13 Best Dry Brushes for Radiant Skin

It started with my divorce and trying to find ways to make myself feel a teensy bit better every day.

Some things were totally out of my control, but I was going to reach for all the low hanging fruit I could that would make me feel better. That was my only goal.

So here enters the dry brush. It was easy, convenient and inexpensive. But would it help?? I decided to give it a shot and started looking for the best dry brushes out there.

Dry brushing is like brushing your hair, except it’s brushing your dry body. You use the same kind of bristled brush and the idea is to sweep away all those tiny flakes and dullness, letting your skin breathe and glow. 

1. POPCHOSE Natural Bristle Dry Skin:  This handheld body brush is good for wet or dry skin. It features a hand strap to fit snugly on hand. Check out this affordable dry brush for skin.
2. Metene Shower Brush with Handle : Need a way to reach your back or those hard to reach areas? This two-sided dry brush with a handle offers both natural and nylong bristles.
3. Best Dry Brush Splurge: Body and Face Brush : If you’re looking for an exceptional body brush gift for yourself or someone else, I love ths body and face brush set from Belula.
4. Metene 2 Pack Dry Brush: This is a cost effective choice if you have a partner you want to bring along with you on the dry brushing experience! Click Here for details.
5. EcoTools Dry Body Brush : For the environmentally conscious shopper, this EcoTool brush is the best dry brush that’s vegan, cruelty free and environmentally friendly.
6. Goop Beauty Dry Brush: If you feel like splurging on a dry brush made of pure natural sisal fibers, you can choose this ultimate dry brush.
7. Goop Beauty Dry Brush & Body Oil Bundle:  And if you want to super-splurge, you can choose this dry brush bundle that includes silicone and paraben free body oil.
8. Dry Brush for Travel:  For the wanders, I love this bamboo dry brush with a travel case .

Great question! Here’s what I didn’t appreciate before: the skin is our largest organ. (Weird, right? I never thought of it that way.) Also, it’s constantly renewing itself.

So, what are the benefits of dry brushing? What does dry brushing actually do? Here are some alleged benefits of dry brushing that got my attention:

• Stimulates blood flow & your lymphatic system : As you brush, you stimulate blood flow, improve blood circulation and lymph drainage which supports your body’s natural detoxification process. Think of it as a mini detox session for your skin.
• Increases Energy: The stimulating effect of dry brushing can help boost your energy levels, making it a great morning ritual.
• Supports the Digestive System: Some claim that dry brushing helps support digestion and kidney function by stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from your body.
• Relieves Stress: Dry brushing can also be a soothing ritual, providing a moment of mindfulness and reducing stress as you focus on your body and well-being.
• Promotes healthier skin: By brushing away old skin cells (gross), you make way for fresh new ones. This exfoliation can help your skin look and feel smoother.

I think the jury’s still out on this one. The answer in my opinion is: probably not? There’s no real science to prove it. I’m going with: Dry brushing can make your skin look better and when you have glowing skin you feel better, so you pay attention to your cellulite less.

I started out using my dry body brush by doing what felt good, but turns out there are a few rules:

1. Start from Your Feet : Begin at your feet and brush upward towards your heart using gentle pressure. You can begin with wet or dry skin.
2. Use Long, Smooth Strokes : The strokes should be long and sweeping, and move from your legs to your heart to exfoliate skin.
3. Always Brush Towards Your Heart : Start at your toes and move up your legs. When you reach your midsection, use circular motion moving upwards. Then off to your fingers and brush up the arms towards your heart. If your able to reach your back, go down from the shoulders, but up from your lower back.
4. Shower And Moisturize : You’ll want to wash away the dead skin cells and use a moisturizer that you love for even smoother skin.

Shoot for daily if you can! Regular dry body brushing helps your circulation, lymphatic drainage, energy PLUS it feels good. And who doesn’t want to feel a teensy bit better? I know I do! LOL!

I’m trying to remember to dry brush before every shower. I love it. It’s a fast, inexpensive way to take care of myself. I love doing it before bed because it makes me feel so lovely.

But if you’re new to dry brushing, start with one dry brushing session and see how your skin adjusts.

If you have sensitive skin, be cautious and don’t overdo it the first time you use a dry brush. Choose a soft-bristled body brush and use very light pressure.

Test a small area first, and if you notice any irritation, it might be best to skip dry brushing or do it less frequently. Always moisturize after to soothe the skin.

Consulting with a dermatologist before starting is always a good idea when starting a new skin routine.

If you’re wondering, “What kind of dry brush should I buy?”, you don’t really need to. There’s a ton of options and they range in price. For a body brush, you need a brush with a larger head and natural fibers.

I love  mine (pictured above from Sparitual) but you might like one with a long handle or no hand strap. You can’t really go wrong either way.

If you’re new to dry brushing and have delicate skin, start with a dry brush with soft boar bristles like this dry body brush for very sensitive skin made with vegan bristles.

Because you remove dead skin cells when you use dry brushes, my personal habit is to dry brush BEFORE showering. This way I can wash off the dead skin cells and moisturize my entire body, leaving my exfoliated skin feeling silky smooth.

Yes, while dry brushing can offer several benefits, there can also be some side effects if not done correctly:

1. Skin Irritation: Vigorous dry brushing can cause redness and/or skin irritation.
2. Over-exfoliation: Too frequent or forceful dry brushing can strip away the protective layer of the skin, leading to sensitivity.
3. Aggravation of Skin Conditions: People with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin might experience flare-ups or increased irritation.

It’s always advisable to use a soft-bristled brush, apply gentle pressure, and consult with a dermatologist if you have concerns or existing skin conditions.

Silicone loofahs and traditional dry brushes serve similar purposes but have distinct differences. Silicone loofahs, made from medical-grade silicone, are durable, resistant to microbial growth, and can last years without significant wear. 

On the other hand, natural bristle dry brushes wear out faster and might become less hygienic over time due to potential microbial buildup. While both can effectively exfoliate, the choice between them often comes down to individual preference, concerns about longevity, and hygiene.

Oh, the age-old debate: silicone body scrubber vs loofah. 🛁 Let’s dive in! If you’ve ever laid hands on a silicone loofah, you’ll know it’s got a unique feel – it’s softer, but still effective.

While traditional loofahs have their charm, they can sometimes harbor bacteria. Enter the silicone body brush, which is easier to clean and tends to last longer. Plus, if you’re on the hunt for the best silicone loofah, there are tons out there boasting added benefits for skin exfoliation.

So, in the silicone scrubber vs loofah showdown, it really boils down to personal preference. But if cleanliness and durability are on your wish list, the silicone body loofah might just steal the show! 🚿

You can’t have a conversation about best dry brushes and not include a silicone dry brush option! For glowing skin, I like this Set of 3 Soft Exfoliating Body Bath Shower Scrubber Loofah Brush (especially the pink one!)

For sensitive skin, this Avilana® Silicone Body Scrubber is the ultimate dry brush if you want to replace your loofah. As opposed to natural boar bristles, the synthetic bristles offer minimal upkeep and are boil-friendly. It’s a very soft brush and helps promote skin health in the same way that natural bristles do.

Finally, if you’re looking for a Shower Bath Body Brush with Long Handle, this Silicone Back Scrubber offers an eco-friendly body brush option for those hard to reach areas.

Dry brush is popular among alternative health communities, but it isn’t a regular recommendation by dermatologists. As always, if you’re concerned about whether or not dry brushing your skin is a good idea, it’s best to ask a professional!

This post was all about the best dry brushes