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What is dry brushing- benefits and how to
  • Beauty

Dry Brushing for Skin: 5 Benefits & How to Do It the Right Way

Katie WellsJan 8, 2021
Dr Madiha Saeed Medical Advisor to Wellness Mama
Medically reviewed by Dr. Madiha Saeed, MD
Reading Time: 5 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Dry Brushing for Skin: 5 Benefits & How to Do It the Right Way
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Benefits of Dry Brushing for Skin+−
    • 1. Lymphatic Support
    • 2. Exfoliation
    • 3. Clean Pores (& Smaller Pores!)
    • 4. Reduces Cellulite
    • 5. Natural Energy Boost
  • Selecting a Dry Brush
  • How to Dry Brush
  • But, Does Skin Brushing Actually Work?+−
    • What the Scientific Evidence Says
  • A Warning for Sensitive Skin+−
    • The Bottom Line on Skin Brushing: Find What Works for You

You probably brush your hair, and your teeth (hopefully with natural toothpaste), but do you brush your skin? And why would you?

This practice has been gaining popularity lately and with good reason. I’ve even noticed “dry brushing” as an offering on the menu at spas in hotels. Dry brushing has many potential benefits, from smoother skin to helping with lymphatic drainage.

So what is it and why should you consider doing it?

Benefits of Dry Brushing for Skin

Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like… brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush, usually before showering.

In dry brushing, the skin is typically brushed toward the heart, starting at the feet and hands and brushing toward the chest.

I’ve been dry brushing my skin for years, mostly because it feels great and makes my skin softer, but there are other benefits as well:

1. Lymphatic Support

The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin. Proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and helps the body detoxify itself naturally.

2. Exfoliation

This benefit is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. I noticed less dry skin and much softer skin in the first few days and weeks after dry skin brushing. My skin has stayed soft thanks to this built-in way to exfoliate.

3. Clean Pores (& Smaller Pores!)

The added benefit of exfoliating the skin is clearing oil, dirt, and residue from the pores. Use a smaller, gentler dry brush for the face (don’t use the stiffer body brush here… ouch!). I notice that my face is softer and my pores are much less noticeable.

4. Reduces Cellulite

Though the evidence is anecdotal, I’ve found many accounts of people who claimed that regular dry brushing greatly helps to reduce cellulite. I talked about this and my other cellulite remedies here. There isn’t much research to back the cellulite claims, but dry brushing feels great and makes skin softer, so there isn’t really any downside to trying it!

5. Natural Energy Boost

I can’t explain why but dry brushing always gives me a natural energy boost. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend dry brushing at night but it is great in the morning. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy. Either way, I only do it early in the day as part of my morning routine.

Selecting a Dry Brush

I use a firm, natural bristle brush with a long handle, which allows me to reach my entire back and easily brush the bottoms of my feet and the backs of my legs. This set of brushes is my favorite because it includes a face brush and two body brushes with different firmness.

When I started dry brushing, my skin was much more sensitive and I preferred the softer one, and now I much prefer the firmer brush. With the set, I have options. I recommend replacing the brush every 6-12 months as the bristles will eventually wear out. I also wash my brush every few weeks to remove dead skin cells.

What is dry brushing- benefits and how to

How to Dry Brush

Katie Wells
Dry brushing can be done daily over the whole body, preferably in the morning before showering. Start with a gentle brush and soft pressure. Work up to a firmer brush and more firm pressure over time.
3.66 from 29 votes
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Total Time 10 mins

Ingredients
  

  • body brushes a gentle brush is best
  • natural lotion optional

Instructions
 

  • Starting at the feet, brush the bottoms of the feet and up the legs in long, smooth strokes. Brush each section of skin about 10 times. It's important to brush up toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains.
  • Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. Again, brush each section of skin about 10 times.
  • On the stomach and armpits, brush in a circular clockwise motion.
  • Repeat the process on the abdomen and back.
  • Use a more delicate brush on your face to finish off the dry brushing process.
  • Follow up with lotion if desired.

Notes

Don't brush too hard! A soft and smooth stroke often works best. My skin is slightly pink after brushing, but it should never be red or sting. If it hurts at all, use less pressure!
I brush before showering and use a natural lotion after showering. 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

But, Does Skin Brushing Actually Work?

I have personally dry brushed for years and noticed that my skin is softer (and possibly firmer, though this is hard to measure) from dry brushing. Skin brushing is very invigorating, easy, and a low investment of time and money, so I keep up the habit.

Especially during pregnancy, I *personally* found that dry brushing seemed to help keep me from getting stretch marks and also seemed to help tighten skin after pregnancy.

Here’s the thing:

It isn’t meant to be a medical treatment and shouldn’t be considered one. Dermatologists also claim that cellulite is genetic and that there is no cure, while podcast guest Dr. Cate Shanahan would disagree and points the finger at polyunsaturated omega-6 fats in our diet.

What the Scientific Evidence Says

The evidence is divided and several sources point out the obvious fact — there have not been any specific scientific studies about dry brushing. Much of the evidence, especially relating to the cellulite benefit, is anecdotal. Much more research would be needed before dermatologists would consider it a legitimate medical treatment.

Supporters of dry brushing claim that it can stimulate the lymph system, help the body rid itself of toxins, and increase circulation or energy. Even dermatologists agree that gently brushing the skin does have exfoliating benefits and may go beyond skincare by stimulating the body in a way similar to massage, which certainly does have well-documented benefits.

I’m not completely sold on all of those benefits, but this definitely falls in the “can’t hurt” category, with one exception…

A Warning for Sensitive Skin

Always, my advice is to pay attention to what works for you and your body. If you have sensitive skin or a history of eczema or other skin conditions, this is one health habit you may want to skip. As Sarah from the Healthy Home Economist found, aggressive skin brushing could irritate sensitive skin over time.

Still, as long as you don’t ignore warning signs like discomfort, itchiness, redness, or even pain, done the right way a dry brushing session should benefit most people. Avoid sensitive areas, don’t use overly firm bristles, and stop if bothersome symptoms occur.

As a gentler detox option for sensitive skin, try a detox bath instead of skin brushing.

The Bottom Line on Skin Brushing: Find What Works for You

At the end of the day, researchers will likely never do studies on dry brushing so we don’t have solid scientific evidence of its benefits. There is no incentive to do such a study when a good quality brush set costs around $20 and is available online. At the same time, it is generally agreed that the practice is harmless and at worst ineffective.

Like any aspect of health (or life), it is important to do your own research and go with what works for you.

This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Have you ever dry brushed? Will you try it?

Dry brushing is an age-old process of brushing skin with a natural brush to stimulate lymph flow, improve circulation, exfoliate skin and help cellulite.

Category: BeautyReviewer: Dr. Madiha Saeed, MD

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (162 Comments)

  1. michelle

    February 1, 2015 at 5:38 AM

    How often should you dry btush

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      February 1, 2015 at 10:59 AM

      I do it daily…

      Reply
      • Katie

        June 8, 2016 at 6:39 AM

        What if you don’t shower daily? Do you have to follow with a shower?

        Reply
        • Rachelr

          May 21, 2017 at 5:54 AM

          I was wondering the same thing. It’s actually better for your skin (especially if you’re dry) not to shower daily. I just make certain I wash my face, feet, underarms, and groin daily.

          Reply
  2. Shawna

    January 31, 2015 at 3:07 PM

    Can anyone tell me why its better to use natural bristles?

    Reply
  3. Sandi

    January 31, 2015 at 12:57 PM

    I LOVE dry brushing. It was recommended to me last year by the nutritional therapist I was working with as part of a detox routine. I was skeptical at first, but was blown away by how good I felt from the very first time. It is so incredibly energizing and yet so very relaxing at the same time – a great way to begin the day. I have a tendency to bruise quite easily, so I’m careful to brush gently around (not over) my bruises. I have noticed though that brushing around my bruises (maybe due to the stimulation of the lymphatic system and/or skin) they seem to dissipate quicker than before.

    Reply
  4. angie

    January 31, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    I have been doing it off and on for a year. I used to have little white bumps on my arms and those went away. I notice they come back if I haven’t dry brushed in a while and then they go away when I start again.

    Reply
  5. Judy

    January 31, 2015 at 1:26 AM

    I followed the link from a fb page & found this.
    When our son was diagnosed with central auditory processing disorder his OT has us brush him, exactly in this manner. We used surgical scrub brushes because the tips were smooth & rounded, we wore them down over time.

    Reply
  6. Jody

    January 29, 2015 at 10:35 AM

    I guess what I do is “wet brush” while I’m in the shower. It feels terrific.

    Reply
    • MJ

      May 22, 2017 at 7:43 PM

      There is a difference between wet and dry brushing. You are not exfoliating nearly as much when wet. Dry brushing moves things along the lymph nodes better. The lymph nodes do not respond the same way when in a warm shower. 😉

      Reply
  7. Delaine

    January 29, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    Hello, does anyone have any tips for how to clean the brush itself?

    Reply
    • April

      May 12, 2015 at 12:45 PM

      Wash with gentle soap and let it completely dry. For some people, this is never, for others, every few days. The apparent soil on the brush depends on how oily your skin is, how tan you are and the products you use on your skin.

      Reply
      • Michael smith

        August 2, 2021 at 7:50 PM

        5 stars
        Sprinkle baking soda over bristles and then spray vinegar over all, let it foam up, then rinse and let dry with bristles facing down. This will sanitize.

        Reply
  8. Sally

    January 27, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    I’ve been using my ‘dry’ brush in the shower for many months now. I put a little Dr Bronner’s on it and happily scrub all over. Is this method providing the best results? Once I did start this I found I loved it. With winter though I’m finding that I’m a little more dry than I like. Suggestions? And can you clarify the difference between wet and dry brushing?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      January 30, 2015 at 11:57 AM

      You will get the most stimulation from the dry brushing, especially if you do the directional brushing.

      Reply
  9. Britni

    January 27, 2015 at 9:42 AM

    I love this idea! You mention using a different brush on your face……what brush do you recommend? Also, how often should we change out the brush? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Theresa Maultsby

      January 31, 2015 at 10:53 AM

      Never get brush wet….never share brush….never have to replace….been using same brush over 15 years.

      Reply
      • yiming

        January 8, 2016 at 2:56 PM

        why do you recommend not sharing the brush?

        Reply
    • Rachel

      May 22, 2017 at 8:53 AM

      “Replace the brush every 6-12 months as the bristles will eventually wear out. I also recommend washing the brush every few weeks to remove dead skin cells.”
      The kit that she recommends comes with a face brush, if that helps. 🙂 I’m not sure if she meant to use that one or a different one… Though if she meant to use a different one, she’d probably recommend the one she uses. If that makes sense. Hope that answers your question.

      Reply
  10. Tarah

    January 27, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    Katie, do you mean you brush the same place on your arm or leg 10 times, or do you mean you brush the entire area (like your arm) 10 times in different places around the arm, sometimes overlapping? I feel like if I brushed over the same section of skin 10 times it would start to hurt and get a little raw.

    Tanks!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      January 30, 2015 at 11:59 AM

      The entire area… I like a firm brushing, but I agree: that might be a bit much 😉

      Reply
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