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We brush our hair, we brush our teeth — but what about brushing our bodies? Dry brushes/body brushes have been gaining massive popularity over the past few years due to their slew of potential benefits for your skin and overall health. Even celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and model Josephine Skriver are fans!
What Is Dry Brushing and How Do I Do It?
Dry brushing is a detox technique. It doesn’t mean taking your hair brush and just swiping it all over your body — every which way. It requires certain types of brushes and specific techniques! Dry brushes are usually in an ovular or circular shape and have condensed, coarse bristles. Mind Body Green recommends dry brushing just before a shower and brushing in long strokes using medium pressure on bare skin. You’ll also want to start at your feet, moving upward. For the upper body, brush from the hands toward the heart!
What Are the Possible Benefits of Dry Brushing?
Cleveland Clinic gets into the expected benefits of dry brushing. The most popular is detoxifying the skin, as explained by Shilpi Khetarpal, MD: “Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage.”
Dry brushing may also stimulate your nervous system to leave you feeling refreshed, reduce ingrown hairs and help your skin become softer, smoother and more radiant. Some say it could be a big help in reducing the appearance of cellulite as well!
11 Best Dry Brushes for Your Body
1. goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush
Approved by Gwyneth Paltrow
This pick from Paltrow’s personal care brand is the first that came to mind. We love it because the bristles are made with natural, biodegradable sisal fibers, which come from the Mexican agave plant. It would also just make Us feel fancy having it in our bathroom — therefore motivating us to use it more!
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle so you don’t need to grip the head
- Attached rope for easy hanging on wall hooks
Cons:
- Shoppers say bristles are quite stiff, so could be intense for beginners
Available at: goop, Sephora, Credo Beauty
2. Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush
Best With a Long Handle
Certain spots on your back can be hard to reach with a handheld dry brush, and you especially might not want to strain if you’re dealing with soreness or an injury. This one, made with cactus fiber bristles, has a nice and long handle — and you can even detach it for easy traveling!
Pros:
- Shoppers say using it is efficient
- Comes with storage bag
Cons:
- One of the pricier picks
Available at: Dermstore, Nordstrom, Amazon
3. C.S.M. Dry Body Brush
For a Relaxing Massage
This boar hair brush is our pick for when you really want to relax. Along with the bristles, it has gentle rubber massage nodes peeking out to help relax your muscles as you sweep it up and across your body. They can also keep you from accidentally pressing too hard on your skin!
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Can also use wet with soap
Cons:
- Not vegan-friendly
4. Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush
Luxury Brand Buy
Dr. Barbara Sturm can be pretty pricey, but this body brush from the brand costs less than you might think! Wet or dry, this brush can be used to allegedly boost your skin tissue’s metabolism, potentially resulting in less cellulite and fewer unwanted skin dimples, plus more perks!
Pros:
- Available in soft and medium for different skin sensitivities
- Shoppers say it also helps with keratosis pilaris (KP or “chicken skin”)
Cons:
- Some shoppers say the hand strap is too big
Available at: Sephora, Violet Grey, Revolve
5. Buff Experts Srsly Buffed Dry Brush
Most Flexible
This brush looks different than most others and may be your preference! Its bristles are plant-based and Buff Experts claim they can smooth out scaly skin, enhance the absorption of lotions and creams, prevent ingrown hairs and more!
Pros:
- Black-owned brand
- Leaping Bunny certified
Cons:
- Not recommended for super sensitive skin or eczema
Available at: Target, Nordstrom
6. EcoTools Dry Brush
Most Affordable, Still High-Quality
Finding a dry brush available for just $4, you’d think maybe it wouldn’t be effective. This one, however, is from a trusted brand and has tons of positive reviews! It’s made with cruelty-free, synthetic bristles and has a handcrafted bamboo handle, and it may seriously provide some deep exfoliation. We love this as a little party giveaway idea too — or for your bridesmaids!
Pros:
- On Amazon Prime, saving you even more money
- Recyclable and biodegradable packaging
Cons:
- On the smaller side
Available at: Amazon, Ulta, Target
7. Rosena Dry Body Brush
Dual-Sided Design
This dry body brush has natural boar bristles on one side and nylon bristles on the other. One side is stiffer, one side is softer. Use the soft bristles on more sensitive, delicate skin, and use the stiff bristles for exfoliating rough and dry patches!
Pros:
- Non-slip grip handle
- Easy to reach your back
Cons:
- Not as many reviews as other choices
Available at: Amazon
8. Smiley Smith Premium Dry Brush
Best for Sensitive Skin
This boar bristle brush is designed to be gentler than others so as to not scratch or irritate your skin. It’s normal to look a little pink afterward, but you don’t want to damage your skin in the process. Multiple reviewers say this is a great pick for sensitive skin types!
Pros:
- Teardrop shape helps you target areas more easily
- Durable ebony wood handle
Cons:
- May be too soft if you’re a more experienced body brusher
Available at: Amazon
9. GustoGoods Lymphatic Drainage Paddle and Dry Skin Brush
Our Favorite Set
Dedicated to spending a little extra time taking care of your body? Check out this set! It comes with a dry brush, but it also includes a specially shaped wooden massage tool, almost like a gua sha for your body. Using both together could leave your skin smooth, stimulated and free of toxins!
Pros:
- More intensive treatment
- May better break down cellulite
Cons:
- More time-consuming to use both
Available at: Amazon
10. HigherDOSE Supercharge Copper Body Brush
Most Advanced Pick
If you’re a dedicated body brusher, why not step it up and invest in a super powerful one? This pick is made with ion-charged copper bristles, claiming to even help “neutralize the effects of modern technology” and “restore electromagnetic balance.” A beautiful digital detox tool!
Pros:
- High-quality materials: horsehair and copper wire bristles, leather strap
- May reduce acidity levels in body
Cons:
- High price
Available at: HigherDOSE
11. Sonia Kashuk Facial Dry Brush
For the Face
You don’t have to stop dry brushing when you get up to the neck. Just switch to one made for the face instead! This is going to be smaller and gentler than a dry body brush but still encourage similar benefits, potentially eliminating puffiness, exfoliating dry skin and leaving you glowing. The pink handle is cute too!
Pros:
- Vegan-friendly
- Rated 4.9/5 for quality, ease of use and value
Cons:
- Need to be careful with breakouts/broken skin
Available at: Target
Other Dry Brushes We Love:
Looking for more of our faves? Check out other picks below:
- 11 Best Cellulite Treatments for Women
- 17 One-Piece Swimsuits That Will Make You Ditch Your Bikinis
- 21 Colorful Tummy-Control Swimsuits That Will Stun in the Sun
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