Dry Brushing in an Infrared Sauna

Are you looking for a natural way to enhance your detoxification routine and promote healthy skin? Look no further than dry brushing in combination with an infrared sauna. This powerful duo offers a plethora of benefits for your lymphatic system and skin.

In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of dry brushing and how to incorporate it into your infrared sauna sessions. Get ready to unlock the full potential for glowing skin and improved detoxification infrared sauna health benefits.

Skin Brushing in a Sauna: Step-by-step Guide

Dry brushing, combined with the benefits of an infrared sauna, can elevate your sauna skincare routine to new heights. Performing dry brushing inside an infrared sauna enhances the benefits of stimulating your lymphatic system and improving your skin complexion. Let's guide you through the process of dry brushing in an infrared sauna, highlighting its frequency, targeted body parts, duration, and the combined benefits it offers.

How to Do Dry Brushing in an Infrared Sauna?

Dry brushing in an infrared sauna follows the same basic technique as dry brushing outside the sauna. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to maximise the benefits.

1. Prepare the Infrared Sauna: Ensure that the infrared sauna is prepared properly by providing yourself adequate time to rest and recover afterwards.
2. Set the Temperature: How hot should your sauna be will depend on how comfortable you are with heat, however, we recommend between 50-55ºC.
3. Step into the Infrared Sauna: Enter the sauna and allow your body to adjust to the heat. This will open up your pores and enhance the effectiveness of dry brushing. If you can, go naked in your sauna or wear only a towel.
4. Begin Dry Brushing: Using a natural bristle brush, start dry brushing from your feet upwards, following the same sweeping motions towards your heart. Cover all areas of your body, including your legs, arms, back, and abdomen. Remember to be gentle and don't apply too much pressure, especially when brushing sensitive skin areas.
5. Focus on Lymphatic Points: Pay extra attention to lymphatic points such as the groin, armpits, and neck. Gently brush these areas to stimulate lymphatic drainage and promote detoxification by improving blood flow.
6. Dry Body Brush Duration: Aim for a dry brushing session of around 5 to 10 minutes inside the infrared sauna. This timeframe allows for optimal lymphatic stimulation and skin exfoliation. How long you should stay inside the infrared sauna will vary depending on comfortability and what you are trying to achieve.
7. Post-Dry Brushing Care: After dry brushing, you have the option to take either a lukewarm shower or simply wipe off sweat and the loosened dry skin with a clean towel. Both methods work well, so choose the one that suits you best.

How Often Should You Dry Brush in Your Infrared Sauna Sessions?

To fully reap the benefits of dry brushing in an infrared sauna, it is recommended to incorporate this practice into your sauna sessions two to three times per week.

This frequency strikes a balance between providing ample lymphatic stimulation and allowing your skin time to rest and rejuvenate between sessions, for smooth skin. Of course, you can tailor this frequency depending on how often you sauna and avoid overdoing it on irritated skin.

How Long Should You Dry Brush Inside Your Infrared Sauna?

Within the infrared sauna, dedicate around 5-10 minutes to dry brushing. This timeframe allows for sufficient lymphatic stimulation and ensures you receive the skin benefits of exfoliation and increased blood circulation. Practice dry brushing with circular motions and medium pressure to boost circulation.

What Parts of Your Body Should You Dry Brush in an Infrared Sauna?

When dry-brushing in an infrared sauna, focus on all areas of your body. Ensure that you brush your legs, upper arms, back, abdomen, chest, and neck. The key is to cover the entire body to promote overall lymphatic circulation and exfoliation.

Starting from the bottom of your body, brush upward towards your heart, targeting areas with the most lymph nodes such as behind the knees and under the arms.

The Combined Benefits of Dry Brushing in an Infrared Sauna

Combining dry brushing with an infrared sauna can significantly improve the health of your skin and lymphatic system.

Enhanced Lymphatic Stimulation

Dry brushing in an infrared sauna helps to enhance lymphatic drainage and circulation. The heat from the sauna opens up the lymphatic vessels, and the brushing motion stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluid throughout your body. This can further support sauna detoxification, and reduce fluid retention to promote overall well-being.

Removal of Dead Skin Cells and Dry Skin

Dry brushing exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and unclogging pores. This, combined with the increased blood circulation from the sauna, can improve the collagen and elastin production of your skin.

What Does Dry Brushing Do?

Dry brushing is a simple yet powerful technique that involves using a natural bristle brush to gently massage your skin in a specific pattern.

As mentioned earlier, by exfoliating the outer layer of dead skin cells, dry brushing helps to promote cell renewal, leaving your skin smoother and softer.

Additionally, it stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic flow, which can contribute to detoxification and the reduction of cellulite.

It can also lead to improved immune function, reduced water retention, and a healthy, radiant complexion due to the physical exfoliation and removing toxins with more blood flow, bringing vital nutrients and oxygen to the skin's surface.

How to Do Dry Brushing Technique?

To perform the dry brushing technique effectively, follow these simple steps:

1. Select the Right Brush: Choose a brush with natural bristles and a long handle for reaching all areas of your body comfortably. Don't forget to brush your back, using a long-handled brush or seeking the assistance of a partner.
2. Preparation: Make sure your skin is dry and avoid applying any moisturisers, oils, or lotions.
3. Start at the Feet: Start your feet and move towards your heart, using gentle upward strokes. Use long sweeping motions and adjust the pressure to your comfort level.
4. Brush Each Area: Keep brushing every part of your body, such as your legs, arms, back, and abdomen. Don't forget to brush towards your heart to improve blood flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid.
5. Sensitive Areas: To avoid causing discomfort, please be gentle while brushing sensitive areas such as the chest, neck, and face. You may also want to consider using a smaller and softer brush that is made specifically for these areas.
6. Shower or Cleanse: It's recommended to take a shower or cleanse your skin after dry brushing to eliminate toxins and dead skin that may have been loosened.

How Often Should You Dry Brush Your Skin?

To get the best results, it is recommended that you dry body brush two to three times a week. Be careful not to cause any irritation or overstimulation on delicate areas. The frequency of dry brushing can depend on factors such as:

• skin types
• sensitivity
• personal preference

What Type of Skin Is Dry Brushing Not Recommended?

Avoid dry brushing with highly sensitive or inflamed skin, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.

Additionally, if you have open wounds, cuts, or sunburned skin, it's best to steer clear until the affected areas have healed before using a body brush. Seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist or professional before incorporating this practice.

Is Dry Brushing Good for Sensitive Skin?

Dry brushes can be highly beneficial for your skin, as mentioned earlier, it helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote lymphatic drainage. However, it may not be great if you have sensitive skin, and you may need to adjust the pressure.

Also, the health benefits and peer-reviewed studies have very little research in this field. The Cleveland Clinic offers potential benefits of dry brushing, although the scientific evidence from high-quality sources is scarce.

What Are the Side Effects of Dry Body Brushing?

Dry body brushing is generally safe when done in moderation and correctly. However, similar to using Gua Sha in a sauna, it is important to take into account your skin's sensitivity as applying excessive pressure or using an aggressive brushing technique can result in skin irritation, redness, or small scratches.

To prevent these issues, use a brush with gentle strokes and soft, natural bristles. If you have any concerns or experience persistent skin reactions, consult with a board-certified dermatologist.

Do I Have to Shower After Dry Brushing?

Showering after dry brushing is not mandatory, but it's often recommended. Taking a shower helps to remove the exfoliated dead skin cells and any residual toxins, leaving your skin clean and refreshed.

Additionally, warm water can enhance blood circulation and provide a soothing sensation, while using a cold shower after a sauna and dry brush can further improve detoxification.

However, if you're short on time or prefer not to shower immediately, you can use a clean towel to remove the loosened dead skin cells gently.

Should You Dry Brush in a Sauna?

Yes! Dry brushing combined with an infrared sauna is a fantastic way to enhance your skin's health and detoxification protocol. The dynamic duo of dry brushing and sauna offers a range of benefits, including lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, improved circulation, and a radiant complexion. To incorporate dry brushing into your sauna sessions, simply brush your skin while inside your far-infrared sauna. With this powerful combination, you'll unlock the full potential of your sauna experience and achieve smoother, glowing skin while revitalising your overall well-being.