It’s the holistic skincare practice that’s filling our feeds, but does it truly deliver results?
Known for its ability to smooth and soften the skin while supporting lymphatic drainage, dry brushing has sparked plenty of conversation across social media.
As someone who has worked extensively in the esthetic field, I’m here to demystify the benefits and explain how to dry brush effectively and safely.
What Is Dry Brushing?
While it may be trending now, dry brushing has its roots in ancient self-care traditions across many cultures.
The practice involves moving a soft or firm, natural-bristle brush across dry skin in gentle upward, circular strokes before showering. It’s believed to offer an array of benefits, like smoothing the skin’s surface.
What Are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?
From exfoliation to supporting lymphatic flow, here are the benefits of dry brushing.
Exfoliates
First and foremost, dry brushing is known for being an effective way to exfoliate the skin.
For those experiencing dull or uneven texture, this simple ritual can help lift away surface build-up and encourage renewal, promoting smoother, softer, and more radiant results over time.
Supports Lymphatic Flow
One of the most common questions surrounding this skin method is ‘is dry brushing good for lymphatic drainage?’. Using light, upward strokes, dry brushing may help support lymphatic flow, encouraging a more visibly toned appearance.
Many find it to be an invigorating ritual, particularly when performed in the morning, stimulating the skin and contributing to a sense of self‑care. When incorporated into an evening routine, it can also feel like a gentle massage, helping to reduce feelings of puffiness while promoting relaxation.
Enhances Absorption
By gently exfoliating and lifting away surface build‑up, dry brushing helps create a renewed base for subsequent skincare formulas, like moisturizers, serums, and oils, to absorb more effectively.
This makes it an ideal preparatory step in your body care routine, helping to support the performance of other products.
How to Dry Brush Your Body: Step-By-Step
Are you ready to reap the benefits? Here’s a simple, step-by-step dry brushing routine to help you get the most from the practice.
Step One: Choose Your Brush
Choosing the right dry brush is important, as the firmness, material, and design could impact how it applies and feels on your skin.
We recommend selecting one with natural bristles and a firmness that feels comfortable for you. If you’re new to the practice or struggle with irritation, it could be best to opt for soft bristles.
Step Two: Prep Your Skin
For those wondering whether to dry brush before or after a shower, the practice is typically performed on dry skin beforehand, allowing exfoliated build-up to be rinsed away during cleansing.
Expert Tip: For those with reactive skin, applying a light layer of body oil before brushing may help create a gentler, more comfortable glide.
Step Three: Brush Upwards
Using light pressure and avoiding irritated areas, brush in gentle, upward strokes towards the heart.
This technique is often recommended when learning how to dry brush for lymphatic drainage, as it works in harmony with the body’s natural circulation.
Step Four: Shower
Once complete, step into the shower to cleanse your base and remove any remaining surface debris.
This also leaves the skin feeling refreshed and ready for your moisturizing products.
Step Five: Moisturize
After showering, apply a moisturizer, balm, body oil, or serum to help maintain moisture levels and support the skin barrier.
To further support the balancing benefits of dry brushing, follow with one of our deeply enriching body care formulas. Our Lumafirm Body Moisturizer – Firm & Glow features a potent blend of sorghum and kombucha to help smooth and soften the skin, while the Chocolate Indulgence Moisturizer and De‑Aging Body Balm – Papaya‑Pineapple work to quench the skin with indulgent textures and tantalizing aromas.
How Often Should You Dry Brush?
How often you should dry brush should be guided by personal preference and how your skin responds.
In a professional spa setting, the practice is typically recommended once to twice a week. However, at home, some may choose to do so more regularly with a high-quality, soft brush.
It’s important to do what feels right for you, but if any signs of discomfort or irritation arise, it’s best to scale back and allow the skin time to resettle.
Now that you know how to dry brush, a smoother, more radiant-looking surface is within reach.
Whether you’re struggling with dryness, dullness, or uneven texture, this simple ritual adds a renewing, lymphatic-supporting step to your routine.
Complete the experience by exploring our body care products, including everything from exfoliating scrubs to enriching moisturizers.
