Are you thinking about skin care for your face but forgetting about the rest of your body? In the cooler winter months it is especially important to care for our body to avoid ending up with dry alligator skin. One of the first things I do every morning before stepping into the shower is dry skin brushing. It is a wonderful body treatment for exfoliating and promoting beautiful soft skin, and worth the extra few minutes each morning. I honestly believe it is one of the things that help keep my skin soft. Promise!

Benefits of dry skin brushing
- Tightens skin & improves texture
- Stimulates circulation & Increases cell renewal
- Cleans lymphatic system & Strengthens immune system
- Helps in the treatment of cellulite & removes dead skin
- Stimulates glands, helping your body systems perform more efficiently

Before shower
Buy a natural, not synthetic bristle brush from a health food store. My favourite is from Dr Bernard Jensen. Choose one with a long handle to easy reach all areas of your body. Do not wet your skin or the brush. Always skin brush towards the heart in long smooth strokes. Start with the soles of your feet first, then the ankles, calves, thighs, stomach and buttocks and then your back, hands and arms. Take care and do lighter strokes around your chest. Do not brush your face or other sensitive or irritated areas. Follow with a shower.

In the shower
Avoid soaps and body washes that aren’t made from botanical sources. Most supermarket soaps and body washes strip the skin of its natural oils therefore adding to the problem of dehydration and skin irritation. Head to your local health food store for natural alternatives that don’t interfere with the normal skin function and help moisturise your skin. I particularly love The Olive Oil Company soaps and my own range of Be Genki bath and shower oils.

Make sure your have warm showers or baths, not hot ones. I know it is tempting to turn up the hot water when the temperature drops, but please don’t. Hot water is not only dehydrating but can also cause skin irritation.

After shower
Dry skin gently. Do not rub or be overly aggressive with your towel. This will only break down skin and result in more dryness. Finish with an application of a good hydrating body cream or body oil. Choose one packed with nourishing ingredients such as Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and other hydrating botanical ingredients. There are so many fabulous choices out there, especially Australian-made brands, and whilst you are becoming more conscious of making a better choice why not also look to support ethical brands that also meet the standards of non-animal testing accredited by Choose Cruelty Free. My favourites are Be Genki, Mukti Botanicals, Nui and Pure & Green Organics. For a complete list go to Choose Cruelty Free.

These body care basics really should be everyday rituals, just like brushing your teeth. Try it for a month and you’ll be overwhelmed with the difference.

If you enjoyed this feature, you may want to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for our latest style updates, giveaways and other juicy stuff.

Featured Contributor: Sam Sample

Discover More Stylish features below:

• Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush
• Planet Earth Naturals
• sukicolor, natural organic skin make-up
• Interview with Indah skin care creator, Teisha Lowry