Why Dry Brushing Belongs in Your Clean Skincare Routine (Plus How to Do It)

If you've got dull winter skin, congested pores, or sluggish circulation, dry brushing may be just the jumpstart your complexion needs! The 60 second ancient wellness ritual of dry brushing your face is the perfect non-toxic, affordable way to get glowing skin. Here's everything you need to know about dry brushing for your face, including how to properly do dry brushing on your face, and choosing the best brush.

Though I am a blogger focused on clean beauty products, a lot of times I find that the things that make the biggest difference in my skin are not topical products at all. Usually another cleanser or serum isn't the key to radiant skin. It's often something else that is targeted at wellness as a whole that makes my skin look and feel healthier. In this case, it's dry brushing! Dry brushing is an ancient beauty and wellness ritual that I've been incorporating into my daily facial routine every morning. It has made my skin look and feel healthier - and it's so easy! If you'd like to give it a try, read on for my full guide on dry brushing for your face.

Jump to:

• What Is Dry Brushing?
• Benefits of Dry Brushing Your Face
• How to Dry Brush Your Face: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How To Choose A Dry Brush For Facial Brushing
• My Favorite Dry Brush for Face:
• Dry Brushing FAQ

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is an ancient ritual that various cultures have used for centuries to promote wellbeing and soft, glowing skin. It involves using a soft brush over completely dry skin in a specific pattern over the face or body. While the practice may have been around for hundreds of years, it has recently made a comeback and is still an easy, non-toxic and inexpensive way to glow up your skin by working with your body's natural detox processes. Dry brushing can be done on the whole body (and usually is!), but today I'm focusing just on the face, since it's a quick and easy practice that even busy mamas like me can incorporate into daily routines.

Benefits of Dry Brushing Your Face

Besides feeling really good on your face and providing a short and sweet moment of self care, here are the top benefits of dry brushing your face:

• Gently exfoliates: Dry brushing effectively exfoliates and sloughs off dry, dead skin cells which promotes cell turnover, improves skin's texture and tone, and preps the skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers. Using a gentle dry brush is better than harsh chemical or physical exfoliants because it doesn't disrupt the skin's microbiome or damage the skin barrier.
• Improves circulation: Your circulatory system supplies vital nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body, including the skin, which is the body's largest organ. Dry brushing boosts blood flow to keep skin nourished and healthy.
• Supports detoxification: Your lymphatic system helps the body naturally detoxify. But when this system becomes blocked, it can cause toxic buildup in your tissues – leading to issues like blemishes, rashes, irritations, and even health issues like poor immunity and low energy. The light, simple strokes of dry brushing stimulate lymph flow to flush out toxins and waste, helping you feel your best. It also clears pores, allowing the body to eliminate more toxins through sweat.
• Improves the appearance of skin: Dry brushing helps to gently remove the top layer of dry, dull skin, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion underneath. It could even increase natural production of collagen, which helps rebuild the skin - making it stronger and plumper. 
• Calms the nervous system: The vagus nerve is responsible for sending signals (good or bad) to the brain. Dry brushing gently stimulates the vagus nerve through gentle, rhythmic motions, sending positive, calming signals to your brain – and throughout your body - helping you feel calm and relaxed.

How to Dry Brush Your Face: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dry brushing your face is simple - think up, out and down to decrease puffiness and stimulate lymphatic drainage.

1. Begin with clean, dry skin before applying any serums or moisturizers. I usually just splash my face with water in the morning and pat it dry before brushing.
2. Start on one side of your face. Using light, gentle brush strokes, start on the neck brushing downward. Then move on to underneath your jaw, moving from the center out. Then brush your jawline, brushing from the chin toward your ear.
3. Working up the face, brush from the midline toward the hairline, still using light, gentle strokes.
4. Once you reach the forehead, brush from the midline to the hairline, then sweep toward your temple, down your face to your ear, then down your neck, brushing a few strokes down your neck to promote drainage.
5. Repeat on the other side of your face.
6. After dry brushing, you can apply any serums or moisturizers, which will now absorb better and be more effective!

Here's a great video tutorial to give you a good visual.

How To Choose A Dry Brush For Facial Brushing

Especially for the delicate skin on your face, you need a brush with soft bristles. I like real hair bristles because they are softer and hold up better than synthetic bristles. Also look for a wood or bamboo handle to avoid plastic. My favorite is this facial brush by Primally Pure. The goat hair bristles are super soft and gentle on my face and the size is perfect!

How To Clean Your Brush

Make sure to clean your brush regularly to avoid buildup and bacteria! Once a week, wash with a gentle soap or shampoo (one with tea tree oil or other natural antibacterial properties like this All Shield goat milk soap is ideal), then air dry thoroughly with the bristle side down before storing.