How to Properly Dry Brush Your Skin

by Victoria Vallecorse

Published Apr 15, 2024

If you experienced an endless winter (and a sunless spring), chances are your skin hasn’t seen the light of day in a while.

While most of us are preoccupied with dodging puddles and waterproofing our makeup routine against another torrential downpour, we might be ignoring the skin we have trapped beneath layers of fleece and PVC.

The harsh reality is cold weather severely reduces blood circulation and inhibits sebum production, resulting in dry, dull skin that makes it a little hard to shed come summertime.

Luckily dry brushing helps revive skin. All you need is a handheld body brush and six minutes of your time!

What is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing involves sweeping a densely bristled brush over your body to slough off dead skin cells, boost blood circulation, and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Simply apply slight pressure and use stroking motions to exfoliate build up and unclog pores uncovering smooth, clear, and awakened skin.

Similar to the effects of a cardio workout, the sturdy bristles help stimulate blood circulation, break up fat deposits, and reduce the appearance of cellulite over time. Due to its circulation-boosting properties, we noticed that dry brushing also gives our bodies a natural burst of energy to help kickstart the day.

Aside from its many aesthetic benefits, many compare dry brushing to a massage that goes beyond the skin’s surface to stimulate lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting the white blood cell-infused fluid called lymph, which removes toxins, waste, and other harmful substances from the body. Brushing your skin encourages lymph flow to enliven your body’s natural detoxification processes.

How to Properly Dry Brush Your Skin:

Dry brushing can be completed daily depending on skin tolerance. It’s completely normal for your skin to be slightly flush after a brushing session. However, if it becomes inflamed, consult our tips for proper technique.

While brushing can be completed at any time of day, we recommend skin brushing in the morning to invigorate your body for the day ahead. Make sure that your skin and brush are completely dry before beginning.
Prior to showering, sweep the brush over your body starting at your feet, stroking upwards toward your heart to activate lymphatic drainage and completely exfoliate from head to toe. Brushing should be performed in long, firm strokes. Apply increased pressure to the bottom of your feet, elbows, and trouble spots to help smooth out rough skin, lumps, and bumps. Soften pressure on more sensitive areas like your abdomen, chest, and neck.
After 3-6 minutes of brushing, shower to rinse off dead skin cells with a hydrating shower oil and then apply a restorative body lotion or a firming body oil.

Be sure to follow these three steps everyday for soft, healthy, and glowing skin this summer!