The idea of dry body brushing first grabbed our attention over 10 years ago, when Miranda Kerr first declared her love for it. To this day, she still mentions it in almost every interview and is devoted to the technique daily. It’s quite the smooth skin endorsement.
Elle Macpherson and Gwyneth Paltrow are also big fans. “I do it every night before I get in the bath,” Gwyneth told Redbook.
And while you wouldn’t think the term ‘dry’ would equate to smooth skin, that’s dry body brushing’s exact goal. Keen to try it? Here’s what you need to know…
What is dry body brushing?
Dry body brushing involves using a wooden-handled and natural bristle brush to buff the surface of the skin. Unlike when you may use a regular body scrub or exfoliator, the skin should be completely dry and product-free (hence the name).
What are the benefits?
The difference between dry body brushing and exfoliating is that it does more than just remove dead skin. Dry body brushing has many benefits including:
- Helping to increase circulation to the skin, which in turn helps to break down unwanted toxins that cause cellulite.
- Rejuvenating the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings.
- Improving muscle tone by helping to evenly distribute fat deposits.
- Leaving skin smoother and brighter by shedding dead skin cells.
- Strengthening the immune system by improving blood circulation.
How do I do it?
- Start with completely dry skin.
- Using gentle circular upward motions, begin brushing from the soles of the feet up towards the heart.
- As your limbs get longer (and you have more surface area to work with), turn your circular motions into longer, sweeping strokes, remaining in an upward direction to encourage lymphatic fluid towards the heart.
- The only area you shouldn’t use upwards motions is the back. Instead, use downward motions from the neck down to the lower back.
- Be cautious of sensitive or softer areas of the skin and never brush over any skin injuries such as sunburn, sores or cuts.
- Once finished, you can apply a body moisturiser or oil to nourish the skin.
Top tip: Most people like to fit dry body brushing in either before or after a shower. We recommend before so that you can wash off any dead skin cells and impurities. If you opt for this, save your body moisturiser until after your shower.
Try: Manicare Dry Body Brush ($15.49 at Chemist Warehouse) and Bodecare Detox Dry Body Brush ($41.95 at thedetoxshop.com.au).
Main image credit: Getty
Have you ever tried dry body brushing? Did you know this technique had so many benefits?
I think I’ll try this out. I am hopeless at exfoliating normally but this sounds like it has so many benefits
Yes I am going to try too.
I haven’t tried this but probably need to.
I have one of these dry body brushes, got it in the Natural Beauty month trial box and it’s definitely an interesting feeling. My one main problem is getting into a routine of using it and remembering to use it before my shower.
I have heard of dry brushing but because I have sensitive skin I have been using same method but wet brushing in the shower so possibly not as good
I used to do it for awhile then stopped. I have to start doing it again
I have a dry body brush but never used it. After reading about all the benefits I think I will have to start.
I like the idea and it makes sense.
I’ve tried this but I prefer to exfoliate while in the shower.
Not something I could be bothered to maintain. I would do it a few times as a novelty then get over it quickly.
I tried it for a bit. Then got bored with it.
I’ve been meaning to start doing this for so long! I’ve got a dry body brush – I’ve got to DO IT!
I wish we could still save articles to our Favourites list. That’s interesting about brushing your back in downward strokes – I’ll have to remember that.
I enjoy dry brushing but don’t do it often enough.
Used to do it. Lazy now.
yes well me too. in the winter it is too cold, and I tell myself to do it in the sumner but I have not started yet, so maybe tonight I will have a go again
Haven’t tried Dry Body Brushing sounds like I need to try this at least Once.
i’ve done dry body brushing, reading this has brought my attention to the fact that I have been doing my back incorrectly
i did it for a while but got out of routine, probably because I wasn’t committed enough.
Not sure how you could do the back by yourself
I have a long handle on my brush that is removeable
I always forget, as i put the shower on and get in
Tried this on and off for years… I seem to have a love/hate relationship with it…
Not a big fan.
I’ve done this every morning for at least a decade.
I tried this out and really made my skin feel great-I have always brushed in the shower but by doing prior to the shower my skin felt great and tingley
Wow.. this is really interesting. I have never used this before but I know my grandma use to have something similar so i thought it was a really old fashion kinda thing
Good read
I am currently using one.I really enjoying the smooth and soft skin afterwards.
I always start this with good intentions then I forget to do it
I tried a body brush a while ago but it was not from one of the brands in this article.
Need to gradually reintroduce this into my Skincare routine now that it is the beginning of winter
I find body brushing hurts… maybe I brush too hard?
I love this, I do it every morning before my shower.
I don’t know if it’s just that I have sensitive skin or am a massive sook but I always find dry body brushing painful.