will have to reach their backside. The dry brush should be made of natural bristles or loofah fibers. Explain to clients that skin brushing is best done on dry skin, prior to bathing. Brushing should be done gently in short, rhythmic, even strokes toward the heart.

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spa | when friction is welcome

Avoid

• Start by brushing the legs. Brush from the toes toward the center of the body, as this is the direction of venous and lymph flow toward the heart. When finished, the skin may tingle slightly and be a bit pink, and this is good! Don’t brush so hard that the skin is bright red or itchy.

• Next, brush lightly up and over the stomach and lower back, making sure to include the buttocks.

• Move on to the arms and brush from the fingers to the shoulders in short strokes toward the center of the body.

• Finally, lightly brush the shoulders and upper back toward the center of the body.

• Lightly brush the back of the neck to finish.

Bruises Eczema, psoriasis or rashes

Open wounds Cuts

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Spas that offer dry skin brushing often include it in a treatment or as an add-on recommended to complement other services

•

Body Oasis Day Spa Torrance, Calif.

Earth Ritual Wrap, 60 minutes, $99 Guests become one with nature as their body is “dry brush exfoliated,” then painted with a mineral enriched chamomile and marine algae mask, the perfect antidote for dry, dehydrated, undernourished, moisture starved skin. They clear their minds as they nap in a cozy-swaddle blanket wrap. This treatment includes a full body aromatherapy rubdown and scalp massage.

• The Spa at Barnsley Resort Adairsville, Ga. Dry Body Brushing, 15 minutes, $15

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This service is available as a complement to any massage and body treatments.

• Glow Med Spa Richmond, Va. Hydrating Rose and Lavender Massage 90 minutes, $110 This couture massage stimulates the immune system and promotes deep relaxation. It begins with a full body “dry brushing” followed by a warm, flowing body massage with rose and lavender infused cream. Clients lie on a bed of rose petals, and the experience finishes with a scalp and neck massage as they are cocooned in the petals. n

We’ve offered our Brazilian Blue and Resiné by Hairaway Green Pine Resin and Creamy Sensitive soft waxes to the salon/spa industry since 1989

The featured wax at many of the finest day spas including Gene Juarez Spa/Salon, Gadabout Salon & Spas, Juut Salonspas, Jean Madeline, and Damone Roberts

(800) 783-8328 • Fax (415) 332-4481 www.selectspa.com

Nina Curtis is principal of Curtis Communications, Nina Curtis & Associates and the Nile Institute.

C u r t i s re c e i v e d h e r MBA from Pepperdine University and consults for leading companies in the personal care industry. With more than 20 years of experience, she holds certifications in aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure and color light therapy. Curtis has been instrumental in the development of training programs for salons and spas nationwide.

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