As a lymphatic-focussed practitioner, I’m often asked about the connection between cellulite, the lymphatic system, and how dry body brushing can reduce the appearance of cellulite. If this is something you’ve wondered about, I want you to know that cellulite is a perfectly natural occurrence in women of all shapes and sizes. While there is a connection with the way our lymphatic system is flowing and the development of cellulite, there's absolutely nothing “wrong” with having cellulite. It exists in healthy bodies the world over. But, because I get so many questions about it, I understand it’s important to a lot of people, so I’d love to share some information and my perspective here. This article will explore what cellulite is and how dry body brushing can affect cellulite. More importantly, it will look at how you can use your dry body brush to celebrate your body just as it is.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a term used to describe the dimpled appearance of skin when fatty tissue presses through the fibrous bands, called septae, that join muscle to skin.
A range of factors affect how cellulite forms, including; gender, genetics, diet, lifestyle and age.
However, cellulite is primarily due to the structural form in which fat is stored behind our skin. Women store fat within little septae columns, whereas men store fat in zigzag formations, so as we age, and our skin thins, these fatty structural formations become more apparent and visible – whereas men are less affected, because their inherent fatty structure is different.
Dry Brushing & Its Effects on Cellulite
There is no magic tool, cream or ointment to remove cellulite. To completely remove cellulite would require extensive fat, collagen, and connective tissue remodelling. This goes against the natural way our bodies are formed. Dry brushing works WITH our natural bodily functions to enhance wellbeing – which in turn, can reduced appearance of cellulite.
Stimulation of The Lymphatic System
Dry body brushing the skin stimulates your lymphatic system within the body, helping the body to detoxify itself naturally. Waking up the lymphatic system by massaging your lymph nodes, skin and cellulite will help reduce excess fluid, bacteria, and cell waste which results in smoother, brighter skin.
Exfoliation and Blood Circulation
Dry body brushing will give your skin a brighter, tighter, and more radiant look by increasing the flow of blood to your skin's outer layers. As an exfoliator, it sloughs away dead, dry surface cells. It removes the dead skin layer and allows the body to breathe, leaving you with smooth and even-toned skin. To further the glow and invigoration, I love to use a natural plant based oil, such as organic coconut oil with essential oils, after bathing.
Used regularly, dry body massage with The Body Brush can be used as a natural anti-cellulite treatment. This, along with a healthy, well balanced diet and moving your body daily through mindful movement and yoga, is an ideal match to reduce cellulite (if you choose to).
Dry Brushing To Connect With Your Body
While dry body brushing will help ease the appearance of cellulite, at Stass & Co we recommend a perspective shift. Rather than use the The Body Brush simply for aesthetic purposes, why not use it as a tool to connect, celebrate and care for your body? From our own experience, and hearing the stories of so many Body Brush devotees, we’re sure that the gift of rediscovering your body and self will outweigh any aesthetic benefits you get along the way. Focus on the process of self-love, and your body will thank you in more ways than you can imagine.
