Article: Brenda Mapane from True Love
Image: Fairlady

Skin brushing can be used with great advantage in the elimination of cellulite in women – a condition in which a stasis of lymph flow has concentrated excess proteins, fats and waste materials in certain areas of the body (particularly the thighs, buttocks and upper arms). This eventually results in puckered "orange-peel" skin, alterations to connective tissue and distortions of the natural body shape.

How to brush your skin:
To do this effectively, you'll need to spend five minutes a day before your bath brushing your skin all over with a natural-fibre brush. Begin at the tip of your shoulders and cover your whole body (except the head) with long, smooth strokes over the shoulders, arms and trunk in a downward motion, then upwards over the feet, legs and hips.

You need only go over your skin once for it to work. How firmly you press depends on how toned your skin and body are now. Go easy at first. Your skin will soon become fitter and then you'll be able to work far more vigorously over it. If done daily, this kind of skin brushing is one of the simplest and most effective treatments for lumpy thighs and hips. It eliminates toxic waste through the surface of the skin – not only in the specific cellulite areas, but all over the body, as well as stimulating natural lymphatic drainage.

Care for your hands
Our hands are in constant motion, whether at work or play. They experience extensive contact with cleaning agents, various tools and environmental hazards. Dry skin and brittle nails are signs that your hands have become vulnerable to these daily risks. And the signs of premature ageing may actually present themselves quicker on your hands than on your face.

Here's how to care for your hands: