How to Dry Brush: A Simple Routine to Support Lymphatic Health + Glowing Skin

Dry brushing is more than a beauty trend — it’s a centuries-old practice with real benefits for your skin and your body. At Hemsworth Homestead, we’re big believers in taking a few intentional moments each day to support your skin’s natural rhythm. Dry brushing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to do just that.

Whether you’re new to dry brushing or want to refine your technique, this tutorial walks you through how to do it correctly — with guidance from a certified lymphedema therapist — and why it’s such a powerful addition to your self-care ritual.

🌿 What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is the practice of gently brushing the skin with a firm, natural-bristle brush in a specific pattern — always on dry skin, usually before showering. The technique is often used to exfoliate the skin, support circulation, and stimulate lymphatic flow — a major part of your body’s natural detox system.

✨ Benefits of Dry Brushing

According to Kelly Reed, Lymphedema Therapist, dry brushing has several benefits:

• Lymphatic drainage: Dry brushing helps stimulate the lymphatic system, encouraging the movement of lymph fluid through the body. This can reduce puffiness, water retention, and support immune function.
• Gentle exfoliation: It helps remove dead skin cells, making your skin feel softer and smoother.
• Improved circulation: Stimulating the skin’s surface boosts blood flow, bringing more oxygen to the skin and tissues.
• Energizing: Many people find dry brushing invigorating — a great way to start your morning!

🖌️ How to Dry Brush: Step-by-Step Instructions

Before you begin, grab your dry brush and make sure your skin is completely dry (before a bath or shower is ideal).

🛑 Important: Always brush towards your heart or towards lymph node clusters (like your armpits and groin). Be gentle — this isn’t about scrubbing, it’s about encouraging flow. If you have lymphedema, open wounds, or skin conditions, consult a healthcare provider first.

Step 1: Start at the feet
Begin at the tops of your feet. Using gentle, short strokes, brush upward toward your knees. Continue up the thighs and around the hips. Repeat on the other leg.

Step 2: Abdomen and lower back
Use upward strokes across your lower belly, brushing in the direction of your armpits. This helps move lymph fluid toward the cluster of lymph nodes under your arms. Use light pressure around your stomach, especially if you're new to dry brushing.

Step 3: Arms and hands
Start at the tops of your hands and brush upward toward your shoulders using short, sweeping motions. Always move the brush toward your armpits. Repeat on both arms.

Step 4: Chest and underarms
Gently brush from the upper chest toward the underarms. You can also sweep down from the neck and collarbone to the underarm area, where many lymph nodes are located. Use especially soft strokes here — this area is sensitive.

Step 5: Back and neck
If you can reach your upper and lower back, brush in a downward motion toward your armpits. Brush the back of your neck downward as well.

🛁 After Brushing: Rinse and Moisturize

After brushing your entire body, hop into a warm shower or bath to rinse off the exfoliated skin. Once you're dry, nourish your freshly brushed skin with a body oil or natural moisturizer.

We recommend finishing with our Botanical Body Oils — made with nutrient-rich plant oils and scented only with pure essential oils — to lock in hydration and leave your skin glowing.

📺 Watch a Professional Demonstration

Want to see dry brushing done the right way? Watch this helpful video by Kelly Reed, a certified lymphedema physical therapist:
👉 Dry Brushing for Lymphatic Drainage – Full Body Tutorial

Kelly offers guidance from a medical perspective, ensuring you brush in a way that’s supportive to your lymphatic system without causing harm or overstimulation.

🌼 Final Tips

• When to dry brush: 1–3 times per week is enough for most people. Some prefer daily, especially in the morning to wake up the skin.
• Clean your brush: Rinse your dry brush every week and let it air dry completely to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Avoid sensitive areas: Do not brush over cuts, rashes, sunburns, or skin infections.

Dry brushing is a small, simple ritual that can have big impacts — from smoother skin to a supported immune system. Pair it with nourishing skincare, and your skin will thank you.

If you’re including one of our body brushes in your order, this tutorial and your included instruction card are here to help you get the most out of your new routine.