Dry Brushing Skin

Dry brushing can be a simple addition to your body care routine. By gently sweeping and massaging a body brush over your skin in circular motions, you can buff away dead skin cells, improve circulation, and invigorate your body. Brushing the body also stimulates the lymphatic system, which can help to move fluids through your body more efficiently. Additionally, dry brushing is thought to potentially reduce swelling by stimulating lymphatic drainage. Dull skin can be caused by several factors, from dehydration to a buildup of dry cells and/or a lack of vitamins and nutrients. While drinking water and eating a well-balanced diet aids in improving your skin’s appearance, you might be left wondering what else you can do. This is where dry brushing the skin comes into play!

What are the benefits of dry brushing skin?

So, you prim and prime your skin with a mix of oils, butters, and creams. You stay hydrated and always cover up with sunscreen. But your skin still lacks luster and appears dull-why? There are historical accounts of the dry brushing practice used by Scandinavians, Russians, and ancient Greek athletes after a competition and in ancient Japan before traditional baths. And it must work since it’s still around today!

The health benefits of dry brushing include improving the skin's appearance and kickstarting the lymph system. Taking a few minutes each day for this self-care ritual can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.

Dry Brushing Benefits

Proper exfoliation in skin care allows the skin to hydrate more effectively when applying a moisturizer. Dry brushing the skin is excellent for exfoliation, getting rid of those layers of dead cells that can build up. Using a natural bristle brush for dry brushing can enhance the exfoliation process. We know fans of the practice say that their skin has been the smoothest and softest it’s ever been. Some have even reported using dry brushing techniques to combat cellulite.

While working off all those dead skin cells, the brushing helps your body’s circulation and cleans out those pores. Stimulation brings blood flow to the skin, which boosts radiance and improves the turnover rate of new cells. Dry brushing the skin helps your body eliminate toxins by boosting the lymphatic system. Brushing encourages normal lymph movement, aiding the body’s natural detoxification method. One of our worker bees here is a fan and says that dry brushing has helped to reduce water retention and the appearance of cellulite.

Dry brushing helps remove dead skin cells and leads to a healthy glow

• Supports skin exfoliation by removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface

• Improves circulation and lymph movement

• Clears pores

• Increases energy

• Supports the digestive system

• Relieves stress

• Benefits the circulatory system by stimulating blood flow and potentially improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells

Our Foot Care Kit comes with everything you need to keep your feet and legs feeling soft - perfect for after dry brushing!

The best time to brush is in the morning, right before a shower, with dry skin.

First and foremost, it is essential to be hydrated and start with a dry body. Dehydrated skin will be dull, and no matter how much you brush or moisturize, you’ll not notice much improvement. After dry brushing, consider using a hydrating moisturizer or body oil to provide much-needed hydration to the skin. Brushing your skin when it is dry is best to help remove any superficial cells.

If you wake up just a few minutes earlier each day, that is all the time you will need. It’s easy to integrate this process into your daily routine. Start by finding the right brush. The bristles must be made of natural fiber, firm but soft. Avoid dry brushing on sensitive areas of the body, especially those with open or inflamed skin. A long handle helps get those hard-to-reach spots.

How to Dry Brush Skin

Dry brushing can help improve circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving it feeling smoother and looking brighter. If you have a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, or if you have sensitive skin, consult your doctor before dry brushing.

Step 1. Start at your feet and work toward the heart

Start at your feet, brush in an upward direction, moving up your legs, keeping in mind to continuously work towards your center. Make sure to get the backs of your legs, tush, and any place prone to cellulite. The strokes should be light but firm. Brushing isn’t meant to hurt your skin; avoid cuts, rashes, or irritations. A slight flush is normal due to increased blood circulation and shows that your skin brushing is working. Be careful not to brush so hard that your skin is irritated or turns bright red. So dry brushing can help with exfoliation, lymphatic drainage, increased circulation, and may reduce the appearance of cellulite, though some benefits lack scientific evidence.

Step 2. Brush the skin in a clockwise motion on the stomach

When you reach your stomach, start brushing in a circular, clockwise motion in the direction that food moves through your intestines. This help to kick-start and aid digestion. When you move around to your back, make sure you begin to brush up towards the heart again. Downward from the shoulders and upward from the lower back.

Step 3. Brush the arms from the hands towards the heart

Moving towards your chest, keep in mind that your heart is the center of the brushing. For arms, start at the fingertips and continue brushing upwards. Pay attention to under your arms, where your lymph nodes are located. Be gentle.

Step 4. When you're done, admire your soft, touchable skin!

Once you reach your shoulders and chest, stroke down and sideways towards the heart.

The increase in circulation will help to wake you up. Follow with a shower and a full exfoliation session by using a natural body scrub. Scrubs and bath soaks are especially helpful in providing skin minerals they may lack. For some easy tips on how to get the most out of your body scrub, check out or blog How to Use Body Scrub.

After your shower, treat your skin to a deep moisturizing session.

We suggest any of our body butter on that damp skin right out of the shower. Enjoy in bliss!