Dry body brushing is one of those rare rituals that costs almost nothing, takes about two minutes, and leaves you feeling ready for the day, with skin tingling and awake. It has become a much-loved part of many people's mornings. Here is exactly how to do it, step by step.
Why do people enjoy dry brushing?
Dry brushing has been part of daily routines for generations, and people tend to keep it up simply because it feels good. Sweeping a firm, natural-bristle brush across the skin is invigorating and makes for a lovely start to the morning. It is also a brilliant exfoliator, and many people notice smoother, brighter-looking skin within a week or two of daily brushing. Think of it as a pleasant lifestyle practice rather than anything clinical, one small ritual many people look forward to.
What you will need
Just one tool: a firm, natural-bristle dry body brush. Do it on dry skin, before your morning shower, since brushing damp skin tends to drag rather than sweep.
The 2-minute routine, step by step
The golden rule people follow is to always brush towards the heart, with long, light-but-firm strokes. Five to ten strokes per area is plenty.
- Feet and ankles (20 seconds). Start at the soles and tops of your feet, then sweep up over the ankles.
- Legs (30 seconds). Long upward strokes from ankle to knee, then knee to hip, covering front, back and sides. Go gently behind the knee.
- Stomach and lower back (20 seconds). Sweep upwards towards the ribs; on the stomach you can use gentle clockwise circles.
- Hands and arms (30 seconds). From the fingertips up to the shoulder, one arm at a time. The underside of the arm often gets missed.
- Chest and shoulders (10 seconds). Light strokes down from the collarbone; the skin here is more delicate, so ease off the pressure.
- Shower and moisturise (10 seconds of admin). Rinse off the loosened skin cells, pat dry, moisturise. Done.
That is it, about two minutes. Skin should look lightly pink afterwards, never scratched or sore. If it stings, you are pressing too hard.
Add gua sha for your face
The body brush is too firm for facial skin, which is where gua sha comes in. A cool, smooth stainless-steel gua sha tool glides beautifully over the face and jawline. People typically use it on clean skin with a drop of facial oil:
- Sweep from the centre of the chin along the jawline towards the ear.
- Glide from the side of the nose across the cheek towards the temple.
- Finish with light strokes down the sides of the neck.
Around thirty seconds each side, morning or evening, is all it takes. Many people keep their gua sha in the fridge so it feels pleasantly cool against the skin on early starts. These are calming lifestyle rituals people simply enjoy.
Pair it with your drops
Brushing and gua sha are lovely external rituals; a daily botanical ritual is a nice way to round things off. Havern Lymphatic Support Herbal Drops bring together nine whole-plant botanicals, traditionally used in herbal traditions, including cleavers, echinacea and dandelion root, in one alcohol-free dropper. Many people enjoy taking one dropper with breakfast, straight under the tongue or in water, right after their brushing routine, and one in the evening. Two minutes of brushing and a few seconds for the drops make for a complete morning ritual in under three minutes.
Havern is UK-made and alcohol-free, with every ingredient percentage declared on the label. It is £24.99, or 20% off with Subscribe & Save, with free UK delivery over £30 and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you would like more on the wider routine, our lymphatic drainage guide pulls the daily habits together in one place.
Quick tips
- Brush on dry skin, before showering, not after.
- Once a day is ideal; even three or four times a week is a nice habit to keep.
- Skip broken, irritated or sunburnt skin.
- Wash your brush every couple of weeks and let it dry bristles-down.
Havern Lymphatic Support Herbal Drops are a food supplement and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical care, please consult your GP before use.