Dry brushing is a simple habit that can make a real difference when you stick with it.
It only takes a few minutes, but knowing how to dry brush your body properly helps you get the most out of it.
If you’ve been wondering how to dry brush your body properly, our guide focuses on exactly that: how to do it, when to do it, and how to make it feel like a natural part of your day.
When to Dry-Brush Your Body
Dry brushing should always be done on dry skin, ideally just before showering.
This allows you to wash away any loosened dead skin cells straight after, while also making it easier to follow with hydration.
Many people prefer to do this in the morning, as it can help wake up the body and get circulation moving. That said, the best time is simply when you can stay consistent.
How To Dry Brush Your Body (Step-by-Step)
The key to dry brushing is working with your body, not against it. It should feel stimulating, not uncomfortable.
Start at your feet and work upwards using long, sweeping strokes towards your heart. This direction helps support circulation and follows the natural flow of the lymphatic system.
Move slowly and keep your pressure light to medium. There’s no need to press hard - the goal is gentle stimulation, not scrubbing.
From your feet, work up your legs in sections. Then move to your hands and brush upwards towards your shoulders.
On your stomach and chest, use softer, more controlled strokes moving inwards. These areas tend to be more sensitive, so adjust your pressure accordingly.
Take a little extra time on areas where skin feels rough, but avoid any broken, irritated, or inflamed skin.
The whole process only needs to take a few minutes.
How Much Pressure Should You Use?
One of the most common mistakes with dry brushing is using too much pressure.
Your skin shouldn’t feel scratched or sore afterwards. Instead, it should feel lightly stimulated and refreshed.
If your skin looks overly red or feels irritated, reduce the pressure and build up gradually. A lighter touch done consistently will always give better results than being too heavy-handed.
What To Do After Dry Brushing
Once you’ve finished, step into a warm shower to rinse away any dead skin cells.
After showering, apply a body oil or moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in hydration and supports your skin barrier.
This step is just as important as the brushing itself, as it keeps your skin feeling comfortable and balanced.
How Often Should You Dry Brush?
You don’t need to overdo it to see results.
For most people, dry brushing once a day or a few times a week is enough. If your skin is more sensitive, start with a couple of times a week and see how your skin responds.
Consistency matters far more than frequency. A short, regular routine will be more effective than doing it occasionally.
Building It Into Your Routine
Dry brushing works best when it fits naturally into your existing habits.
Doing it before your shower keeps it simple and easy to remember. It also removes any friction around when to do it, which makes it easier to stay consistent.
Over time, it becomes less of a task and more of a routine that feels automatic.
Choosing a Body Brush That Feels Right
The brush you use affects both how the process feels and how easy it is to stick with.
Arella’s Copper Body Brush has been designed to support both the practical and sensory side of dry brushing.
Handcrafted with natural bristles and pure copper fibres, it allows for gentle, effective exfoliation while helping to stimulate circulation and support collagen production.
Copper brings a naturally antibacterial quality and a slightly more energising feel to the skin.
The copper fibres also bring an added element that supports balance and flow, making the process feel more considered rather than purely functional.
Because dry brushing is something you’ll repeat regularly, choosing a brush that feels comfortable in your hand and on your skin makes a noticeable difference to consistency.
See also: How to use a Gua Sha
Start your Dry Brushing Routine with Arella
Dry brushing is one of those things that works best when you just keep it simple.
A few minutes before your shower, using the right technique, is enough to support smoother skin and get your circulation going. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be something you can stick with.
Over time, it becomes part of your routine without much effort; just another small step that helps you feel a bit more put together day to day.
For full body wellbeing, take a look at our face lymphatic drainage guide and add our face sculpting into your daily routine.
You can browse our other beautiful wellbeing accessories here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to rinse off after dry brushing?
It’s best to rinse off after dry brushing. A quick shower helps remove any dead skin cells that have been lifted during brushing and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed. It also gives you the chance to follow with a body oil or moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp.
How many days a week should you dry brush your body?
Most people find that dry brushing a few times a week works well. If your skin feels comfortable, you can do it daily. If it’s more sensitive, start with two or three times a week and see how your skin responds. It should feel stimulating, not irritating.
Is it better to dry brush at night or in the morning?
Morning tends to work best for most people, as it helps wake up the body and fits easily into a pre-shower routine. That said, there’s no strict rule. If evenings feel more realistic for you, that’s absolutely fine. The most important thing is choosing a time you can stick to consistently.
