Dry Brushing (Skin Brushing)

What science actually says about dry brushing claims

The hosts break down which dry brushing claims are supported by evidence and which are not. Exfoliation and circulation improvement are real, but the detox and lymphatic drainage claims are debunked — sweat doesn't depend on open pores, and your kidneys and liver handle detoxification.

"It's claimed that this traditional method helps to slough away dead skin cells, reduce ingrown hairs and improve circulation. But some people claim some hefty benefits, like helping to detox with lymphatic drainage, aid your digestion and kidney function and even reduce the appearance of cellulite. Science, however, disagrees."

Proper dry brushing technique and precautions

A step-by-step guide to dry brushing technique: use firm but not sandpaper-harsh natural bristles, stroke in gentle upward circular motions toward the heart, increase pressure on rough areas, and be very gentle around sensitive skin. Only brush once or twice weekly.

"It's four steps really. You stroke in a gentle upward circular motion to help stimulate blood flow. It's best to work your way up. Start at your feet, move up to your legs, your arms and your back and go in a counterclockwise motion on your stomach."

One host loves it, the other calls it bullshit

Nicole describes feeling invigorated after dry brushing — her body "fizzes" for about 10 seconds — and finds the practice luxurious and self-care-like. Laura is less convinced, saying the invigoration doesn't last and she can't see long-term benefits. They ultimately vote it out of their self-care club.

"I like the feeling. I like how my skin feels after. It doesn't last, that feeling. But I do like that sort of 10 seconds after of how my body is like fizzing. I really like it."

Skeptic turned convert — immediate invigoration

One host shares how she went from wanting to not believe dry brushing would work to becoming obsessed after trying it. She describes the invigoration as comparable to drinking coffee and notes that circulation benefits are immediate and noticeable. She always brushes toward the heart before showering.

"Dry brushing was one of those things that I wanted to not believe was going to do anything."

Dry exfoliation beats in-shower scrubs

The hosts discuss how dry brushing before a shower eliminates the annoying experience of skin still flaking off when toweling dry after washing. They compare brush brands — Earth Therapeutics for natural bristles and Higher Dose copper bristles that are antimicrobial and prevent bacterial buildup.

"When you dry brush before the shower, that never happens. It exfoliates a million times better than any of the scrubs in the shower."

Three key benefits — lymphatic, circulation, stress relief

Nurse practitioner Michelle Broad outlines the three main benefits of dry brushing: lymphatic system support (opens cells for waste cycling and prevents blockage), improved circulation (helps remove metabolic waste and distribute natural oils for softer skin), and stress relief (stimulates skin to release tension throughout the body).

"One of the key benefits of dry brushing occurs to the lymphatic system. This is an important benefit because this system helps remove cellular waste. The dry brushing technique helps open the cells and the system to cycling the waste out and to rebuilding the skin and cell in our cellular system."

Step-by-step instructions for beginners

Michelle provides practical starting instructions: stand in the shower or tub (to contain dead skin), brush the entire body including sensitive areas with lighter pressure, and start from the bottom working upward in circular motions. Follow with a shower afterward to remove exfoliated skin and clean pores.

"You use a non-synthetic or natural bristle brush on your body to remove dry skin. This brushing technique is done all over your body ladies and with no lotion, soaps, or water. You simply brush the body gently making sure to get every part of your body. Then you take a shower afterwards."

Adjusting frequency by season and skin type

Michelle explains how to adjust dry brushing frequency based on skin type and seasons. In colder months when skin is drier, increase frequency. In hotter months, decrease it. If exercise changes make skin more oily, decrease brushing; if more dry, increase. Start with 2-3 times per week and monitor how your skin responds.

"If your skin feels dry or hurts or raw, then you want to reduce the amount of times you are doing it per week. If your skin is still heavily dry, then increase the amount of times that you do it per week. So it just depends on, again, your personal skin type."

The lymphatic system and why it matters

Erica explains that the lymphatic system eliminates cellular waste from the body, and dysfunction can lead to toxin buildup, disease, and inflammation. She outlines three ways to support it: dry brushing, sweating regularly, and working the fascial system through deep core exercises.

"Your lymphatic system eliminates cellular waste products from your body. Very, very, very important, you guys, to detoxify. Keep in mind, everybody's bodies are different. So you could do the exact same thing as someone else and your body might need some extra supplementation or extra detoxification than somebody else."

Fascial stimulation and autoimmune symptom reduction

Erica shares her observation that clients who improve their fascial connections through deep core work and dry brushing often see reduced autoimmune symptoms and can sometimes decrease medications. While she acknowledges this is theoretical without formal research, she and fellow fascial expert David Lesendek have both observed this pattern.

"What we've both noticed, because we both do fascial work and we teach fascial work, is that when people improve their fascial networking system, and specifically, right, I tend to focus more on the deep core, but it's all intertwined throughout the body, is that we start to notice, oh, our clients, our students, their autoimmune symptoms start to decrease."

Ayurvedic oil technique before showering

Erica shares an Ayurvedic technique from guest Sarah Reese: after dry brushing, apply natural oil (almond, coconut, or jojoba) to the freshly brushed skin and let it absorb for 10 minutes before showering. She says this eliminates the need for body lotion entirely and leaves skin incredibly moisturized.

"Once you've kind of opened up your pores by dry brushing, you put the oil on, you want to let the oil set if you can for a solid 10 minutes, then it might be a good time to like dance in the bathroom or I don't know, meditate would be a good, you know, give yourself some time."

Ancient origins from Ayurveda to Gua Sha

Alex traces dry brushing back through multiple ancient traditions: Ayurvedic Garshana massage with raw silk gloves, Chinese Gua Sha for Qi flow, and indigenous North American herbal body work — all aimed at improving circulation and supporting detoxification.

"In Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine coming out of India, there's a technique called Garshana, which is a dry massage using raw silk gloves. And it's believed to stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance circulation. And then in traditional Chinese medicine, we have Gua Sha, which helps to maintain the flow of Qi through the body."