9 Best Dry Brushes for Softer Skin

February 4, 2023 ndowd

Charday PennGetty Images

With winter on the way, you may be starting to think about how to keep your skin looking smooth and feeling soft. Body lotions are a great way to start, but a dry brush will be your new best friend. Dry brushes are handheld tools typically made out of coarse bristles that can be used to exfoliate away dead skin cells, provide lymphatic drainage, improve blood flow and circulation, and leave your skin looking fresh.

But how exactly do you dry brush? Esker Beauty founder Shannon Davenport says dry brushing should be done before a shower or bath. She says to “begin by brushing upwards towards your heart (in the direction of natural lymph flows) using medium pressure. We start at our feet and brush up in short, small strokes as we move up our legs. Follow this same motion on your arms using short, small strokes towards your heart. For your stomach, chest, and bottom area, brush in a lighter, clockwise motion.” Then wash away the dead skin cells in the bath or shower. Then you’ll be left with firmer and smoother skin. Sold right? Well, scroll on for 9 of the best options to achieve your silkiest skin yet.

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Best For Circulation

Esker Beauty

Dry Brush

Best For Exfoliation

goop

G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush

Best For Cellulite

Dr. Barbara Sturm

The Body Brush

Best For Blood Flow

Keys Soulcare

Energizing Dry Body Brush

Best For Hard-To-Reach Places

Zen Me

Premium Boar Bristle Brush

Best For Sensitive Skin

Kitsch

Exfoliating Dry Brush for Sensitive Skin

Best Dry Brush Set

TEMEAYE

Dry Body Brush

Best Massaging Brush

Daily Concepts

Daily Detox Massage Brush

Most Luxurious Option

De La Heart

The Body Brush

Shannon Davenport is the Founder of Esker.

What does dry brushing actually do?

“Dry brushing the skin detoxifies the body by helping to drain the lymphatic system, releasing toxins and promoting lymph circulation. Lymph is a fluid that exists in vessels that circulate around the body. It carries immune cells that help the body’s cells survive, but this fluid also carries metabolic waste, which dry brushing can help eliminate from the body. Dry brushing is also known to reduce the appearance of cellulite, and exfoliates and sloughs off dead skin cells for brighter, firmer skin,” explains Davenport.

How often should you dry brush?

“Dry brushing doesn’t have to be an everyday ritual, especially if your skin runs on the sensitive side. Try dry brushing at least once a week in order to start seeing smoother, firmer skin,” recommends Davenport.

Do you have any techniques or tips you recommend when dry brushing?

“Make sure to follow up with a body oil or moisturizer. Dry brushing can be drying (unsurprisingly), so take some time to replenish your moisture barrier and to lock in that softness and glow your skin just got from the dry brush,” says Davenport.

Is there anything you shouldn’t do with your dry brush?

“Avoid submerging in water,” says Davenport. Getting your dry brush wet can affect the integrity of the bristles, as well as promote bacteria growth.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

Tatjana Freund is ELLE’s Beauty E-Commerce Writer. She has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has the softed baby skin you’ve ever seen.

Emily Burns
Assistant Beauty Editor
Emily Burns is the assistant beauty editor at ELLE Magazine.

Tatjana Freund
Beauty Commerce Writer
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends.

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