what dry brushing skin
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is sweeping a firm, natural-bristle brush over your bare skin in long strokes before you shower. No water. No products. Just you, a brush, and three minutes to exfoliate dead cells and prep your skin to absorb moisturizer better.
How It Actually Works
What dry brushing skin care involves is straightforward: stiff natural bristles on dry skin, upward strokes from feet toward your heart, done. The whole thing takes three to five minutes. Most people brush right before showering to rinse away what they've loosened.
The practice has roots in Ayurvedic traditions. What makes it work for us now is that it requires one tool and fits into a minimalist routine. That's it.
Why We Added It After Long Runs and Hospital Shifts
After marathon training, our skin felt tight and dull. After Doug's hospital shifts with constant handwashing, his hands looked like sandpaper. We needed something that helped our moisturizers actually sink in instead of sitting on top of dead, flaky skin.
As parents running a small business, we don't have time for elaborate routines. One brush, pre-shower, done. Our balms worked better afterward. That's the test: does it make the products we already trust more effective? If yes, it stays.
Our Take: Dry brushing clears the path for your moisturizer to do its job. You can stick with fewer, simpler products when they actually reach your skin.
Key Benefits of Dry Brushing Your Skin
Immediate: Smoother, Softer Skin
The bristles lift away dead skin cells that build up naturally. Underneath? Fresher skin that feels noticeably softer. If you've dealt with rough elbows, knees, or those bumpy patches on the backs of your arms, dry brushing smooths them without harsh chemical exfoliants.
We've tested this on ourselves for years. After brushing, our skin stops feeling like tree bark and starts feeling like skin again.
Circulation Boost and Lymphatic Support
Dry brushing for lymphatic drainage gets talked about a lot, so let's be clear: it's not a medical treatment. The upward, rhythmic strokes may support your body's natural lymphatic flow, which moves fluid through your system. Many people report feeling less puffy or more awake after consistent brushing. The gentle pressure also brings blood flow to your skin's surface.
As a neurologist, Doug looks at any wellness practice through a scientific lens. The lymphatic benefit is theoretical but plausible. The circulation boost is observable—your skin flushes slightly after brushing.
Your Moisturizer Finally Gets Through
Remove that layer of dead skin and your moisturizer has direct access to the skin that needs it. We noticed this immediately: our Original Miracle Balm absorbed faster and felt more effective after dry brushing. You're not wasting product on a flaky barrier anymore.
What to Keep in Mind
Pros
- Quick and simple to add to your routine
- No extra products or water needed
- Helps moisturizers absorb better
- Leaves skin feeling smooth and refreshed
- Supports natural circulation and lymphatic flow
Cons
- Can irritate sensitive or broken skin
- Requires gentle pressure to avoid redness
- Not suitable for active eczema or psoriasis flares
- Needs consistent cleaning of the brush
| Benefit | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Exfoliation | Removes dead skin cells for smoother texture | Rough patches, dull skin, keratosis pilaris |
| Circulation Support | Brings blood flow to skin surface | Morning energy boost, pre-workout prep |
| Lymphatic Flow | Supports natural fluid movement | Feeling less puffy, post-travel recovery |
| Product Absorption | Clears a pathway for moisturizers to absorb | Getting more out of your existing skincare routine |
How to Dry Brush Your Body and Face Step by Step
Pick Natural Bristles, Not Synthetic
Natural bristles are firm enough to exfoliate but have some give, which prevents irritation. Get a long handle if you want to reach your back, or a palm-sized brush for more control. For your face, use a separate, softer brush designed for delicate skin. Never use your body brush on your face.
Body: Feet to Heart, Always Upward
Brush on completely dry skin before your shower. Start at your feet. Use long, upward strokes toward your heart. Brush each area two to three times with light to medium pressure. Work up your legs, then your hands and arms. For your torso, brush upward on your stomach and down from your neck toward your heart.
The whole process takes three to five minutes. If any area turns red or feels sensitive, use less pressure. You're exfoliating, not scrubbing.
Face: Circular Motions, Twice a Week Max
Dry brushing face skin requires a lighter touch. Use your softer facial brush in small, circular motions. Start at your neck and move up. Work from the center of your face outward. Skip the area around your eyes entirely—that skin is too thin.
Limit facial dry brushing to once or twice a week. Facial skin is more delicate than body skin and doesn't need daily exfoliation.
What to Expect: Dry Brushing Before and After
Week One: Smoother Texture, Faster Absorption
Most people notice changes within the first week. The dry brushing before and after difference shows up as softer elbows and knees, reduced bumpiness on arms and thighs, and skin that doesn't feel tight after moisturizing. Some users report feeling more awake after their morning session, likely from increased circulation.
Your moisturizer will absorb faster once that layer of dead skin is gone. That's the real win.
Red Skin? You're Brushing Too Hard
The most common dry brushing side effects come from too much pressure or too much frequency. If your skin turns bright red, stings, or feels raw, ease up. If you develop irritation or small scratches, take a break for a few days and use a lighter touch when you resume.
People with eczema, psoriasis, or very sensitive skin should be cautious. Dry brushing can worsen inflamed areas. Never brush over cuts, rashes, or sunburned skin. When our kids have patches of sensitive skin, we skip the brush entirely and go straight to gentle moisturizing.
Lock in Hydration After You Exfoliate
Fresh Skin Needs Protection
You've just cleared away dead cells. Your skin barrier is more receptive but also more exposed. This is the best time to apply moisturizer that will lock in hydration and protect that fresh layer. Skip this step and your skin may feel tight or dry—which defeats the purpose.
We Use Original Miracle Balm on Damp Skin
After we dry brush and shower, we apply our Original Miracle Balm while our skin is still slightly damp. The beeswax and organic oils create a breathable protective layer that seals in moisture without clogging pores. Because we've just exfoliated, the balm absorbs quickly and feels comfortable all day.
We keep one in the bathroom so it's ready when we step out of the shower. That's the whole system.
Link It to Your Shower
Keep your brush hanging in the shower or on a hook by the bathroom door. Brush right before you turn on the water. If mornings feel rushed, try it before your evening shower instead. The routine works when it's simple enough that you don't have to think about it.
Our Take: One tool, a few minutes, better results from the products you already trust. That's a routine we can actually maintain.
When to Skip Dry Brushing
Active Eczema, Psoriasis, or Rosacea? Don't Brush
If you have active flare-ups, dry brushing will make things worse. The physical friction that helps healthy skin can irritate inflamed areas and trigger more inflammation. We've learned this through our own family: when our kids have patches of sensitive skin, we skip the brush entirely and go straight to gentle moisturizing.
The same goes for anyone with open cuts, recent sunburn, or active breakouts. Your skin barrier is already compromised. Adding friction doesn't help it recover.
Your Skin Tells You What It Needs
After dry brushing, your skin should feel smooth and slightly tingly—not painful or burning. If you see bright red streaks, feel stinging in the shower, or notice irritation that lasts for hours, you're brushing too hard or too often. Scale back to once or twice a week instead of daily, or try a softer brush.
Some people's skin simply doesn't respond well to physical exfoliation. That's fine. There's no rule that says dry brushing has to be part of everyone's routine.
Our Take: Listen to your skin over following trends. If dry brushing feels good and your skin looks healthier, keep going. If it doesn't, skip it. Simple routines only work when they fit your body.
Wash Your Brush Weekly or You'll Redistribute Old Skin
Your brush collects dead skin cells, oils, and dust every time you use it. If you don't clean it, you're putting old buildup back onto freshly exfoliated skin. Once a week, wash your brush with warm water and gentle soap. Shake out excess water and hang it bristle-side down to dry completely. This prevents mildew and keeps the bristles from getting musty.
Replace your brush every six to twelve months, or sooner if the bristles feel soft or splayed. A worn-out brush won't exfoliate effectively and can irritate your skin more than a fresh one.
Make It Automatic
Start Twice a Week, Then Increase
If you're new to dry brushing, don't try to do it every day right away. Start with two or three times a week and see how your skin responds. Once it feels comfortable and you notice the benefits, you can increase frequency. The goal is a habit that feels easy, not another item on your to-do list.
Attach It to Something You Already Do
We dry brush right before we turn on the shower, so it's part of our morning flow. You could pair it with your pre-workout routine if you exercise in the morning, or make it part of your wind-down before an evening shower. Remove the need to remember it as a separate task.
Shower, Then Moisturize on Damp Skin
After you shower, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This locks in the water your skin just absorbed. We use our Original Miracle Balm because the ingredient list is short and every component has a clear job: beeswax for protection, organic oils for moisture. You don't need a complicated multi-step routine after dry brushing. One product that works is enough.
If you're still wondering what dry brushing skin care looks like in real life: brush gently, shower, moisturize on damp skin, and stop if your skin gets irritated. That's it.
The Logic Is Simple: Clear the Path for Your Moisturizer
Dry brushing works because you're removing the dead cell barrier so your moisturizer can reach the skin that needs it. You're not adding chemicals. You're not making medical claims. You're using a brush to make your existing products more effective.
That fits our philosophy of fewer ingredients, well-chosen. If your moisturizers aren't absorbing the way you'd like and your skin feels rough or dull, try dry brushing for a few weeks. If your skin is sensitive or inflamed, skip it and focus on gentle hydration.
We keep our dry brush hanging by the shower and our Original Miracle Balm on the counter. Simple. Readable. Real-life tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dry brush your skin effectively?
We found dry brushing is simple: use a natural-bristle brush on completely dry skin before showering. Start at your feet, using long, upward strokes toward your heart, repeating two to three times per area. Continue up your legs, then arms, and finally your torso, always brushing toward your heart.
How often should you dry brush your skin?
For your body, we found incorporating dry brushing into your daily pre-shower routine works well for consistent results. For delicate facial skin, we recommend a softer brush and limiting it to once or twice a week at most. Always listen to your skin and adjust as needed.
What are the potential downsides of dry brushing?
While dry brushing is a smart addition for many, it's important to be gentle. It can irritate sensitive or broken skin, so always use light pressure to avoid redness. We also advise against dry brushing over active eczema or psoriasis flares.
Is dry brushing safe during pregnancy or for specific health conditions like diabetes?
Our article focuses on the general practice of dry brushing for skin health and product absorption. We don't provide specific guidance for pregnancy or health conditions like diabetes. If you have any health concerns, we always recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any new routine.
What kind of brush should I use for dry brushing?
We always recommend using a brush with natural bristles, as they are effective yet gentle enough for exfoliation. For your body, consider a long handle for reach or a palm-sized brush for more control. For your face, use a separate, softer brush designed specifically for delicate facial skin.
What benefits can I expect from dry brushing?
From our experience, the biggest benefits are smoother, softer skin through gentle exfoliation. It also supports natural circulation and lymphatic flow, leaving you feeling refreshed. A key benefit we love is how it helps your moisturizers, like our balms, absorb much better, making them more effective.