What Is Dry Brushing? Purpose, Benefits & How to Do It

Updated on 06/05/26

Dry brushing is an ancient skincare technique that uses a body brush to gently massage and exfoliate the skin with long, firm strokes. With roots in Ayurveda, you can use dry brushing to remove dead skin cells, smooth rough skin and boost circulation.

Once you've learnt the technique, dry brushing can be a great addition to your body care routine, helping your skin feel softer and smoother in just a few minutes.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the benefits of dry brushing, how to do it safely and the most common mistakes to avoid.

What Is a Dry Body Brush Used For?

You can use a dry body brush to exfoliate dry skin before bathing, using gentle, sweeping motions. The firm bristles on the brush help to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling softer and more refreshed.

Dry brushing may also have wider benefits, temporarily stimulating circulation and supporting lymphatic drainage through massage-like movements.

Is body brushing and dry brushing the same thing?

Yes, dry brushing and body brushing are the same thing. The only difference is the actual brush is called a body brush, whereas the act is called dry brushing, though some people refer to it as body brushing.

5 benefits of dry brushing

Dry brushing has remained popular throughout history and around the world, even dating back to Ancient Greece, India and Japan. However, there is a limited amount of research into this technique. Here are 5 benefits that are associated with dry brushing:

1. Exfoliation

Dry brushing uses physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, leaving it feeling smoother and softer after just a few uses.

Unlike some body scrubs, dry brushing exfoliates without harsh ingredients or microplastics, making it a natural and zero-waste option for your skin care routine.

2. Brighter-Looking Skin

By removing dull, dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, dry brushing may help your skin appear brighter and more radiant.

Many people notice their skin looks healthier and feels smoother after consistent dry brushing.

3. May Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

Dry brushing will not permanently remove cellulite, but some people find it helps temporarily soften its appearance by stimulating circulation and gently plumping the skin through massage-like movements.

4. Mood Boosting

Many people report feeling energised and revitalised after using a dry brush. This may be linked to the stimulating sensation of brushing the skin or the temporary increase in circulation after brushing.

For others, dry brushing simply becomes a calming self-care ritual that helps them slow down and reconnect with their body.

5. Lymphatic Drainage

Some people use dry brushing to support lymphatic drainage because the brushing motions may help stimulate circulation beneath the skin.

However, scientific evidence supporting claims around detoxification and lymphatic drainage is currently limited, and dry brushing should not be considered a medical treatment.

How to dry brush

Ideally, dry brushing should be done right before taking a shower. After that, you can wash off any flaky skin and dead skin cells. Afterwards, rehydrate your skin by applying moisturiser.

Because of its energising and stimulating properties, some people prefer to dry brush in the morning rather than at night, while others choose to use it as a kind of relaxation tool. Do whatever is most convenient for you.

1. Start by stripping to your bare skin. Some advise standing in an unfilled bathtub or shower, but you can do it anywhere you feel comfortable and won't slip.
2. Brush up toward the body, beginning from the feet. Dry brush each leg from the ankles up to the upper thighs.
3. Continue by massaging your back and bum (if you can reach them; if not, feel free to skip these areas).
4. Next, focus on the arms, working your way up to the shoulders from the back sides of the hands.
5. Lighten your touch when you reach your body because the stomach and chest are more delicate than the arms and legs. If upward strokes are more comfortable for you, keep going; otherwise, try circular motions. Avoid touching the nipples or breasts.
6. After dry brushing, take a shower or a bath and then put on some moisturiser, body oil, or body balm.

Dry brushing may leave your skin feeling soft and smooth and be both a calming and stimulating treat. Even while it could be tempting to scrub your skin vigorously, especially if you have some very dry places, more pressure won't produce better results.

Be honest with yourself about the outcomes you want, and pay attention to your skin. And make sure to visit a dermatologist if your skin problems continue.

Never brush on skin that is broken, including sunburns, scrapes and cuts.

What should I look for in a body brush?

The good thing about dry brushing is that all you really need to start is a brush. The majority of dry brush specialists advise using a natural bristle brush. These are created from plant materials, such as sisal fibres. We prefer to use a brush that fits into the palm of our hand as it's easier to control the pressure of the strokes.

The Wild & Stone body brush is made from FSC® certified beechwood with sisal bristles and a cotton canvas strap. The sisal fibre is incredibly environmentally friendly as weeding is done by hand and it is grown sustainably. It is also well known for its exceptional durability, meaning that the body brush lasts for years.

Taking care of your body brush

Maintaining a clean dry brush will help to lower the chance of infection. Avoid sharing your brush with others, and clean it regularly.

The bristles can be cleaned with a mild soap, thoroughly rinsed, and then let air dry. (And make sure your brush has a chance to dry out after usage; don't leave it in wet or damp environments.)

Another method is to apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth that has been dampened, or you can simply apply a small bit to the bristles and allow them to dry.

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