As someone with very dry skin (winter only makes matters worse), exfoliating is a non-negotiable. I love a good body scrub and glycolic acid-based serum as much as the next beauty editor, but my real insider secret is dry brushing at least once a week. You might associate dry brushing with Almond Moms or wellness content creators on TikTok who promote the "benefits" of frequency generators and days-long silent retreats. But in reality, dry brushing is far less woo-woo than it seems.
Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice believed to awaken the skin and move what’s often called “stagnant energy,” which, in practical terms, refers to sluggish circulation and lymphatic flow. Dermatologists, on the other hand, view it as a straightforward exfoliating technique that removes dead skin cells, and note that the gentle pressure may also support healthy circulation and lymphatic movement. “When done regularly, dry brushing can temporarily make skin look firmer and more toned due to increased blood flow to the treatment area,” says board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
