Dry Brushing is a skin exfoliating technique that has been around for centuries.
Dry brushing is a skincare technique that uses a firm, dry brush to exfoliate the skin gently. It is typically done before showering on dry skin using long, sweeping motions.
The practice of dry brushing has been embraced by various cultures throughout history, from Ayurveda to Ancient Egypt, Rome, and traditional Chinese medicine. Here are some historical examples of dry brushing across civilizations:
- Ancient Egypt: Renowned for their advanced beauty rituals, the Ancient Egyptians are believed to have practiced dry body brushing for thousands of years. They also exfoliated using natural enzymes from sour milk and wine to achieve soft, radiant skin.
- Ayurveda: In India’s 5,000-year-old holistic health system, Ayurvedic dry brushing — known as Garshana — was used to enhance circulation and blood flow. Traditionally performed with raw silk or linen gloves, many today opt for a natural bristle body brush to achieve similar benefits.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: Dry brushing in traditional Chinese medicine often involved dried fibres from the Luffa gourd (silk squash), commonly known as a loofah. When used alone or combined with sesame oil, it helped exfoliate the skin, boost circulation, and was believed to support the Lung, Stomach, and Liver meridians.
- Ancient Greece & Rome: The Greeks and Romans utilized strigils — curved bronze instruments — along with olive oil to cleanse the skin of dirt, sweat, and excess oils before bathing. The famed physician Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine,” was said to advocate for the use of strigils.
This long-standing tradition of dry brushing continues today, offering both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits.
How to Dry Brush
- Use a natural bristle brush with a long handle for better reach.
- Start at your feet and brush upward toward your heart in long, gentle strokes.
- Use circular motions on joints like knees and elbows.
- Be gentle on sensitive areas and avoid broken or irritated skin.
- After brushing, take a shower and moisturize to keep the skin hydrated.
How Often Should We Dry Brush?
2–3 times per week is usually enough to see benefits without irritating the skin.
What Supplies Should Be Needed for Dry Brushing?
To dry brush at home, we’ll need a brush with natural fibre bristles. Opt for one with a long handle to help reach all areas of our body with ease.
For convenience, consider dry brushing inside the shower so you can easily clean up afterward. You may also want a moisturizer — such as a natural oil (coconut, jojoba, or almond oil) — ready to hydrate your skin post-brushing.
Where to Buy a Dry Brush
- Dry brushes are available at health food stores, beauty retailers, or online.
- A basic brush can cost under $10, while dry brushing kits are more expensive.
Professional Dry Brushing
If you prefer a spa experience, some local spas offer dry brushing treatments. Before booking, ask about their brush cleaning practices and inform them of any sensitive areas you’d like them to avoid.
How to Maintain a Dry Brush
- Rinse your brush after each use to remove dead skin cells.
- Air dry it in a sunny, well-ventilated area to prevent mildew.
- Deep clean your brush once a week using mild soap and water.
- Do not share your brush to minimize the risk of bacteria or infection.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
Benefits of dry skin brushing may include cellulite reduction, lymphatic system stimulation, skin exfoliation, toxin removal, increased energy and circulation, and more.
- The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in our body’s immune defence, helping to fight infections by filtering fluids through the lymph nodes. When the body is exposed to high levels of toxins, the system becomes congested — lymph nodes may swell when you have a cold. Dry brushing is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote detoxification. The firm bristles gently exfoliate the skin, stimulating the pores and encouraging sweat production. Since sweat helps eliminate toxins, this process may help reduce the burden on the lymphatic system, supporting overall wellness.
- The coarse bristles of a dry brush effectively remove dry, dead skin cells, revealing smoother, softer skin. Regular exfoliation may also stimulate collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity and promote a more youthful appearance.
- Cellulite is common among women, regardless of body shape or size. It forms, due to the way, fat is structured beneath the skin and is completely harmless. While some people turn to dry brushing and exfoliation to reduce its appearance, there is no scientific evidence that these methods provide long-term results. However, dry brushing may offer a temporary smoothing effect by stimulating circulation and plumping the skin.
- The natural bristles of a dry brush work as a mechanical exfoliant, sweeping away dead skin cells, dirt, and debris making the skin appear dull or rough. By uncovering fresh, healthy skin layers, dry brushing helps your skin reflect light better, creating that luminous, dewy glow. Regular exfoliation prevents clogged pores and ingrown hairs, contributing to a more even, polished complexion.
- The brushing motion stimulates microcirculation, bringing a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface. As blood flow increases, the skin takes on a natural, rosy flush — the same effect you get after light exercise — adding warmth and vitality to your complexion.
- After exfoliating with a dry brush, your skin is primed to absorb moisturizers, oils, and serums more effectively. Following your brushing routine with a nourishing oil (like coconut, almond, or jojoba) helps lock in hydration, giving your skin a healthy, lasting glow.
- Over time, pores can become clogged with oil, sweat, and environmental impurities. Dry brushing helps to unblock pores and remove trapped debris, allowing the skin to breathe more effectively. This can lead to fewer blemishes and a more luminous complexion.
- Beyond physical benefits, dry brushing can be a meditative, stress-relieving ritual. Lower stress levels mean reduced cortisol production, which can help minimize breakouts and support overall health.
- Regular dry brushing may help stimulate collagen production, essential for maintaining firm, elastic skin. Collagen provides structure to our skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging. By encouraging microcirculation, dry brushing supports the skin’s natural ability to repair and renew itself.
Tips for Achieving Maximum Glow with Dry Brushing
- Choose the Right Brush: Use a natural bristle brush — preferably with a long handle to reach all areas.
- Brush Gently: Use light, sweeping strokes starting from your feet and moving toward your heart to follow the direction of lymphatic flow.
- Be Consistent: Dry brush 2–3 times per week for the best results. Avoid over-brushing to prevent skin irritation.
- Hydrate & Moisturize: Follow up with a hydrating lotion or body oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil) to lock in moisture.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and enhance your skin’s radiance.
A Few Risk Factors to Dry Brushing
While dry brushing can be beneficial, some individuals should avoid it or proceed with caution.
- Sensitive or inflamed skin: If you have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, avoid dry brushing over affected areas, as it may cause irritation or worsen inflammation.
- Open wounds or cuts: Never dry brush over open wounds, sores, or broken skin, as this can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
By incorporating dry brushing into our skincare routine, there are a range of benefits that lead to healthy, glowing skin. From improving circulation and exfoliating dead skin to supporting detoxification and collagen production, this simple practice can leave our skin looking smoother, brighter, and more radiant.
