I'm in Awe—This Easy-to-Use Tool Leads to Super-Smooth Skin in Seconds

Kit Keenan with glowy, even-looking skin

(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

While I didn't grow up in the South (I'm Pacific Northwest born and bred), I was raised by a Southern mother who was huge on self-care. From as far back as I can remember, she would always remind me to stay on top of my bodycare from head to toe—encouraging starting my lengthy shower routine with a bar soap (featuring good-for-your-skin ingredients), and always reminding me to use an effective body scrub to keep my skin smooth year-round.

By the time I entered adulthood, I had my routine down with specific products and tools I could depend on to deliver great results every time. Today, I'm sharing my edit of one of the tools I use frequently: the dry brush. Keep reading to learn more about how to use a dry brush and its benefits before taking a look at my top picks. Prepare to say goodbye to strawberry legs and dull-looking skin for good!

What Is Dry Brushing and Why Should You Do It?

The name of the tool can clue you into what it is and how to get the most out of it. Dry brushes are usually crafted with an ergonomic wood handle for easy grip and usually feature a dense collection of coarse natural or synthetic fibers. They can be used to buff away dead skin, promote circulation, start lymphatic drainage, get rid of toxins, reduce cellulite, combat ingrown hairs, and boost energy levels.

Using it before you hop in the shower or bath can even help your body serums, lotions, and oils absorb better. I incorporate dry brushing into my routine twice a week, however, some dry brushes are designed to be used daily. Experts recommend starting with your legs and moving upwards towards the stomach; ideally going over each area multiple times for five minutes or more to get the most out of your dry brushing experience. After dry brushing, be sure to add hydration back into the skin with a moisture-replenishing oil.

Since starting to dry brush my skin, it's appeared much plumper, glowier, and smoother. My skin also absorbs easily and stays looking great for days following my dry brushing regimen. If you're in the market for a dry brush to add to your own, keep scrolling for the 14 best dry brushes.

1. Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Brush

2. Mio Dry Body Brush

3. Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush

4. Gilded Body Nero Marquina Body Brush

5. Goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush

6. Keys Soulcare Energizing Dry Body Brush

Emmanuelle Koffi posing on a bed with a glowing complexion

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

7. Skin Gym Dry Body Brush

8. ESPA Skin Stimulating Body Brush

9. Complete Skin Makeover Dry Body Brush

10. Complete Skin Makeover Dry Brushing Body Brush Set

11. Tronque Ionic Dry Body Brush

12. Tata Harper Dry Body Brush

13. Kitsch Exfoliating Body Dry Brush

14. Osea Body Brush

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Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.