How to Dry Brush Your Skin

Co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: August 28, 2021 References Approved

Just like the name suggests, dry brushing involves gently rubbing your skin with a dry body brush. Some health and beauty gurus claim that dry brushing has a wealth of benefits beyond just exfoliating your skin—from getting rid of cellulite to helping your body release toxins. However, there’s not a lot of great evidence to support all of these claims. If you’re wondering what the hype is really all about, read on. We’ll answer your questions about what dry brushing is best for and how to do it safely.

Question 1 of 14:

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

1
Dry brushing is great for exfoliating dry skin. If your skin is a bit dry, going over it gently with a dry brush can loosen dead skin and flakes. It can also help unclog your pores.^{[1]
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2
It may help improve circulation. Like any form of massage, dry brushing gets your blood flowing. This can temporarily brighten the appearance of your skin.^{[2]
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3
Some people find dry brushing invigorating. Dry brushing helps stimulate your nervous system, which can leave you feeling energized and refreshed.^{[3]
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4
There’s not a lot of evidence to support other claims. Some proponents claim that dry brushing can detoxify your body, stimulate your lymphatic system, get rid of cellulite, break up fat deposits under your skin, or even improve your digestion and kidney function. However, there’s no research out there to back up any of these ideas.^{[5]
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- If you have any health concerns, ask your doctor about the most effective treatment options—and whether dry brushing is likely to help. They might be able to recommend other natural or holistic remedies that are backed by science.

Question 2 of 14:

What kind of brush should I use?

1
Use a large brush with firm, natural bristles. Firmer bristles exfoliate more deeply, but you might want to use a softer brush on sensitive areas. Long-handled shower or bath brushes work well, since they make it easier to get at hard-to-reach areas, such as your back.^{[6]
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- Look for a brush with bristles made from materials such as boar’s hair or sisal.
- You may find that a brush with a combination of firmer and softer bristles feels best.
- Dermatologists don’t recommend using a dry brush on your face. But, if you choose to try it, select a smaller brush with extra-soft bristles that’s marketed for facial use.^{[7]
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2
Buy a dry brush from a health and beauty store or online. You can buy dry brushes from most stores that sell cosmetics or skincare products. Dry brushes may be labeled “dry brush,” “dry body brush,” “detox brush,” or something similar.
- If you can’t find a dry brush in a local store, order one online. Do a search for “dry body brush.” Check the item description and read customer reviews to find a brush that meets your needs.

Question 3 of 14:

What’s the best way to dry brush for exfoliation?

1
Start from your feet and work your way up. Dry brushing is a technique best used on your arms, legs, and torso. Start with your feet or ankles and work your way up from there.^{[8]
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- As the name suggests, it’s best if both your skin and the brush are dry.
2
Use long, upward strokes on your arms and legs. When you brush your limbs, go lengthwise from the end of your limb towards your body. For instance, start at your hand or wrist and sweep the brush upwards along your arm towards the shoulder.^{[9]
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Brush your torso in circular strokes. When you’re brushing your belly, chest, and back, switch to small, circular movements. Some holistic healthcare experts recommend using clockwise motions for the best results.^{[10]
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Be gentle so you don’t irritate your skin. Scrubbing hard can cause tiny micro-tears in your skin, leading to inflammation or even infections. Keep your strokes light and switch to a softer brush if you’re still getting irritated.^{[11]
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- Use lighter pressure in sensitive areas, like your breasts, neck, or belly.^{[12]
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Question 4 of 14:

How long should you dry brush?

Stick to 2-3 strokes per area. Scrubbing back and forth over one spot too long is likely to irritate your skin. Just do a few strokes, then move on to the next section of your skin.^{[13]
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Question 5 of 14:

How many times a week should you dry brush your skin?

Stick to dry brushing once a week if your skin is sensitive. Dry brushing more often than that could strip away your skin’s protective outer layers and leave it more sensitive or prone to irritation. It could also ultimately dry out your skin and make issues like flaking even worse.^{[14]
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- Some dermatologists take a more aggressive approach and recommend dry brushing as often as every day.^{[15]
  X
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  Cleveland Clinic
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  Go to source} However, be mindful of how your skin reacts and cut back on how often you do it if your skin gets irritated.
- The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends experimenting with your exfoliation schedule based on your skin type and the method of exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation with a brush is one of the harsher methods, so it doesn’t need to be done as often as something gentler, like using a soft washcloth.^{[16]
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Question 6 of 14:

Do you have to shower after dry brushing?

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Yes, showering washes away dead skin and replenishes moisture. When you dry brush, it loosens up dirt and dead cells on the surface of your skin. Hop in the shower when you’re done to rinse away the gunk so it doesn’t continue to sit on your skin and clog it up.^{[17]
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2
Apply a moisturizer when you’re done. Any type of exfoliation can be drying, and dry brushing is no exception.^{[18]
X
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Go to source} After you shower, pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel. While your skin is still slightly damp, slather on a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.^{[19]
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Question 7 of 14:

Does dry brushing help you lose weight?

There’s no evidence that dry brushing helps with weight loss. Some dry brushing proponents claim that dry brushing reduces body fat by detoxifying your body, improving circulation, and even aiding digestion. However, there’s no scientific research out there to support any of these claims.

Question 8 of 14:

Can dry brushing reduce wrinkles?

1
Probably not, but it may temporarily reduce their appearance. Since dry brushing boosts circulation, it may briefly plump up your skin and make it look smoother. The increased blood flow to your skin will also give it a youthful glow. However, these effects don’t last very long after you finish brushing.^{[20]
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- One small study from 2017 found that massage, when combined with an anti-wrinkle cream, could significantly improve the overall appearance of skin and minimize wrinkles over time. However, this study doesn’t deal with dry brushing specifically.^{[21]
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2
Brushing your face to treat wrinkles could do more harm than good. The skin on your face is more delicate and sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body. Don’t try to treat facial wrinkles by dry brushing them. You could irritate and ultimately damage your skin.^{[22]
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3
Moisturizers are a more effective treatment for wrinkles. To combat wrinkles naturally, most dermatologists recommend moisturizing your skin daily and protecting it from sun damage. Use a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.^{[23]
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- Retinoid creams can be especially helpful for keeping your skin youthful and preventing the appearance of new wrinkles.^{[24]
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Question 9 of 14:

Will dry brushing get rid of cellulite?

1
No, dry brushing won’t eliminate or reduce cellulite. Unfortunately, surface treatments like dry brushing, skin massage, wraps, and creams aren’t effective at treating cellulite.^{[25]
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Research source} It’s possible that dry brushing will temporarily make your skin look smoother, but the effects don’t last long.^{[26]
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2
Eat healthy and exercise to minimize the appearance of cellulite. Eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and fiber may improve the overall appearance of your skin and make your cellulite less noticeable. Getting exercise can also help, since toning up your muscles can reduce the appearance of dimpled or bumpy skin.^{[27]
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- Retinol creams can also temporarily thicken your skin and minimize the appearance of cellulite.^{[28]
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Question 10 of 14:

Do dermatologists recommend dry brushing?

1
Some recommend it as a form of exfoliation. Most dermatologists won’t tell you to avoid dry brushing, although they may advise keeping your expectations realistic. For instance, it probably won’t get rid of toxins, banish wrinkles, or melt away cellulite bumps.^{[29]
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Research source} Some doctors do recommend it as a good way to keep dry skin smooth and supple, however.^{[30]
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- While there are no studies to back it up yet, it’s possible that dry brushing could help with certain skin conditions, such as keratosis pilaris. Your dermatologist may recommend trying it to see if it works for you.
2
Doctors recommend avoiding it if you have damaged skin. Dry brushing isn’t safe for everyone. If your skin is extremely sensitive, burned, or broken, don’t dry brush in the affected areas. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid dry brushing if:^{[31]
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- Your skin is infected or inflamed.
- You have eczema or severely dry skin.^{[32]
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- You have cellulitis (a type of skin infection).
- You have blisters, sores, rashes, or lesions on your skin.
- The area you want to brush has warts, moles, or any other raised bumps.

Question 11 of 14:

Can I dry brush if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, but be gentle and avoid irritated areas. You may also need to use a softer brush or minimize how often you dry brush. If using a brush irritates your skin too much, switch to a dry, soft washcloth instead.^{[33]
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Question 12 of 14:

Can dry brushing make you sick?

1
It could lead to an infection if you brush broken skin. Dry brushing can introduce bacteria into cut, scraped, or irritated skin. Brushing too often or not gently enough can also tear your skin and make it more prone to infections.^{[34]
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- Always use a clean brush, and don’t share your brush with other people.
- Never use a dry brush on skin that’s already infected.
2
Clean your brush after using it to reduce the risk of infections. After dry brushing, simply rinse the brush with warm water and hang it up to dry.^{[35]
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Research source} If you’d like to get it extra clean, gently swirl the bristles in a mixture of warm water and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of baby shampoo or a mild clarifying shampoo.^{[36]
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- Dermatologists recommend using shampoo rather than ordinary soap to avoid damaging cosmetic brushes with natural bristles.

Question 13 of 14:

Why do I feel itchy after dry brushing?

Itching is a sign of irritation. Like any kind of exfoliation, dry brushing can dry out or irritate your skin. To minimize irritation, be gentle and always moisturize your skin when you’re done.^{[37]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- When you shower after dry brushing, make sure the water is not too hot. Showering in hot water can dehydrate your skin and make itching worse.^{[38]
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Question 14 of 14:

How do you dry brush for lymphatic drainage?

1
Brush in the direction of your heart. If you decide to try dry brushing to improve lymphatic flow, apply the brush in gentle strokes, moving from your limbs toward the center of your body. Take a shower afterwards, just like you would after exfoliating.^{[39]
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2
There’s not much evidence that it helps with lymphatic drainage. Some holistic medicine practitioners claim that dry brushing increases circulation in the lymphatic system and helps remove toxins from your body.^{[40]
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Research source} However, nobody has published any studies supporting this idea. It probably won’t hurt to try dry brushing, but keep in mind that the benefits aren’t really known.^{[41]
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3
Massaging with your bare hands may be more effective. If you have fluid retention in your arms or legs due to a blockage of your lymph nodes, massage can actually help. However, most doctors recommend a technique called manual lymph drainage (MLD). To do MLD, stroke the skin in the affected area gently, using the flats of your hands instead of your fingertips. Always stroke in the direction of your heart rather than towards the ends of your limbs.^{[42]
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- For example, if you’re massaging your legs, stroke the skin away from your foot and back towards your torso.