Dry brushing is the daily health and beauty ritual that you may not be doing yet, but you should be. Not just for the benefits (keep reading), but also because it just feels so damn good. 

Maybe you’ve already heard of dry brushing and haven’t tried it yet, or maybe it’s news to you altogether. So we put together the why’s and how’s of dry brushing to help make it easier for you to work into your own routine. It literally takes 2-3 minutes a day, and the results are more than worth taking that time to do it. 

What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is just what it sounds like: brushing the skin with a dry brush, usually before showering. 

Is dry brushing a new thing?

Not at all. In fact, it’s been around in many different cultures throughout history, dating back for centuries. Everything old is new again, yes?

Why dry brush?

It stimulates the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system has the job of removing cellular waste from your body. Cellular waste is moved into your blood to be eliminated from your body, which is referred to as lymphatic drainage. If this system isn’t working properly, the waste and toxins can build up and cause unpleasant symptoms in the body. Dry brushing helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, so when you do it daily, you’re essentially supporting your body’s daily detoxification. 

It exfoliates the skin. Dry brushing also helps to remove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface, which helps to keep your pores clear, and further supports detoxification of your body since another way that your body releases toxins is through your skin. Bonus: exfoliated skin is smoother, more colorful and more luminous.

It promotes circulation. Increased circulation is also beneficial for removing cellular waste from the body, as well as creating more color in the skin. Think of circulation as improving blood flow to the area, or bringing life to it. You’re literally bringing blood flow, bringing life to your skin when you dry brush it. 

It’s self-care and it feels incredible. Think of dry brushing as a little daily massage for your body. It’s invigorating for your whole body which is beneficial for your mood as well. 

It has been shown to help with cellulite. There is little if any evidence to support this, so consider this a bonus of dry brushing. 

How to dry brush:

Click here for our favorite dry brush.

Always dry brush when your skin is dry, such as right before a shower, and think of working the fluid towards your heart. Use firm strokes, and alternate between shorter, longer and circular strokes. 

Try to dry brush your skin for at least two or three minutes each day.

1. Brush the sole of one foot, moving to the top of the foot, working up the front of the leg and up the back of the leg, taking a few extra moments around the backs of the knees where there are numerous lymph nodes, as well as on the inner and outer thighs which is an area where many people experience cellulite. Repeat on the other foot and leg.

2. Move to the hips and buttocks, again spending a few extra moments here.

3. Move to one hand and start on the palm, moving to the back of the hand, working up the front and the back of the arm, again moving toward the heart. Take extra care to brush the armpits and the area just below the armpit, around the bra strap area on your side, which are also areas where lymph nods are plentiful. Repeat on the other hand and arm. 

4. Make circular strokes around the stomach, and around each breast but avoiding the sensitive nipple area. 

5. Use the long handle of your brush to brush downward strokes on the upper back, and upward strokes on the lower back.

6. Immediately rinse off in the shower, using our favorite non-toxic peppermint body wash to further invigorate and awaken your body.