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Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

guide to dry brushing

Go to Sephora and you’ll find aisle after aisle full of chemical exfoliants for your face. But for your body? There’s almost nothing. Super irritating, as glycolic acid and co are the gentlest way to exfoliate body skin… And when I don’t have one at hand… well, let’s say I forget to exfoliate my body – until summer comes and it becomes a matter of urgency. Someone recently suggested dry brushing to me as a quick and effective way to exfoliate your skin right after a shower. So, I investigated. Here’s everything you need to know about dry brushing, who should do it, and whether it’s a great way to exfoliate body skin:

What’s Dry Brushing?

I’m sure you’ve heard about dry brushing. It’s an old spa treatment that uses a natural bristles brush to slough off dead and dry skin cells in circular motions. It’s usually done in the morning right before you shower. But, if you like to spend a few more minutes in bed or like to shower at the end of the day, you can do it at night too.

Related: How To Choose The Right Exfoliator For Your Skin Type

Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):

Dry Brushing Benefits: How Does It Help Skin?

The chemical exfoliants I love dissolve the “glue” that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off when they’re ready. In other words, you don’t see the dead cells coming off in the moment. You just wake up a few days later with brighter and smoother skin. Dry brushing removes dead cells manually, so they come off in the moment and the effect is instantaneous. Dry brushing has the same benefits as exfoliation, obvs:

  • Makes skin softer and smoother
  • Gives skin a radiant glow
  • Enhances the penetration of body lotions
  • Gives you a gentle massage

Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Exfoliate Skin

What Can’t Dry Brushing Do?

Nothing’s perfect, right? Here’s what dry brushing can’t do (don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise):

1. Dry Brushing Can’t Detoxify Skin

Lots of people are convinced that your skin helps you get rid of the toxins in your body. I wish! Yes, there’s the tiniest trace amount of toxins in sweat, but not enough to rid your body of all that bad stuff. It’s your liver and kidneys that get rid of harmful toxins. Dry brushing won’t affect those. (While we’re on the subject, NO skincare product or technique can detoxify skin. The most they can do is exfoliate or cleanse and that’s not the same as removing toxins. Not even close).

Related: Does Sweat Detoxify The Body?

2. Dry Brushing Can’t Treat Cellulite

Cellulite happens because of the way fat cells arrange themselves under the skin. Usually, it is arranged in large chambers that are separated from each other by columns of connective tissues. If the connective tissue slackens with age (and, of course, it will) or the fat overflows these chambers (usually happens when you’re overweight), you end up with the familiar dimpled skin. No amount of dry brushing can get rid of that. It just doesn’t work that way. *sighs*

Related: Get Over It, Cellulite Is Normal

Does Dry Brushing Has Any Side Effects?

I’m NOT a huge fan of physical exfoliation. One of the reasons why I prefer chemical exfoliation is because it’s gentler on the skin. Yes, really. Ok, it can irritate your skin if you abuse it (but that’s true for everything). But on the whole, a thin layer 2 or 3 times a week is pretty safe for most people.

Physical exfoliation is different. Every time you do it, there’s the chance of using a bit too much pressure, which inevitable ends up with your skin all red and irritated. Doing it often poses the same risks. While it works, the chances of something going wrong are just higher.

That’s why I never dry brush more than twice a week. If you want to try dry brushing, be as gentle as possible with that brush. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to stick to a loofah or washcloth instead. One more thing. It goes without saying, I know, but if your skin is peeling or irritated, lay off dry brushing for a few days until it all goes back to normal.

Related: 3 Ways To Exfoliate Sensitive Skin

How Do You Dry Brush Skin?

Easy peasy:

  1. Pick a brush with natural bristles (synthetic ones won’t do here. If they feel scratchy, ditch it and get a softer brush instead).
  2. Get in the shower – it’ll be easier to catch the falling skin there (dry brushing can be a bit messy and gross).
  3. Begin brushing at your feet.
  4. Using gentle circular motions, move the brush towards your heart (always brush towards your heart).
  5. When you reach the upper body, use a gentler touch.
  6. Brush over the same area a few times if you feel you need to.
  7. Wash the loosened skin off.
  8. Pat skin dry.
  9. Apply your fave body lotion.

How Do You Take Care Of Your Body Brush?

You need to clean that brush regularly, gorgeous. Soap and water once a week will do. Afterwards, leave it to dry in a sunny spot. And don’t use it when it’s damp. Wet bristles are a playing ground for bacteria, so let them dry! This is the main annoyance really, as you have to clean and dry it after every use. No exception!

What Are The Best Body Brushes For Dry Brushing?

  • Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush (£28.00): available at Look Fantastic and SpaceNK
  • Earth Therapeutics Far-Reaching Body Brush ($12.00): available at Ulta
  • The Body Shop Long-Handled Body Brush ($15.00): available at The Body Shop

The Bottom Line

Dry brushing is a fast and effective way to exfoliate your body. But, that’s all it does. And trust me, it’s a lot.