The act of dry brushing may seem like just another viral TikTok beauty trend, but there's more to the process than meets the eye.
"The main benefit of dry brushing is to slough off dead cells and exfoliate the skin mechanically," board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi tells BAZAAR.com. "Applying firm pressure with each stroke can help boost circulation while encouraging lymphatic drainage by supporting the movement of blood."
While using one of the best dry brushes on a regular basis has many benefits, professionals note that there is potential for damage if your skin isn't somewhat moisturized to start."Bristles may cause micro tears, particularly if the skin is extremely dry, so I advise being cautious when brushing," Shirazi adds. "I suggest exfoliating no more than once or twice weekly right before a shower: It’s best to rinse off dead skin cells and apply a nourishing cream to hydrate right after." Additionally, since dry brushing can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, applying body sunscreen before going outdoors is key in keeping it protected.
And if you find your skin becomes persistently red after dry brushing, medical aesthetician Candace Marino—known as The LA Facialist—says it's likely a sign you're overworking it. "Redness is to be expected whenever you are increasing blood flow, however persistent redness and irritation means you're either pressing too hard or perhaps using too stiff of bristles," she explains.
Shirazi recommends applying a cream with calming ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter to gently soothe irritation. "In general exfoliation can irritate sensitive skin types, which is why it’s really important to moisturize regularly," she says. "I recommend using a calming cream with oat complexes, aloe vera, or shea butter. If patches of redness and itching develop, a medicated cream can also be applied as spot treatment to help heal inflammation."
To make your tool selection process that much faster, we've narrowed down a few of the best dry brushes on the market for baby soft skin from Tata Harper, goop, Gilded Body, and more.
