If you're wondering how to dry brush, you’ve probably decided it’s time to take care of your skin—and not just the skin on your face (which you should be using an SPF on, by the way) but your whole body. Maybe you want a buttery soft back to impress your situationship or you just like the feel of fresh sheets against your freshly buffed body—either way, you’re going to need to put in a little effort. Exfoliating is a great way to slough off dry skin cells, and dry brushing marries the benefits of exfoliation with the blood flow stimulation of manual massage.
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like—taking a (dry) firm-bristled brush and running it over skin to buff away dead skin cells. The goal is to make your skin feel softer and smoother. But it also has other benefits: “It can also improve circulation, give skin a temporary glow, and enhance your skin’s absorption of moisturizers,” says Dr. Asmi Berry, DO, board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “Some believe it supports lymphatic drainage, but the science on that is still up for debate.” Lymphatic drainage, which eases swelling and moves waste towards your lymph nodes by stimulating the lymphatic system, has become all the rage as of late. And while the movement of the brush over the skin can help encourage blood flow, it won’t have the same purported “detox” effects as massage.
Some people also swear by dry brushing for reducing the appearance of cellulite—though “the evidence is largely anecdotal,” says Dr. Angela Brimhall, DO, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Sage Dermatology and Mohs Surgery.
@pickleflipflops dry brushing tutorial 🥥#pickleflipflops - #bodycare #hygienetips #showertok #drybrushing #drybrush #everythingshower #cleangirl #hygieneroutine ♬ original sound - ᶜ ʰ ˡ ˡ ˣ ᵉ ᵈ ⁱ ᵗ ˢ - chllxedits
Despite the lack of hard science, dry brushing isn’t just some trendy TikTok beauty hack—it’s been around for centuries. “It's an ancient practice often associated with holistic health and wellness,” says Dr. Brimhall. Various cultures, from ancient Egypt to Ayurvedic medicine systems in India, have long used natural bristles to keep skin fresh.
Compared to other exfoliation methods—like body scrubs or chemical exfoliants—dry brushing causes more friction, which is great for exfoliation but might be too harsh for sensitive skin. If your skin reacts to any little thing, you might be better off with a gentler option like a soft washcloth or an AHA-infused body lotion. If you’re looking for the circulation benefits without the abrasion, gua sha is another solid skincare practice that promotes lymphatic flow with a smooth-edged tool—and has more research to back up the claims.
How does it work?
Step 1: Choosing the brush
First, you’re going to need the right brush, because scraping your skin raw with a cheap, overly stiff brush isn’t the move. Synthetic bristles can be too harsh—instead, go for a natural-bristle brush. Beginners should start with a softer brush, while more experienced dry brushers can opt for firmer bristles. When in doubt, a medium-firm option is a good middle ground.
Step 2: The technique
Before you shower—when your skin is dry—grab your brush and get to work. Start at your feet and work your way up, using “gentle, upward strokes, brushing toward the heart to support circulation,” says Dr. Berry. For the stomach and joints, use circular motions instead of broad sweeps.
Apply light to medium pressure—this part is important—enough to exfoliate but not scratch the skin. “The goal is to stimulate, not irritate,” Dr. Brimhall says. “Over-brushing can lead to irritation, redness, and even micro-tears in the skin.” This process should take about 5 to 10 minutes for the entire body. Then, hop in the shower to wash away any dead skin cells.
Step 3: Post shower
Post shower, your skin will be ready to slurp up any moisture because dead cells are no longer clogging the pores. “Apply a hydrating body lotion, body oil, or moisturizer to replenish the skin barrier and lock in hydration.” Berry says. Dr. Brimhall recommends something simple and nourishing like CeraVe or Cetaphil moisturizing creams.
Most people can repeat this process two or three times a week—the sweet spot to reap the benefits without overdoing it, says Dr. Brimhall. If your skin feels irritated, err on the side of caution and only dry brush once a week.
One more tip? Don’t be nasty. Be sure to clean your brush regularly by soaking it in soapy water and letting it air dry, bristles up. Otherwise, you could introduce bacteria back onto your skin, says Dr. Berry—kind of defeating the whole purpose of exfoliating in the first place.
