Dry Brushing: What Is It, Benefits, And How To Do It The Right Way

Written by Pratima Ati, MSc

Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.

Read full bio of Pratima Ati

Last Updated on Jul 5, 2024

Image: Shutterstock

Okay, wait. What is it again? Dry brushing skin? When I first heard about it, I shrugged in dismay, thinking I was entering yet another dark gorge I didn’t want to enter in the first place. But then, I dug a little deeper. Did my research, tried my hands at it, and understood that it takes just five extra minutes of my morning routine and gives me amazing results. I am okay with that trade-off. Which is why I want you to take a chance!

In This Article

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is not rocket science. It is exactly the way you would brush your face with a massage brush, except you do it without any product. You don’t need any aesthetician or beautician or dermatologist to intervene as the process is straightforward. Then how to dry brush your skin? The idea is to run a dry brush over your body to remove the dead skin cells that can make your skin rough and uneven.

Apart from the aesthetics, dry brushing is another form of skin massage that also improves your blood circulation, offers lymphatic support, and even reduces cellulite. There is more to the benefits!

[ Read: 10 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes of 2019 ]

Back To TOC

Benefits Of Dry Brushing Your Skin

1. Lymphatic Support

Dry brushing improves blood circulation and aids lymphatic functioning. The lymphatic system filters and flushes toxins out of your body. The action of dry brushing your skin stimulates your lymph nodes to shed the toxins, excess water, and other unwanted chemicals. As the lymph nodes run just below your skin surface, dry brushing is especially recommended for individuals following alternative medicine practices like naturopathy. This way, dry brushing benefits lymphatic system and overall health.

2. Exfoliates Your Body

Image: Shutterstock

We need to get rid of all the dead skin cells, but we rarely consider exfoliating our body. Dead skin needs to make way for fresh and smooth skin – this helps your body absorb the moisturizer properly and enables it to seep deep into the skin. Dry brushing also tightens and strengthens your skin.

[ Read: How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face ]

3. Reduces Your Skin Pore Size

Dry brushing clears your pores of the accumulated dust and grime that can make them appear enlarged. Most of us see enlarged pores on our underarms, thighs, knees, and the butt. Dry brushing reduces pore size and smoothens your skin over time.

4. Reduces Cellulite

Image: Shutterstock

Though there is limited research, some sources suggest dry brushing to reduce cellulite – which is often considered a genetic phenomenon. We only have anecdotal evidence for now, but dry brushing for this purpose is sure worth a try.

[ Read: How To Use Coconut Oil To Reduce Cellulite ]

All great. But how do you dry brush your skin?

How To Dry Brush Your Skin

There is no real technique for dry brushing, but follow a pattern that is simple and well-structured:

Start at the bottom of your feet and work your way up.
In a circular motion, brush each area for about 10 to 15 times.
Move your way up to your calves, knees, and thighs.
When you reach your stomach and the navel, brush downwards and not in a circular motion.
Repeat on your arms, fingers, neck, etc.
For the armpits, follow the same pattern as for your stomach – brush downwards.
Continue the process over the back of your body as well.
You can do this for your face too – but ensure you use a smaller and softer brush. Be gentle.

Don’ts

Remember that your strokes need to be smooth and gentle on the skin. Do not apply excess pressure.
Your skin will turn a little pink at first, but it should not cause any redness or inflammation. Being gentle is the key.
Avoid dry brushing if your skin is sensitive or is susceptible to conditions like eczema. Please consult a dermatologist.

Dry brushing is not a magic wand that will quickly eliminate extra cellulite or remove black spots. As in the case of any other procedure, you need to be patient and consistent to get the results. But remember – it is definitely worth the little time and money you invest into your skin care regimen.

Have you heard of dry brushing before? What did you think about it? Do you want to give dry brushing a shot? Let us know by commenting below.

Also, do you have questions like how often should you dry brush your skin? We compiled a couple of a questions and expert’s answers. Check them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I dry brush my skin?

You should do this every day before you turn on the shower faucet. If you shower twice a day, you can dry brush twice. As long as you don’t wet the brush, you are good to go.

What is the best time to dry brush skin?

You can do it any time of the day – but remember that you need to do it before you start showering. The brush and your body need to be dry. It is best to dry brush in the mornings.

What kind of brush to use for dry brushing skin?

Choose a natural bristle brush for dry skin brushing instead of hard plastic brushes with synthetic bristles. Something that is long so that it hovers over your body comfortably and has a good grip so that it is easy to handle.

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