How to Use Dry Brushing for Skin Health, Detox, and Circulation
"Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time." – Linden Tyler
The Secret to Radiant Skin: Why I Started Dry Brushing (And You Should Too!)
The first time I heard about dry brushing, I thought, Does my skin really need to be brushed like my hair?
It sounded odd, unnecessary, and maybe even a little rough.
But after one winter when my skin felt drier than ever, itchy, flaky, and dull, I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, I am never going back.
The Ancient History of Dry Brushing
While dry brushing may seem like the latest wellness trend, it’s actually been around for centuries.
Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, used similar exfoliation techniques to maintain smooth, glowing skin.
Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems from India, has long practiced Garshana, a form of dry brushing that stimulates circulation and detoxification.
Even Japanese warriors reportedly used rough brushes before battle to invigorate their bodies and promote resilience.
The fact that dry brushing for glowing skin has been trusted for thousands of years tells us something—it works!
And today, we can elevate this ancient ritual with essential oils for skin to make it even more effective.
Benefits of Dry Brushing with Essential Oils
After just a few weeks of following a dry brushing routine, I noticed a huge difference. My skin felt smoother, softer, and more radiant.
But it wasn’t just about the glow.
The ritual itself became something I looked forward to.
Taking a few mindful minutes each morning to care for my skin made me feel more energized and refreshed.
And here’s where doTERRA comes in. Adding essential oils for skin into my dry brushing routine took it to a whole new level.
The Best Essential Oils for Dry Brushing
If you’re wondering how to use essential oils for dry brushing, here are my top picks for natural skin detox and rejuvenation:
Grapefruit Essential Oil – One of the best essential oils for dry brushing, grapefruit oil is known for its cleansing and uplifting properties. It’s perfect for those looking to support circulation and promote smoother-looking skin. I like to add a drop to my palm, rub it into my brush bristles, and then start brushing in upward strokes toward my heart.
MetaPWR Essential Oil – The citrusy, spicy, and minty aroma of MetaPWR promotes a stimulating, uplifting environment.
Lemon Essential Oil – A natural purifier, lemon oil supports the body’s detoxification processes and leaves a fresh, invigorating scent that wakes me up in the morning.
Geranium Essential Oil – If you want to take your dry brushing to the luxurious spa level, this is the oil for you. Geranium is fantastic for skin health and has a floral scent that makes the whole experience feel indulgent.
Cypress Essential Oil – This oil is fantastic for promoting lymphatic drainage and helping the body feel refreshed. It’s my go-to when my legs feel heavy or sluggish.
How to Dry Brush for Glowing Skin
Want to see dry brushing before and after results? Follow these simple steps for the best experience:
Choose the Right Brush: Select a natural-bristle brush with a long handle to help you reach all areas of your body. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a softer bristle brush.
Start with Dry Skin: Dry brushing should always be done before showering when your skin is completely dry. This helps with effective exfoliation and lymphatic stimulation.
Apply Essential Oils (Optional): Add 1-2 drops of essential oil (like grapefruit, cypress, MetaPWR, or lemon) to your palm, rub it into the bristles, and begin brushing.
Use the Right Technique: Always brush in the direction of your heart to support circulation and detoxification.
Feet & Legs: Begin at your feet and brush upward in long, sweeping motions toward your knees and thighs.
Arms: Start at your hands and move upward toward your shoulders using the same long strokes.
Abdomen & Back: Use circular motions around the stomach and back working toward the center of your body.
Adjust the Pressure: Your strokes should be firm but gentle. If your skin turns slightly pink, that’s normal—but it shouldn’t be red or irritated.
Brush for 3-5 Minutes: A full dry brushing routine should take just a few minutes. Focus on areas where you want improved circulation, such as thighs or upper arms.
Shower to Rinse Off Dead Skin Cells: After brushing, hop in the shower to wash away exfoliated skin and toxins and allow pores to breathe.
Hydrate & Moisturize: Since dry brushing removes dead skin, it’s important to lock in moisture afterward. Apply a natural body oil or lotion infused with essential oils to keep your skin soft and nourished. doTERRA Spa Lotion or Body Butter is great!
Try Dry Brushing for a Natural Skin Detox
Dry brushing is more than a way to get smoother skin. It is a simple daily practice that can be done before your shower or any time you need a refresh. Those few mindful minutes remind you that your body is worth caring for and that small habits can bring lasting change.
So whether it is in the morning to set the tone for your day, or in the evening to unwind before rest, grab your brush and take those few moments for yourself. You will feel renewed, energized, and glowing from the inside out.
If you’ve never tried dry brushing for glowing skin, I challenge you to do it for a week.
Just a few minutes each morning can transform your skin and how you feel in your body.
And if you already love dry brushing, try adding essential oils to your routine. You’ll wonder why you didn't try it sooner!
