A Gentle Guide to Dry Brushing

I don’t dry brush every day, but when I do, I remember why I love it. There’s something about the way it makes my skin feel—awake, refreshed, almost like it’s had a good stretch. It’s simple, inexpensive, and only takes a few minutes, but the benefits are real. It’s one of those quiet wellness tools that’s worth knowing about.

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is the practice of gently brushing the skin with a firm, natural-bristle brush while the skin is dry. It stimulates circulation, exfoliates the skin, and encourages lymphatic flow.

And that last part—supporting the lymphatic system—is one of the main reasons I value it.

Unlike blood, which is pumped by the heart, lymph doesn’t have its own pump. It depends on outside movement to flow properly through the body. When it’s moving well, lymph helps carry away waste, cellular debris, and excess fluid. But when it gets sluggish, we can start to feel puffy, heavy, or just “off.”

That’s why movement matters. Dry brushing is just one way to get things flowing. Other ways to support healthy lymph movement include:

• Walking or gentle exercise

• Rebounding on a mini-trampoline

• Deep breathing (yes, even your lungs help move lymph!)

• Staying hydrated — lymph is a fluid, and water helps keep it flowing

• Herbs like dandelion — one of my favorites for gentle daily support

Dry brushing won’t fix everything on its own, but when paired with these kinds of habits, it becomes a lovely part of a bigger picture.

Choosing the Right Brush

If you’re new to dry brushing, the first thing to look for is a brush with natural bristles, not synthetic. Natural bristles tend to be firm enough to stimulate the skin, but still gentle and supportive.

You’ll also notice there are two common styles: brushes with long handles and those that are handheld. Both have their benefits. A long-handled brush makes it easier to reach your back and shoulders, while a handheld version gives you more control, especially for arms, legs, and torso.

I was excited to find one to stock in the store that has a detachable handle, so you get the best of both options. It gives you the flexibility to use it however you like, depending on what feels most comfortable and easy that day.

How I Dry Brush

Here’s how I use it when I make time for this little ritual:

• I start at my feet and brush upward in light, quick strokes toward my heart

• I do the same with my arms, brushing from fingers to shoulders

• On my stomach, I brush in gentle clockwise circles

• I include areas with lymph nodes, like the armpits and inner thighs

• I keep the pressure firm enough to feel, but always comfortable

The whole thing usually takes just a few minutes, and then I step into a warm shower and finish with a nourishing lotion or oil. My skin always feels incredibly soft and smooth afterward—and a little more alive.

When to Skip It

Dry brushing isn’t for everyone, and there are times I skip it too. I avoid it when my skin is feeling sensitive, sunburned, or if I have any open or irritated spots. And if it ever feels like one more thing to do, I remind myself that it's not about checking a box—it’s about showing up for myself when I can.

A Small Ritual with Big Benefits

Dry brushing isn’t a miracle cure or an overnight transformation. But it is a simple way to support your body, move your lymph, and reconnect with your skin. Some mornings, that’s all I need—a few minutes to breathe, brush, and remember that caring for myself can be both easy and beautiful.