Dry Brushing: A Simple Body Care Ritual
What does dry brushing actually do? How often should you use it, and is it a good fit for every skin type?
This note breaks down what dry brushing can do, how to use a dry brush gently, when to skip it, and how to keep the routine simple enough to actually use.
Simple ritual. Smoother skin.
Dry brushing is a simple way to exfoliate the body before your shower. You only need a dry body brush, a few minutes, and a super light touch. The goal is not to scrub your skin aggressively. It is meant to be a gentle body care ritual that helps loosen dry surface skin, smooth the feel of rough areas, and temporarily increase surface circulation.
What Is Dry Brushing?
What Dry Brushing Can Do
♡ Help smooth the look and feel of dry, rough skin
♡ Gently exfoliate the surface of the body
♡ Temporarily increase surface circulation
♡ Help body oil spread more easily after showering
♡ Turn an ordinary shower into a simple body care ritual
Dry brushing is sometimes promoted as a way to detox the body, permanently reduce cellulite, or dramatically improve lymphatic drainage. I like to think of dry brushing as simple physical exfoliation and an easy way to give the skin on your body a little extra attention.
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How to Dry Brush Your Body
Begin with completely dry skin before your shower.
I keep my brush in the shower. Before I turn on the water, I step in and spend a few minutes brushing. Keeping it right where I use it makes the routine much easier to remember.
1. Start with light pressure
Your pressure should feel gentle. Pressing harder does not make dry brushing more effective and may irritate your skin.
2. Begin at your feet
Use long, comfortable strokes as you work upward over your legs.
3. Brush your hands and arms
Begin at your hands and work upward toward your shoulders.
4. Use lighter pressure on delicate areas
The chest, stomach, and inner arms may be more sensitive than the legs. Use softer strokes and avoid brushing your face.
Working from your hands and feet toward the center of your body gives you a simple direction to follow and keeps the strokes long and consistent. Across your stomach and torso, use smaller, gentle circular motions.
A few light passes over each area are enough.
5. Shower and pat your skin dry
Shower as usual after brushing. Gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing aggressively with a towel.
6. Finish with body oil, if you want
Try not to dry your skin completely. Apply body oil while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps the oil glide more easily and lets you cover the skin without using as much product.
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How Often Should You Dry Brush?
Begin once or twice a week.
Your skin does not need to be exfoliated every day. More brushing is not necessarily better, especially if your skin is naturally dry, reactive, or sensitive.
If your skin feels sore, itchy, tight, or irritated afterward, take a break or use less pressure next time.
When to Skip Dry Brushing
Do not dry brush over skin that is:
♡ Broken or bleeding
♡ Sunburned
♡ Freshly shaved
♡ Irritated or unusually sensitive
♡ Covered in a rash
♡ Inflamed or painful
♡ Experiencing an active eczema or psoriasis flare
Dry brushing can be a helpful step before shaving for some people, but keep the pressure very light. After shaving, wait until your skin feels completely calm again before brushing the area. For many people, that means giving it at least a couple of days.
Avoid brushing over raised moles, healing skin, or anything that feels tender or unfamiliar.
If your skin is persistently irritated, cracked, painful, or inflamed, pause exfoliation and speak with a healthcare professional you trust.
Start With Your Dry Brush
Keep it simple. Leave your brush somewhere you will easily see it. Use it before one or two showers each week.
How to Clean Your Dry Brush
After each use, gently run your hand over the bristles to loosen anything sitting near the surface.
Wash the bristles periodically with warm water and a small amount of gentle soap. I use body wash. Try to keep the wooden part of the brush from becoming soaked.
Shake out the extra water and leave the brush somewhere with good airflow. I keep mine on a wire rack in the shower so it is easy to reach and can dry between uses.
Allow it to dry completely before using it again.
Finish With Body Oil
Still Not Sure if Dry Brushing Fits?
If you're reading this and thinking, "Okay, but is this a good idea for my skin?" send me a message. I can help you decide whether dry brushing makes sense for your skin and routine, how gently to begin, and what to use afterward.