Skin brushing is an important part of self care. Do it before showering as you want to do it on dry skin. Your pores will be more open for hydration after brushing. The reason for brushing "toward the heart" is that the body's major drainage for the lymph system is in the center of the chest, near the heart, so we want to brush in the direction of flow. Your skin will immediately become red as blood flow increases. This is also a sensory awakening for your brain.