9 Best Dry Brushes for Softer Skin
Scrub the day away with these exfoliating tools.
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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.
Pros
- Easy-to-hold
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
The Esker Beauty Dry Brush is one of the most convenient options on the market. It’s easy to hold and includes a string so you can conveniently hang it in your bathroom. Made of all-natural bristles, this brush will exfoliate the skin and promote lymphatic drainage. “Our Dry Brush bristles are soft to the touch and move easily across the body without any harsh scraping or scratching, so you can use it on your entire body, including arms, legs, and torso. Medium pressure is all you need to dry brush away dead skin,” says Davenport.
Esker rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Esker reviewer says: “New to dry brushing but already loving the benefits. This brush is a great size, and I’m excited to continue to discover its benefits.”
Pros
- All-natural
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
This is probably one of the most popular dry brush options on the market and for good reason. Goop’s version of the tool has an easy-to-hold handle and is made up of natural sisal fibers from the Mexican agave plant to provide a deep exfoliation treatment before showering.
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Yes. Yes. Yes. This is an essential part of my routine. The bristles are dense enough to exfoliate effectively and the shape of the handle is convenient to reach your back.”
Pros
- Exfoliating
Cons
- Pricey
This option from Dr. Barbara Sturm is made with cellulite in mind. By brushing the skin in quick upward motions, this tool will provide lymphatic drainage and exfoliation. This will leave the skin looking fresh and soft, minimizing the appearance of cellulite.
Dr. Barbara Sturm rating: 5/5 stars
A Dr. Barbara Sturm reviewer says: “I know there are great benefits to dry body brushing. It is great pre-shower ritual that gets my circulation going but is relaxing at the same time. The soft brush is just perfect. Highly recommend.”
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved
Cons
- Strap may become loose over time
By quickly brushing your skin with these tools, you are promoting blood flow which in turn helps with lymphatic drainage. This option is all about energizing the body, so try brushing before your morning shower for a quick pick-me-up.
Ulta rating: 5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’m new to body brushing, and I thought I’d give this a try to combat my chronic illnesses for eliminating toxins from my body. I’ve tried this for one day and I immediately love the way it feels on my skin. Looking forward to the results of this!”
Pros
- Has a handle
Cons
- Slippery handle
With an extra-long detachable handle, this dry brush is perfect for reaching your back and other hard-to-reach places with ease. Simply remove the handle if you’re looking for a more hands-on or travel friendly option.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love using this brush; it makes my skin feel so smooth and tingly. Would recommend this for anyone that is interested in dry brushing.”
Kitsch Exfoliating Dry Brush for Sensitive Skin
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Strap may become loose over time
While this brush helps to deeply exfoliate, it features soft bristles so that it’s safe for sensitive skin. Reviewers note it’s great for preventing ingrown hairs. Before showering, brush legs in an upward motion to exfoliate and prep for ingrown-free shaving.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “The body brush is soft and is a nice treatment for my skin.”
Pros
- Comes with two different options
Cons
- May be too harsh for sensitive skin
This set is perfect for all your dry brushing needs, as it comes with a small handheld option and one with a long handle for hard-to-reach places. You’ll also get two hooks for easy storage.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Perfect product! It’s soft but also sturdy.”
Daily Concepts Daily Detox Massage Brush
Pros
- Detoxifying
Cons
- Should be replaced every three months
For a relaxing drainage massage, try rubbing this brush in circular motions two-to-three times a week. While the natural bristles exfoliate the skin, the stiff nodules will promote additional drainage and help to ease tense muscles.
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “Gently exfoliate the skin while giving you a light massage. Great to use, especially before a spray tan.”
Pros
- Improves circulation
Cons
- Pricey
The Body Brush from De La Heart is made of all-natural boar bristles and can be used to exfoliate dry skin, improve circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. For uber-smooth skin, dry brush, exfoliate with a salt scrub, and apply a generous amount of oil like the cold-pressed ones from De La Heart. Plus, it’s a must-have product for Dua Lipa’s yoga teacher Annie Moves, so it’s good enough for us.
De La Heart rating: 5/5 stars
A De La Heart reviewer says: “Best dry brush because it's firm but it doesn't hurt when I use it. Obsessed! I'm on my second one.”
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.
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