Beauty

How to care for your skin with dry brushing?

A holistic ritual that has become an essential part of our wellness routines, dry brushing is one of those practices that needs no introduction when it comes to taking care of our bodies. Just a few minutes a day are enough to revitalize the skin, boost circulation, and restore a feeling of lightness. Benefits, key steps, and precautions to keep in mind: discover everything you need to know about this body ritual.

What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is a skincare practice that involves rubbing dry skin with a natural-bristle brush before showering. By stimulating blood and lymphatic microcirculation, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves the skin smoother, softer, and more toned. Far from being a recent trend, it has its roots in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. Once performed with raw silk gloves rather than a brush, it was part of the dinacharya (Ayurvedic daily routine) and aimed to stimulate circulation, exfoliate the skin, and promote the elimination of toxins. Revived and simplified over time, it has now become a body ritual in its own right and is one of those wellness rituals we love for giving our bodies a boost. To help you better understand this technique, we’ve put together a short guide to take care of your body through dry brushing.

Who can benefit from dry brushing?

You might think that using a dry body brush is only for people with dry skin who don’t have to worry about sensitivity. Think again: dry brushing is suitable for all skin types—whether normal, combination, or prone to sagging or water retention…as long as you choose the right brush. To get started, our Oh My Cream Skincare fromOh My Cream Skincare, with its vegan bristles, is a sure bet. To reach your back without contorting yourself, theUltimate Dry Brush from Goop Beauty features a long wooden handle. And for those looking to target cellulite and heavy legs, the Holidermie Body Massage Brush by Holidermie, with its draining texture, is the best choice.

Looking for a more indulgent experience? The Talm x La Bonne Brosse Body Brush, the result of a very limited-edition collaboration, comes in two colors and two versions tailored to different skin sensitivities—pair it with the Mega Oil to extend your ritual.

Dry brushing vs. body scrubs: What are the differences?

Although dry brushing and body scrubs share a common goal (removing dead skin cells and revealing softer skin), they do not work in the same way. Body scrubs work by using exfoliating grains or active ingredients applied in the shower, on wet skin, for immediate and sensory results. Dry brushing, on the other hand, relies on the mechanical friction of the brush bristles against dry skin before showering: a technique that exfoliates while deeply stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation—something body scrubs do not achieve to the same extent. The two practices are complementary rather than competing: for example, you can reserve dry brushing for regular use and save the scrub for a more occasional, indulgent treat—as part of your Sunday “spa-at-home” routine.

How to Use Your Dry Massage Brush Properly

How do you choose a dry massage brush?

Choosing a brush shouldn't be left to chance: it depends first and foremost on the sensitivity of your skin. If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or prone to redness, opt for a brush with soft bristles and apply very light pressure—almost like a gentle stroke. For the most sensitive skin types in need of an ultra-gentle routine, the Draining Brush Duois an excellent option because its soft PBT bristles do not irritate the skin, and its technique—designed to support lymphatic drainage rather than deep exfoliation—makes it a comfortable alternative to traditional dry brushing.

If your skin is firmer and doesn't react easily, a brush with firmer bristles allows for a more invigorating brushing experience, using slightly more pressure. Ideal for normal skin, the No. 2 Body Brush for Normal SkinLa Bonne Brosse x Talm combines boar bristles and silicone nubs to stimulate, tone, and smooth the skin. In any case, it’s best to start gently and gradually increase the intensity depending on your skin’s tolerance.

Doing the Right Thing

Dry brushing should always be done from the bottom up. On dry skin, gently brush your body from your feet to your knees, then up to your thighs, and do the same from your wrists to your shoulders. Finally, use circular motions on the chest and upper back. Repeat these motions for 5 to 10 minutes a day. Once you’ve brushed your body, take a shower (preferably not too hot) to remove dead skin cells, then moisturize your skin with body lotion or a nourishing oil.

Dry brushing is best done in the morning, before showering: it’s an invigorating routine that boosts circulation and prepares the skin to start the day, whereas doing it in the evening could, on the contrary, stimulate the body at the wrong time. As for frequency, 2 to 3 sessions per week are enough to see the first improvements in skin texture; enthusiasts can go as far as daily use, provided they pay close attention to their skin’s reactions and space out sessions if tightness or redness persists.

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

By stimulating blood and lymphatic microcirculation, dry brushing helps remove dead skin cells, refine skin texture, and restore radiance. It also helps create a more even skin tone, while offering a moment to reconnect with yourself before your shower. In fact, you’re probably familiar with the technique of “lymphatic drainage.” Dry body brushing works on the same principle! Just a few minutes of brushing each day is enough to restore that“light legs” sensation, though it’s not a substitute for a real detox regimen. The result: smoother, firmer skin and legs that feel lighter with each use .

How can you incorporate dry brushing into your skincare routine?

Dry brushing fits perfectly into your daily routine to take care of your bodywithout spending an hour in the bathroom. In the morning, dry brushing helps wake up your body. In the evening, on the other hand, it provides a moment of relaxation. Beneficial all year round, dry brushing has the added benefit of warming up your body in the winter. You can also dry brush before exercising to warm up your muscles and after a workout to combat muscle fatigue and reduce soreness. After dry brushing, we recommend using gentle skincare products and thoroughly moisturizing your skin. After just a few days of use, you’ll already notice the difference.

Contraindications and Precautions

Like any stimulating activity, dry brushing is not suitable for all situations. In fact, it is not recommended in the following cases:

damaged, irritated skin, or skin with sores, infected pimples, or sunburn;
flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis;
varicose veins or marked capillary fragility, for which the procedure may be too stimulating;
immediately after waxing, shaving, or sun exposure, while the skin is regenerating;

If in doubt—especially during pregnancy—it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. In addition, avoid dry brushing before or after a body scrub, as this can over-exfoliate your skin and cause irritation.

FAQ

Yes, as long as your skin tolerates it well. If you experience redness or tightness, it's best to space out your sessions to 2 or 3 times a week.

The choice depends mainly on the sensitivity of your skin: soft bristles for sensitive skin, firmer bristles (sisal, agave) for healthy skin that needs a more stimulating effect.

It stimulates microcirculation and makes the skin appear smoother in the short term, but no serious studies have shown that it reduces cellulite over the long term. It is primarily a toning and exfoliating treatment, not an anti-cellulite treatment.

While dry brushing poses no risk during pregnancy, it is best to seekReview(s) from a healthcare professional, especially if you have varicose veins or skin that has become sensitive due to pregnancy.

Yes, the motion is always performed in an upward direction, from the extremities toward the heart, to follow the natural flow of blood and lymph.

No, the two steps complement each other: dry brushing is part of a regular routine, while exfoliation is a more occasional and sensory treatment.

Our brushes for dry brushing

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