How to Dry Brush Your Body for Better Skin

Use a natural bristle brush on dry skin before showering, brushing in long strokes toward your heart to stimulate circulation and exfoliate.

Dry brushing works, but the lymphatic drainage claims are oversold—think of it as very effective exfoliation with a circulation bonus.

1. Get the right brush. Choose a natural bristle brush with a long handle for your back. The bristles should feel firm but not scratchy on your skin. Synthetic bristles are too harsh and won't give you the same benefits.
2. Start at your feet. Begin with the soles of your feet and brush upward in long, smooth strokes toward your heart. This follows your lymphatic system's natural flow. Use light to medium pressure—you want stimulation, not irritation.
3. Work up your legs. Continue brushing from ankles to thighs, always moving toward your heart. Spend extra time on areas that feel rough, like knees and elbows, but keep the pressure gentle.
4. Brush your torso. Move to your arms, starting from hands and brushing toward your shoulders. For your torso, brush from your lower back upward, and from your stomach toward your chest.
5. Shower immediately after. Follow dry brushing with a shower to wash away dead skin cells. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, then moisturize while your skin is still damp.