Dry brushing (sometimes called dry skin brushing) is a simple ritual: you brush your dry skin with a natural bristle brush before you shower. It takes five minutes and quickly becomes many women's favourite moment of the morning. This guide has everything you need to start: how it works, how often, which direction, and when it's better not to dry brush.
What is dry brushing?
Dry body brushing means brushing dry skin with a natural bristle brush, without water, oil or cream. People love it because:
- skin feels smoother afterwards, as the brush removes dead cells from the surface,
- it leaves you feeling fresh and awake,
- it's five minutes of the day just for you.
You often ask me about cellulite too. The short answer: dry brushing doesn't get rid of it. Skin does feel smoother and nicer to the touch afterwards, and that's a good reason for the ritual.
When is the best time to dry brush?
Ideally in the morning, before your shower. Brushing is invigorating, so many people don't enjoy it in the evening before bed. After brushing, shower to rinse away the dead skin cells, then apply your favourite cream or oil.
How to dry brush your body: step by step
For truly effective dry brushing, the key is to gently wake up the lymphatic system and “open” the lymph nodes before you start brushing. Because the right technique matters, when you buy our brush you receive a detailed PDF guide that takes you through the whole process step by step for the best results.
In broad terms, the basic sequence goes like this (always brush towards the heart):
- Activating the lymph nodes: a short, gentle warm-up before brushing (details in the PDF).
- Feet and legs: short, gentle strokes from the feet and ankles up to the knees, then from the knees up to the hips.
- Abdomen: gentle circular movements in a clockwise direction.
- Arms: from the hands up towards the shoulders.
- Back: as far as you can reach, or with a long-handled brush.
How much pressure should you use?
Start very gently. Your skin should be slightly pink afterwards, never red, irritated or sore. Natural bristles can feel unusual for the first few days, but skin gets used to them quickly. You can gradually brush a little more firmly.
How often should you dry brush?
Start with 2 to 3 times a week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can brush every day. 3 to 5 minutes is enough.
When not to dry brush
- on wounds, scratches, sunburn, eczema or irritated skin,
- over moles and prominent varicose veins (avoid them),
- on the face and breasts, where the skin is too thin for a body brush,
- after surgery, until your surgeon allows it, and never over scars that haven't healed yet.
If you have a skin condition or a chronic illness, talk to your doctor before you start.
Dry brushing with lipoedema
Many women with lipoedema include dry brushing in their daily routine. I've described in detail how to understand lipoedema and organise everyday life in my lipoedema guide. If you have personal questions, a 1:1 consultation with me is available.
What brush do you need to start?
To start, you need a brush with natural bristles and a handle that's easy to grip. Read more about choosing one in How to choose a dry body brush and how to care for it.
The ANAVÉA dry body brush has 100% natural bristles, a smooth beech wood handle and a cotton storage bag. I chose it because it's firm yet gentle on the skin.
Warmly,
Ana
Ana is a registered nurse with more than 12 years of experience in the operating theatre and the founder of ANAVÉA.
This content is general and educational. Dry brushing is not a treatment. If you have skin problems or a chronic condition, or after a procedure, talk to your doctor.
