Dry Brushing 101

Last Updated on July 22, 2026 by Christin Gillespie

This Dry Brushing 101 post breaks everything down in a simple, no-stress way. We’re covering all the basics, like what dry brushing is, its benefits, how to do it correctly, how often to do it, the best time to do it, and what to look for when choosing a dry brush. So let’s get into the details to make dry brushing approachable and doable!

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing can seem more complicated than it actually is. It’s just using a firm, dry body brush on dry skin before you shower.

Think of it as a quick self-care ritual that helps gently exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling smoother over time. Many love it (including myself) because it leaves you feeling energized, especially in the morning when you’re trying to feel a little more lively.

Dry Brushing Benefits

Before brushing, let’s break down some of the potential benefits, because it’s not just a trend.

The most commonly noticed dry-brushing benefits include the following:

• Helps gently exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells.
• Leaves skin feeling softer and smoother over time.
• Can make your skincare products absorb better.
• Feels energizing, especially in the morning.

How to Dry Brush Your Body (Step-by-Step Routine)

If you’re new to this, don’t overthink it, please. Your dry brush routine should feel simple, not stressful.

Here’s a super beginner-friendly guide to dry brushing:

• Start with completely dry skin before your shower.
• Use a firm but gentle natural-bristle brush.
• Always brush toward your heart in long, sweeping motions.
• Begin at your feet and work your way up your legs.
• Move to your arms, brushing from hands toward shoulders.
• Finish doing gentle circular motions on your stomach.

Throughout this routine, be sure to be mindful of the pressure. If your skin feels irritated or looks red, you’re pressing too hard. It should feel stimulating, not uncomfortable.

Also, once you’re done, take a shower to rinse everything off, then slather your body with a moisturizer or body oil (I love organic coconut oil) while your skin is still slightly damp. Trust me, it makes your skin feel amazing!

Beginner vs. In-Depth Dry Brushing Routine

If you’re new and don’t have a lot of time, stick with the simple, step-by-step instructions above. Light strokes, consistent direction, and a quick routine before your shower will still produce great benefits.

But if you have a little more time and want to optimize your dry brushing ritual, I found this Branch Basics Co-Founder Allison’s Dry Brushing Routine video!

For the first week or so, I followed along step by step just to get comfortable with the rhythm. After that, it was ingrained in me. Now I can dry brush my whole body in four minutes or less. Also, I always have a podcast going, so it doesn’t feel like an effort at all.

How Often Should You Dry Brush?

Like with everything, everybody is different, so more is not always better.

If your skin is sensitive or you’re brand new to it, start slower and see how your skin responds. Your skin will tell you what feels right, so pay attention to how it feels afterward.

I personally do it every day, but some people do 2 to 4 times per week. Consistency over time matters way more than needing to force it into a daily habit.

When Is the Best Time to Dry Brush?

The most popular time to dry brush is right before a shower.

I love doing it in the morning because it feels energizing. But if evenings are more realistic for your schedule, then do that.

The best time is really the time you’ll actually stick with. That’s what makes it sustainable.

Best Dry Brushes for Your Body

Choosing the right brush makes a bigger difference than you’d think.

Go for a firm, natural bristle brush with a comfortable handle so you can easily reach different parts of your body. You want something that feels sturdy but not harsh.

I personally use The Skinny Confidential Butter Brush. I love it because it’s effective, solid, and easy to clean, while still feeling gentle enough for daily use without irritating my skin.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, dry brushing is more about taking a few minutes for yourself, supporting your skin, and creating a ritual that helps you feel a little better.

Whether you do it a few times a week or every day, the most important thing is that it fits your life and feels good for you.

Lastly, if you found this Dry Brushing 101 post helpful, I would love for you to leave a rating and share a review below! Your feedback not only makes my day, but it also helps others find the blog. Lastly, be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.