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. At Hemsworth Homestead, we're big believers in taking a few intentional moments each day to care for your skin, and dry brushing is one of the simplest ways to do 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 a good addition to your week.

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 used to exfoliate the skin and, according to the therapists who use it professionally, to encourage lymphatic flow.

What a lymphedema therapist says about it

Kelly Reed is a certified lymphedema therapist, and she uses dry brushing as part of lymphatic work with her patients. Her reasons:

• Lymphatic flow. Brushing toward the lymph nodes encourages movement of lymph fluid, which is the same principle behind the manual work she does clinically.
• Gentle exfoliation. It lifts dead skin, which is the part you'll notice first.
• Circulation. Stimulating the surface of the skin brings blood flow to the area.
• It wakes you up. Most people find it energizing, which is why it tends to become a morning thing.

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, since 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.

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 without causing harm or overstimulation.

Final Tips

• When to dry brush: 1 to 3 times per week is enough for most people. Some prefer daily, especially in the morning.
• Clean your brush: rinse it 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 thing that takes about four minutes. Smoother skin, and a few quiet minutes before the day starts. Pair it with something nourishing afterward and that's the whole practice.

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 it.