• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Treasured Tips

  • Home
  • About
  • My E-Book
  • DIY
    • Natural Alternatives
    • All Natural Beauty Care
    • Natural Skin Care
    • Natural Hair Care
  • Recipes
    • Snacks and Side Dishes
    • Paleo Recipes
    • Gluten Free Recipes
    • Healthy Drinks
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Home » Health » Dry Brushing: Improve Your Health in Just a Few Minutes a Day

Dry Brushing: Improve Your Health in Just a Few Minutes a Day

Published August 18, 2013 Last Updated April 2, 2019 By Lori Ryman 47 Comments

7837 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

Dry Brushing Benefits

I had the best night’s sleep the last couple of nights and I attribute that to starting a daily regimen of dry brushing!  I used to do dry brushing once a day, but stopped several months ago. At the time, I didn’t really like the brush I was using and it was awkward to hold.  But I ordered a new brush and after starting up again, the benefits are so evident!

Our skin is the body’s largest organ; it absorbs anything you put on and also plays a critical role in eliminating toxins.

It is estimated that the skin eliminates over a pound of waste every day!

Many people spend extra time exfoliating their face to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores; however, this should also be done for the rest of the body, as well. This can easily be done by dry brushing just a few minutes each day.

Dry brushing has many health benefits, from improving your immune system to reducing cellulite.

Not only are there great health benefits, but it is also very soothing. I love to do my dry brushing just before bed.  At night time, my house is always nice and quiet so it is an extra peaceful time. I do it right before bed with the lights out and it is very relaxing, it even seems to have helped me fall sleep easier these past few nights. I’m not sure if it is due to the soothing nature of dry brushing or the increased circulation, but my sleep has greatly improved. I was surprised when I couldn’t find too much information on the connection of dry brushing and improved sleep.

What is Dry Brushing?

I could go on and on about how much I love dry brushing, but for those of you new to dry brushing:

Dry brushing involves using a brush to lightly brush your skin without any water; you don’t want your skin or brush to be wet.

It is very easy to do and only takes a few minutes!

Benefits of Dry Brushing

Dry brushing provides numerous health benefits. Many say that after spending a few minutes dry brushing, they feel rejuvenated and energized.  It is a very soothing way to massage your skin.

1. Increased Circulation– Helps improve circulation throughout your body and blood flow.

2. Stimulates Your Lymphatic System – The process of dry brushing stimulates your lymphatic system which aids in the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.

3. Increases Your Immune System– The increase in circulation and elimination of toxins aids in boosting the body’s immune system.

4. Eliminates Toxins-Aids in detoxifying the body as circulation is increased and the lymphatic system is stimulated.

5. Removes Dead Skin & Improves Skin Appearance– Helps remove dead skin cells clogging pores and allows your skin to breathe and toxins to be expired.

6. Reduces Cellulite– It helps increase stimulation and circulation of your skin which helps minimize the appearance of cellulite.

7. Prevents Spider Veins and Varicose Veins– Targeting areas, such as your legs, helps increase circulation and blood flow, from moving the brush in a direction towards the heart.

Additional Benefits

In addition to the benefits of dry brushing listed above, I have noticed several other benefits from doing it myself, including:

  • Improved Sleep– Ever since I started doing my dry brushing right before bed, I have noticed that I’ve been able to get to sleep quicker and not have trouble waking up during the night. I have been getting the best sleep which I believe is due to the dry brushing! When I was doing the dry brushing only in the morning, I don’t believe it had the same effect. So now, I do my dry brushing in the morning and at night.
  • Decreased Cortisol– Dry brushing is very soothing and relaxing. The relaxing nature of dry brushing and the increase in circulation has helped me decrease my levels of stress.
  • Improved Acne– It has helped my acne immensely. I noticed a change in just a few days. I believe this is due to the increased circulation and my body’s ability to better eliminate toxins.

How to Do it:

1. Make sure your skin is dry and you don’t have any products or lotions on.
2. Take your dry brush and start gently brushing your skin making long sweeping motions starting at your feet, brushing in the direction towards your heart.  Some people prefer to do circular motions.
3. Start brushing from your feet, making your way up both legs.
4. Brush from your belly button down to your lower abdomen, then from your belly button up towards your heart.
5. Next, work from your hands to your chest, do one arm at a time.  Then brush downward form the bottom of your neck towards the collar bone. Also work from your lower back upwards.
You should dry brush your entire body. Some use a similar method and gently brush their face as well. However, I haven’t tried it on my face yet.

The main idea is that for dry brushing, it is important to start at your feet and make your way up the body, this allows the lymph in your body to drain optimally, such as near your collar bone.

Dry Brushing Tips:

-Do the dry brushing gently, especially your first time to avoid irritation or redness.

-Only use gentle pressure, your skin should not be red or irritated afterwards. When your skin gets used to dry brushing, you can add a little more pressure.

–ALWAYS brush in the direction towards your heart, this promotes blood circulation.

What Kind Kind of Brush Should You Use?

Make sure to use a brush that is specifically designed for dry brushing or body brushing. Select a brush that has natural bristles, not synthetic bristles. Synthetic bristles can be too harsh on skin. Some brushes have a long handle others have shorter handles, either works well, it just depends on your preference. I prefer dry brushing with a brush that has a longer handle this way it is easier to reach areas. This is the best dry brush I have found so far.

Getting the right kind can really make a difference!

Most dry brushes are only $8 to $12 dollars, they are very inexpensive!

How Often Should You Dry Brush?

Dry brushing should be done daily, preferably two times per day, but even just once will be very beneficial.

Many say to do it before you get in the shower and/or before you go to bed.  It is best to do it before your shower, this way your skin is dry and it’s before you apply any products or lotions to your skin.

How Long Should it Take?

Dry brushing should only take a few minutes. It is easy to add to your morning or night time routine because it only takes a very short time.

Note:
If you have any sensitive areas, bruises, rashes, wounds, cuts, or infections, avoid dry brushing near these areas.

Have you tried dry brushing? Have you noticed any health benefits?

7837 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Filed Under: Health, Health Tips, Natural Remedies, Natural Skin Care Tagged With: Dry brushing, how to do dry brushing

About Lori Ryman

Lori Ryman, BS, MS, has been dedicated to researching natural alternatives for the past 15 years. Lori has a background in research methods, health, and nutrition. She started with an Interest in natural alternatives to improve her own health and she continues to share natural DIY projects, recipes and natural alternatives with millions of viewers on treasuredtips.com.

Lori’s research for posts is based on peer reviewed evidenced-based research. Lori is a published author in a peer reviewed research journal. Her work has been covered by MSN, The Huffington Post, wikiHow, The New York Times, and many more.

Sign Up for My FREE Weekly Newsletter!

Plus get my FREE Real Food & Gluten Free 7 Day Meal Plan

Previous Post: « Start Lovin’ Coconut Butter!
Next Post: Splash In and Enjoy the Benefits of the Sea »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon

    November 13, 2019 at 8:28 am

    I dry brush before bed, as well. I am sleeping better too.

    Reply
  2. Lucy

    April 26, 2018 at 7:13 am

    Do you have to shower after every time you dry brush?

    Reply
    • Lori

      May 19, 2018 at 6:47 pm

      No, you don’t have to.

      Reply
  3. Shannan

    February 12, 2016 at 8:50 am

    I usually cannot sleep without putting lotion on before bed. After dry brushing do I lotion or would it be best to not lotion?

    Reply
    • Lori

      February 12, 2016 at 11:12 pm

      I would apply the lotion after dry brushing that way it doesn’t get on your brush.

      Reply
  4. Amber

    December 27, 2014 at 7:26 pm

    What are the brushes made of? Would a boar bristle brush work? I have one that I initially bought for hair, but I don’t particularly like it for that, so I was wondering if I could use it? Or should I just buy a body brush? I’m not concerned with the price, just want to know if I can re purpose my BBB.

    Reply
    • Lori

      December 30, 2014 at 9:41 pm

      The one I use has boar bristles. Interesting, maybe you could repurpose it. I would just wash it with some castile soap. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Martha

    September 6, 2014 at 1:04 am

    I came across this looking for some specific information on dry brushing. There’s some great info here. I love how you have it laid out, so clear and concise.

    Reply
    • Lori

      September 9, 2014 at 7:23 pm

      Thank you Martha!

      Reply
  6. Dolores

    July 30, 2014 at 12:39 am

    I agree with you on better sleep. I started dry brushing in the spring and then for some forgettable reason, I stopped. I started again a week ago and won’t be taking another dry brush hiatus. I have noticed my sleep has become so solid. I came searching on the internet to see if others had the same result and found you.

    Reply
    • Lori

      July 31, 2014 at 8:10 pm

      Hi Dolores, so glad you saw an improvement from dry brushing as well!

      Reply
  7. Donna

    March 18, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    I love dry brushing. You wrote the article well. I personally like to dry brush before I shower. If you add in oil pulling through the dry brushing and shower time it makes oil pulling that much easier and the time goes much faster.

    Reply
    • Lori

      April 8, 2014 at 11:49 pm

      That’s a great suggestion.

      Reply
    • Sis

      April 22, 2015 at 7:19 pm

      Took me a minute. Then I realized you meant the oral swishing called “oil pulling”! That *would* make the time go much faster.

      Reply
  8. Joe

    October 24, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    It really does seem to help circulation. I usually get chilled easy this time of year but after skin brushing I feel much more comfortable.

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      November 2, 2013 at 9:39 pm

      Glad to hear it has helped. I noticed an improvement right away as well.

      Reply
  9. Joe

    October 24, 2013 at 3:29 am

    I like your Facebook news feeds, this one especially. I just got my Yerba Prima dry brush today and am going to brush daily. I’ve had Hep C for 30 years but I’m such a holistic health nut that I think I’ll be fine with it.

    Thank you for your good work.

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      November 2, 2013 at 9:33 pm

      Thanks Joe! Glad to know you found it helpful. Let us know how the dry brushing works for you. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Diana kochendorfer

    October 9, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    Thank you so much for suck a great information!

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      October 31, 2013 at 11:20 pm

      Glad you found it helpful 🙂

      Reply
  11. Monica

    September 29, 2013 at 12:58 am

    Hello,is it ok to share the brush with the rest of the family or everyone has to get their own?

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      October 5, 2013 at 11:00 pm

      It is best that everyone get their own brush. It’s nice that they’re pretty cheap.

      Reply
  12. Linda Ursin

    September 27, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    I need to get myself a brush and start brushing. I don’t have any problems sleeping, but my skin is bad in certain areas, and needs better circulation. Is it possible to use a towel until I get hold of a brush?

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      October 5, 2013 at 10:54 pm

      I think any type of massaging would be beneficial to aid in increasing circulation. But, the dry brush makes it so much easier. It’s nice that they’re pretty cheap too!

      Reply
  13. Amy Watson

    September 27, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    I have been doing this for a while now…My Grandmother is the one who first taught my sister and me to dry brush our bodies before we showered….I stopped doing it many years ago, because I had started making and using my own sugar scrun in the shower, but a couple of years ago, I found a really good natural brush that reminded me of the one my grandmother had given to my sister and me….They were Fuller brushes, and I am so glad I started back..Even though I exfoliate everyday, the dry brushing is still beneficial, it is great for your circulation and I always do it right before my shower or bath at night, and in the morning I have a small brush that I use for just my face…at 57 yrs old there is a lot of dead skin that needs to come off EVERYDAY, and another benefit, your sheets and mattress have dust mites, no matter how many times you change or buy a new mattress, they are always there, and they feed on the skin that we shed…less skin…less mites….

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      October 5, 2013 at 10:52 pm

      Great idea to keep a separate brush for using on the face.

      Reply
      • Joanna

        June 24, 2015 at 8:46 am

        Hi Lori, to do the face would you brush upwards? And would you need a softer brush?

        Reply
        • Lori

          June 26, 2015 at 2:44 pm

          I think you may need a softer brush. They make some specifically for the face. I haven’t researched much about the direction for the face, but I think most do recommend upwards.

          Reply
  14. Joy

    September 24, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Do you HAVE to shower after each brushing? I don’t shower everyday, and don’t like my skin absorbing more toxic city water than it needs to.

    Reply
  15. Wendy

    August 29, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Do I wash the brush every time I use it?

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      September 3, 2013 at 12:20 am

      I wash my dry brush about once a week with castile soap, but very gently. After each use I also shake off the dry brush.

      Reply
  16. Nancy

    August 28, 2013 at 11:25 pm

    Great post and one of my favorite ‘self-care’ routines. Once you try it it’s easy to get hooked as its so invigorating but at the same time relaxing. Skin feels softer and hs a healthier Glow. Thanks so much for the tips and info!

    Reply
  17. Anne

    August 28, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    We have brushed our daughter for sensory issues and it works amazingly but I am a little concerned with some of the techniques you listed. I was an early intervention specialist and when we trained parents on brushing we were told never to brush the stomach or face. That you should use long sweeping motions and not lift brush. Also to always use joint compression after brushing to help set the muscle memory? I know one way is being used for detox and another for sensory integration but you have to be very careful with the skin.

    Reply
    • Nikki

      August 29, 2013 at 10:29 am

      What do you mean by joint compression? Just squeeze them or is there something else involved? How long for the compression?

      Reply
      • Anne

        September 30, 2013 at 12:56 pm

        This is what we used for my daughter. I will see if I can find you an you tube video. http://www.nationalautismresources.com/wilbarger-protocol.html

        Reply
      • Anne

        September 30, 2013 at 12:59 pm

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9LSbINc-y0 this video is pretty much dead on how I was taught. We also used it as learning for counting and body parts.

        Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      September 3, 2013 at 12:13 am

      Interesting! I follow the directions from the graphs of lymph flow. There are great images online with arrows pointing int the directions for dry brushing each section of the body.

      Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      September 3, 2013 at 12:13 am

      Interesting! I follow the directions from the graphs of lymph flow. There are great images online with arrows pointing in the directions for dry brushing each section of the body.

      Reply
    • Laika

      November 11, 2016 at 12:17 am

      Hi Anne,
      When brushing the stomach, you should go in a clockwise motion – it follows the direction of your intestine. When brushing the face, use a softer brush.
      I hope this answers your question.
      I’ve been dry brushing my whole body for some time now and the benefits are amazing.

      Thank you for the article Lori!

      Reply
    • AZNB

      February 27, 2018 at 10:45 am

      I believe dry brushing and sensory intervention are used for two different reasons. For my son, it would be too much stimulation and discomfort to brush his face when he was younger. The stomach maybe also a trigger point for other childern.
      This is different from dry brushing. This is intended for body health and as the older we become, the more tough and durable our skin gets. We able to handle the bristles better on areas like our face, unlike the more delicate skin of childern.

      Reply
  18. Debbie

    August 21, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Great post 🙂

    What do you think of using those exfoliating gloves? It’s a million times easier to use them and they don’t feel too harsh to me. But there’s nothing natural about them I’m sure.

    Reply
    • Mark

      August 21, 2013 at 3:49 pm

      hey Debbie,
      I like the idea of using the gloves, quick and easy.

      Or perhaps some of the rubber nubbed gloves . . . or coarse wool gloves.

      Reply
      • Debbie

        August 21, 2013 at 5:07 pm

        🙂

        Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      September 2, 2013 at 11:17 pm

      Thanks Debbie! I think the dry brush would be more effective, but I am sure the gloves still provide benefits. When I first bought my dry brush and tried it, I felt as though it scratched my skin and I wasn’t doing it right. It helped starting out doing it very gently. Did you use one with a short or long handle? I just switched to one with a long handle and it has been so much easier to do.

      Reply
  19. Mark

    August 18, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    I like the concept , although it is the first time I have read of dry brushing.

    Skin is a funny organ and I would urge diabetics and those with aged thin skin or compromised immune system (for any reason, HIV, HEP C, Cardiac Disease etc) may wish to start this technique with a softer cloth or very soft brush.

    As a Meidcal Professional I love this website and the common sense yet non-mainstream reporting . . . . the effort put into your articles is considerbale!
    Thanks,
    Mark

    Reply
    • Lori, Health Extremist

      September 2, 2013 at 10:45 pm

      Thank you Mark 🙂

      Reply
    • Joe

      October 24, 2013 at 3:08 am

      Why should people with Hep C use a softer brush? I just bought a Yerba Prima brush and I plan to use it. My Immune seems quite well, with Hep c.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi! Nice to meet you

I'm Lori. I love living a natural lifestyle, DIY projects, and trying out new healthy recipes. Read More…

Popular Posts

coffee scrub in jar with coffee beans

Homemade Coffee Scrub for Cellulite

Chocolate chip muffins in muffin pan with text overlay - paleo chocolate chip muffins

Paleo Chocolate Chip Muffins – made with coconut flour

House with backyard and deck with potted plants and planted plants

5 Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

Plate with three slices of oven fried chicken

Paleo Oven Fried Chicken

dry shampoo in jars with brush with text overlay - natural diy dry shampoo for light and dark hair

Natural DIY Dry Shampoo for Light and Dark Hair

Here's How I Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne - Prevent new breakouts and treat breakouts

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Copyright © 2023 · Contact Me

· Privacy Policy