Our skin is one of the body’s most powerful detox organs—it works hard every day to eliminate waste, regulate temperature, and protect us from environmental stress. But like any hardworking system, it needs a little help to function at its best.
That’s where exfoliation comes in. Whether you’re using a Cotton Bath Pouf or Emulsified Sugar Scrub in the shower (a wet exfoliation), or practicing dry brushing before bathing, these simple habits support your skin’s natural renewal process and overall health.
Both methods are gentle, inexpensive, and effective, but dry brushing offers deeper benefits that go beyond smooth skin—it can actually support your entire body’s wellness.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing does more than just sweep away dead skin cells. It’s a full-body ritual that promotes circulation, boosts energy, and supports detoxification.
Here’s what makes it so powerful:
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Lymphatic Stimulation: The rhythmic brushing motion encourages lymphatic drainage, helping your body flush out toxins and reduce inflammation.
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Improved Circulation: Dry brushing invigorates the skin, stimulating both blood flow and the nervous system.
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Exfoliation: Gently removes dirt, oil, and buildup that can clog pores or cause dullness.
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Smoother, Softer Skin: Regular brushing helps soften rough areas and improve overall tone and texture.
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Metabolic Support: The stimulation of the lymphatic and circulatory systems can even help boost your metabolism.
In short, dry brushing is one of the simplest, most natural ways to improve both skin and body health.
How the Lymphatic System Works (and Why It Matters)
About one-sixth of your body is made up of the space between cells. The fluid in that space—called interstitial fluid—flows into lymphatic vessels, which then carry it to your lymph nodes. There, waste products are filtered out before returning clean fluid to your bloodstream.
The lymphatic system relies on muscle movement to keep things flowing. If we sit too long, move too little, or carry too much tension, this system can slow down, causing puffiness, fatigue, or inflammation. Dry brushing creates a reflexive response in the skin and underlying tissue that helps re-energize this process—essentially “waking up” your body’s natural detox pathways.
How to Choose the Right Dry Brush
Not all brushes are created equal. The type of bristle makes a big difference in both comfort and hygiene.
What to look for:
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Natural bristles are gentler and less likely to irritate dry or sensitive skin.
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Avoid synthetic bristles—they can be too harsh and tend to trap more bacteria.
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Choose a handle length that fits your needs:
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Long Handle Dry Brush – ideal for reaching your back or legs.
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Handheld Dry Brush – perfect for arms, décolletage, and smaller areas.
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At Simple Body, we carry both cruelty-free, vegan, natural bristle options:
👉 Body Dry Brush (Long Handle)
👉 Handheld Dry Brush (Short Handle)
How to Dry Brush (Step by Step)
A few minutes a few times a week is all it takes.
Before you begin:
⚠️ Avoid brushing over broken skin, cuts, eczema, acne, or sunburn.
How to do it:
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Start with completely dry skin before bathing.
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Beginning at your ankles, use gentle, circular motions, always brushing toward your heart.
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Move up the legs, abdomen, and then arms, adjusting pressure based on sensitivity.
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Once finished, shower as usual.
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After bathing, nourish your skin with a rich moisturizer like our Body Butter—a blend of apricot kernel, sweet almond, and avocado oils with kokum, cocoa, and shea butters. It seals in hydration and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.
How to Clean Your Dry Brush
Regular cleaning keeps your brush effective and hygienic.
To clean:
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Place your brush bristle-side down in a shallow dish of warm water (avoid submerging the wooden base).
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Add a few drops of Tea Tree or Eucalyptus essential oil to disinfect.
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Swirl gently and soak for five minutes.
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Rinse under running water, then shake out excess moisture.
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Dry quickly—use a hair dryer for a few minutes or place in a warm, dry spot to prevent mold.
Clean your brush about once a month if you dry brush several times a week.
Wet vs. Dry Exfoliation
While dry brushing is great for deep stimulation, wet exfoliation with an Emulsified Sugar Scrub or Cotton Bath Pouf can be gentler for thin or sensitive skin. Both methods work beautifully together—alternate them depending on your skin’s needs and the season.
Jewels’ Tip: Local Lymphatic Wellness
If you live in the Colorado Springs area and want to take your lymphatic health a step further, I can’t recommend Nancy Dorscht, Advanced Lymphatic Wellness, enough. I started seeing Nancy after my surgery in 2022, and it made a world of difference in my recovery and overall wellness.
You can learn more about her services here.