Benefits of Dry Brushing Go Beyond Smooth Skin

May 29, 2025

WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?

Dry brushing is basically a technique of massaging the body with a firm-bristled brush. The ancient Egyptians are said to have started the use of dry brushing and incorporated it into their extraordinary and meticulous beauty routines thousands of years ago. However, others say that the practice instead originated from India, where it was an essential element in holistic health care.

Regardless of the origins of dry brushing, its popularity hasn't waned. Today, it is one of the most treasured beauty "secrets" of those in the know, such as Goop founder and actress Gwyneth Paltrow and supermodels Molly Sims and Miranda Kerr.

And why not? Dry brushing is simple and easy to do, doesn't need a ton of equipment, and you can do it anywhere or anytime you please. But perhaps the number one reason for its persisting reputation among beauty circles is its ability to deliver on its claims.

THE BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING

If you haven't tried dry brushing yet, here are the precise reasons why you should already start shopping for a specialty body brushes ASAP.

MAKES SKIN GLOW UP

Of course, we need to first mention what dry brushing is best known for, and that is smooth and silky skin.

Dry brushing can vastly improve the appearance of our skin. By naturally exfoliating the dead skin cells that accumulate even with daily washing, cell turnover is stimulated, resulting in fresh and radiant skin.

The cellular stimulation from dry brushing facilitates oxygenation of the skin cells, which can visibly invigorate and brighten the complexion.

IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION

Dry brushing can improve blood flow without stripping your skin of its natural moisture-retaining oils, fats, and proteins.

Proper circulation, which dry brushing promotes, ensures that your skin cells, muscles, and tissues receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to self-repair and self-rejuvenate whenever necessary. With better blood flow, your focus is sharper, your heart is healthier, and your organs can function optimally.

ENCOURAGES LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Our body's lymphatic system is essentially its sewerage system. When it is healthy and unclogged, it can eliminate toxic cellular waste. It can also maintain our body's fluid balance and protect it from infection-causing bacteria. However, when our lymphatic system is damaged, excess fluids are retained in the body. The result is the swelling up of tissues, leading to a bloated, puffy appearance, and worse, disorders and diseases.

With its mechanical strokes, dry brushing has a similar effect on the lymphatic tissues and fluids as a massage has. Dry brushing helps detoxify skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/ drainage.

RELIEVES STRESS AND SOOTHES ANXIETY

The ritualistic motions of dry brushing have a lulling effect on the psyche, inducing calm and relaxation. Some even liken the practice to meditation as it can also help wind down the mind and alleviate muscle tension.

TIPS ON DRY BRUSHING

How then can you optimize the benefits of dry brushing, and what should you expect? Here, we will answer the most asked questions about this favourite beauty technique.

Should I Avoid Anything?

Don't dry brush on sensitive areas (e.g., open wounds) or irritated or infected skin
Don't dry brush too hard
Don't dry brush if you have existing skin conditions. See your doctor for the appropriate treatment.
Don't dry brush over moles, warts, and other such skin growths.
Don't just use any kind of brush. Choose one that is specially made for the purpose.

When Should I Dry-Brush?

The best time to dry-brush is at the beginning of a body massage or body treatment. In addition to establishing a nurturing connection with your client, this 5-10 minute ritual will help improve your clients overall treatment results.

At home, recommend clients dry brush at least twice a week for 5 minutes.

How is it done?

Generally it is just light sweeping motions following the lymphatic pathways;

Start at the feet and move up the body.
Brush skin using wide, circular, clockwise motions.
Use light pressure in areas where skin is thin and harder pressure on thicker skin, like the soles of the feet.
Brush the arms after the feet, legs, and mid-section. You should brush upward towards the armpits.
After dry brushing, take a damp, heated towel to help remove the dry skin.
It’s best to begin with light brushing and gradually increase the pressure according to comfort.

Detox Massage Body Brush

This 2 in 1 exfoliating and massaging brush combines little rubber massage nodules with natural bristles to stimulate the skin and boost circulation while brushing away dry and dead skin cell build up.

Brush comes with a non-slip canvas hand strap to make body brushing all that much easier. For professional use we recommend using 2 brushes at once and alternating strokes.

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Dry Body Brush

Ideal for home use this brush helps target those hard-to-reach areas with the help of a long handle. Perfect for effectively exfoliating the skin, removing dry and dull dead skin cells, and renewing and smoothing the body.