Published: May 2025
Dry brushing is a popular self-care practice known for its potential to boost skin health and provide a relaxing experience. Also known as gharshana, this traditional Ayurvedic technique has been around for centuries and while modern research on the full range of benefits of dry brushing is still ongoing, this article will explain how to dry brush and the known benefits.
This is a self-care technique that involves using a natural-bristled brush to exfoliate the skin while it is dry, typically before showering. The process includes gently brushing the skin in long, sweeping motions, often starting from the feet and working upwards towards the heart.
The benefits of dry brushing range from improving the appearance of the skin to supporting overall health.
Exfoliation
The main benefit of dry brushing is exfoliation. Dry brushing helps with exfoliation by physically removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. The brush's firm, natural bristles gently slough off the outer layer of skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin beneath. This process helps to improve skin texture, unclog pores, and allow for better absorption of moisturisers or oils that you apply afterward.
Exfoliating the skin through dry brushing also promotes cell turnover, which is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Over time, it can help reduce the buildup of dry or flaky skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Additionally, the gentle friction from the brush helps stimulate blood flow to the skin, which can improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. For those who deal with rough patches or uneven skin tone, regular dry brushing can help to even out the skin’s texture.
Lymphatic system drainage
Another benefit of dry brushing is lymphatic drainage. Dry brushing helps with lymphatic system drainage by stimulating the skin and underlying tissues, encouraging lymph fluid to flow toward lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps remove toxins, waste, and excess fluids from the tissues and transports them to the bloodstream for elimination.
When you dry brush, the gentle, sweeping motions of the brush stimulate the skin and underlying tissues, which may encourage the movement of lymph fluid toward the lymph nodes, where it can be processed and filtered. This process is thought to support the body’s natural detoxification and immune functions, as the lymphatic system plays a key role in fighting infections and clearing out waste. Although it may help improve overall lymphatic health, dry brushing should complement other treatments, not replace them.
Does dry brushing help with cellulite?
While some may report that dry brushing has helped reduce the appearance of their cellulite, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. As dry brushing temporarily increases circulation and lymph flow, the skin looks plumped up for a short while, which could reduce the appearance of cellulite.
You will first need a body brush with natural fibre bristles, derived from animal hairs or plant fibres. It is also recommended to use a brush with a long handle to help you reach all areas of your body. To learn how to dry brush, follow the steps below:
Please note that dry brushing is only for skin on the body and not skin on the face.
When should you dry brush?
The time of day you dry brush is not likely to have an impact on how much you benefit from it. The most important thing is to dry brush before a shower as it will help loosen dead skin cells and a shower will wash them off you.
After dry brushing, use a shower gel to care for your skin. Dry brushing exfoliates and boosts circulation, but it can also disrupt the skin barrier, leaving the skin temporarily vulnerable and in need of hydration. Eucerin 5% Urea Gentle Shower Gel is specially formulated with 5% urea, a powerful humectant that helps to restore moisture, soothe irritation, and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Its soap-free and fragrance-free formula is gentle enough for all skin types, making it ideal for use after exfoliation. It also helps reduce dryness and flakiness, leaving skin soft, smooth, and better prepared to absorb post-shower moisturisers or treatments.
Moisturising after dry brushing is also an essential step to restore the skin barrier. Applying a rich, hydrating lotion immediately after helps to lock in moisture, soothe the skin, and enhance the overall benefits of dry brushing. Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS Lotion 400ml contains urea and ceramides, which work together to deeply hydrate, repair the skin barrier, and reduce roughness or flakiness. The urea draws moisture into the skin, while the ceramides help to retain it, providing long-lasting comfort and smoothness.
How often should you dry brush?
How often you dry brush depends on your skin's needs. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from dry brushing as little as once a week whereas those with normal skin may brush more frequently, up to twice a day. The key is to not use too much pressure when dry brushing, not to dry brush for too long (aim for three to five minutes each time) and to watch out for signs of irritation.
Who shouldn’t dry brush?
Should you clean your dry brush?
Apart from cleaning your body, you should also clean your dry brush as over time, it will collect dead skin build-up and bacteria. To do so, lather a gentle soap on the brush bristles and rinse them under a running tap. Try not to get water on the wood of the brush, as over time, it can cause the wood to split. To dry your brush, just hang it in a dry environment or place it on a clean surface, bristle-side down.
How long does it take to see the effects of dry brushing?
The effects of dry brushing can be noticed quite quickly. Immediately after the first use, many people experience softer, smoother skin due to the exfoliation of dead skin cells, along with a temporary rosy glow from increased circulation. Within one to two weeks of consistent use, people often report noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone. While claims about lymphatic drainage are common, these benefits are more subtle and less scientifically substantiated.
We deliver a holistic dermo-cosmetic approach to protect your skin, keep it healthy and radiant.
For over 100 years, we have dedicated ourselves to researching and innovating in the field of skin science. We believe in creating active ingredients and soothing formulas with high tolerability that work to help you live your life better each day.
We work together with leading dermatologist and pharmacist partners around the world to create innovative and effective skincare products they can trust and recommend.
