For me, bodycare has always been just as important as my skincare routine. I’m the person who will happily spend far too long browsing beautiful body washes, slathering on rich creams and oils, and adding a good body scrub to my shower routine. There’s something about taking a little extra time with your bodycare that makes even an ordinary shower feel more of a ritual.
And yet, despite my enthusiasm for pretty much every other corner of the category, I had never tried body brushing until a few months ago. I’d known about it for years, of course. Dry body brushing has been a staple for many for literally hundreds of years, with devotees praising it as a simple (and affordable) way to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. But I’d always assumed it wasn’t really for me. I already exfoliated in the shower, so did I really need another step? And, if I’m honest, the idea of dragging a brush over completely dry skin before getting in the shower sounded more uncomfortable than appealing. Well, how wrong I was.
I hate admitting when I’m wrong, but body brushing has genuinely changed the way I approach my shower routine. Once I got used to the sensation and worked out the right technique, I found it surprisingly enjoyable, and my skin felt noticeably smoother and softer afterwards. It has now become one of those small rituals I actually look forward to, rather than another beauty step I feel I should be doing.
If you’ve been similarly sceptical, I’m here to tell you that it might be worth giving it a go. Keep reading to find out exactly how to body-brush, how often to do it and, of course, the body brushes I rate.
What Are the Benefits of Body Brushing?
"It’s used by alternative therapists to promote this network of cleansing vessels, which runs just beneath the surface of the skin, and to help detoxify and decongest the body," says Kate Shapland, founder of Legology. "It also promotes blood circulation, improving the flow of fresh nutrient-rich blood to the surface of the skin, which manifests in a natural sense of tone and smoothness as the blood fills the upper skin layers."
In addition, the gentle exfoliation provided by the brush helps to buff away dry, dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, softer and brighter skin. "A great by-product of body brushing is also softer skin and skin that is primed for an application of oil or cream: both absorb more quickly into skin that has been lightly abraded and when the circulation and lymph are raised," adds Shapland.
Another perk of body brushing is how well it preps your body for hair removal, if that’s something you choose to do. The exfoliation gives you a smooth base for the closest shave and halts ingrown hairs. If you get laser hair removal, using a body brush to exfoliate dead skin will help with the result, says Joanna Wyszynska, a senior consultant at Pulse Light Clinic.
"Exfoliation is highly recommended for those of you who perform laser hair removal frequently in high-risk areas for ingrown hair," explains Wyszynska. "I recommend doing it before shaving, at night before bed, at least twice weekly, before you take a shower.”
With regular use, I've noticed that my skin looks more even in tone and that my legs are smoother with fewer bumps. And you know that feeling you get in your limbs after you’ve done an amazing workout? It’s like that, sans the post-exercise ache.
How Do You Body-Brush?
The premise is simple: move the brush over your skin in short, circular strokes, using firm but gentle pressure. I like to start at my feet and work upwards, brushing each area a few times before moving on, rather than repeatedly going over the same patch of skin. You can spend a little more time on areas that tend to be particularly dry or rough, such as the knees, elbows and thighs, but there’s no need to scrub aggressively to feel the benefits. Be particularly mindful around sensitive areas, broken or irritated skin, and avoid brushing over any spots that feel sore or inflamed.
When Should You Body-Brush?
Personally, and despite my earlier cynicism, I actually prefer to brush my body when my skin is dry, as it helps me to feel really zingy and invigorated before I've even set foot in the shower. But it turns out that you can body-brush whenever you like: on dry pre-shower skin or when your skin is damp post-shower.
Shapland advises that as body brushing is a form of exfoliation, it's important not to overdo it. If your skin feels sore or sensitive after body brushing, then stick to doing so just once a week.
The Best Body Brushes
- Best Overall Body Brush: Legology Lymph-Lite Boom Brush for Body, £20
- Best Gentle Body Brush: Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush, £35
- Best Body Brush for Tricky Areas: Elemis Dry Body Brush, £30
- Best Beginner Body Brush: Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush, £28
- Best Invigorating Body Brush: ESPA Skin Stimulating Body Brush, £23
1. Legology Lymph-Lite Dry Body Brush
This is the body brush I keep coming back to. I love the compact size and handle, which make it easy to manoeuvre and control the pressure as I work across different areas of my body. I use it before showering, starting at my feet and moving upwards with quick, firm strokes, avoiding my bikini area and chest. It gives skin a satisfying exfoliation without feeling like a chore, and I find the smaller design particularly useful when you're getting to grips with body brushing for the first time.
Pros
- Compact and easy to control
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Brushing can take a little longer due to smaller size
2. Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush
If you prefer your body brushing on the gentler side, this is a great option. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush has softer bristles than some traditional dry brushes, making it a good choice if you’re new to the technique or don't enjoy a very scratchy sensation. Used on dry skin before showering, it helps to physically exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving your body feeling smoother and refreshed. I’d start with light pressure and build up gradually rather than assuming firmer brushing is more effective.
Pros
- Softer bristles
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- A more expensive option
3. Elemis Dry Body Brush
Made with natural cactus bristles, this Elemis brush gives a satisfyingly invigorating exfoliation without needing to scrub aggressively. The long handle is the real selling point for me, particularly if you struggle to reach areas such as your back. I use it before showering, starting at my feet and working upwards in brisk strokes. It’s a simple way to smooth away dry, flaky skin before following with body lotion or oil, and the longer handle makes the whole process considerably easier if flexibility or reach is an issue.
Pros
- Long handle makes your back easier to reach
- Natural cactus bristles
Cons
- Might be too firm for sensitive skin
4. Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush
Pros
- Soft natural bristles
- Gentle physical exfoliation
Cons
- May not feel firm enough for experienced brushers
"With soft, natural bristles, this Aromatherapy Associates brush is a lovely choice if you want a more gentle approach to dry body brushing, and have always been a little scared to start," says freelance beauty editor Mica Ricketts. "I like to use it on completely dry skin before getting into the shower, working upwards from my feet with firm but comfortable strokes. It physically buffs away dead skin cells, leaving my body feeling smoother and softer afterwards, without the need for a separate scrub. The softer bristles also make it a good choice if you’re new to body brushing or don't enjoy a particularly vigorous exfoliation."
5. ESPA Skin Stimulating Body Brush
If you like your body brushing to feel invigorating, this Espa brush is a good choice. It has a sturdy handle and firm bristles that give you a more intense exfoliating experience than some of the softer brushes in this edit. I use it on dry skin before showering, starting at my feet and working upwards in brisk strokes. It’s particularly satisfying when my skin is feeling dry or dull, leaving it noticeably smoother afterwards. Espa recommends daily use, but I’d adjust the frequency according to how your skin responds.
Pros
- Firm, invigorating bristles
- Sturdy handle
Cons
- It is quite intense
6. The Body Shop Cactus Long Handle Brush
If your main frustration with body brushing is reaching your back, a long-handled design makes a lot of sense. This Body Shop brush has cactus bristles and a long handle that lets you cover harder-to-reach areas without awkward stretching or twisting. It's great if you're looking for a practical, straightforward brush over a more compact design.
Pros
- Long handle for hard-to-reach areas
- Good for rough, dry skin
Cons
- Bulkier to store than a compact brush
7. Kitsch Exfoliating Dry Body Brush
If traditional body brushes feel a little too scratchy for you, this Kitsch option is worth considering. It has soft vegan bristles that provide physical exfoliation without the intensity of some cactus-bristle brushes, making it a good choice if you prefer a gentler sensation. Plus, the sleek black design looks particularly chic left on the bathroom side—meaning you might actually be more likely to use it regularly too.
Pros
- Soft vegan bristles
- Comfortable ergonomic design
Cons
- Won't be firm enough if you like intense exfoliation
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