How To Dry Brush For Lymphatic Drainage and Natural Exfoliation

What really wakes you up in the morning? Is it a morning stretch, a warm shower, or a cup of coffee?

We have discovered dry brushing, prior to a morning shower, makes us feel ALIVE! 

Our friends also say they feel invigorated and energized

So, what is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is the practice of brushing your skin with a firm, natural-bristle brush while your skin is still dry. It’s one of the oldest, simplest forms of exfoliation, and it has powerful benefits for your circulation, lymphatic system, and overall skin health.

When you brush the skin, you’re doing more than just sweeping away dead skin cells. You’re:

• Increasing blood flow
• Stimulating lymphatic drainage
• Supporting your body’s natural detox process
• Boosting energy
• Encouraging glowing, healthy skin

Think of it as a mini massage + detox ritual that takes less than two minutes.

What is the lymphatic system?

Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that acts like your body’s internal cleaning crew. Its job is to:

• Collect excess fluid from your tissues
• Filter out waste, toxins, and pathogens
• Move immune cells throughout your body
• Reduce inflammation and swelling

But here’s the key…

👉 Your lymphatic system does NOT have a pump. Your heart pumps your blood, but your lymph relies on movement, breath, massage, and stimulation to keep flowing.

That means:
When your lymphatic system gets sluggish, toxins build up, inflammation increases, and your body cannot detox efficiently.

Dry brushing helps stimulate lymph flow, like giving your lymphatic system a nudge when it needs help doing its job.

Think about it this way…

If your bladder is full, you aren't able to process waste and infection can build up. You can't fill up a glass that's already full! The same thing happens to your lymph glands. If they become too full, especially from inflammation build up, your body does not flush out toxins properly.

Regular dry brushing simply decreases inflammation, drains waste, sends new blood cells to the skin and tissue, and promotes healing.

It's like a juice cleanse for your skin!

Plus, starting your day with glowing skin is a bonus 💫

Check out this video tutorial:

1. Natural exfoliant *without stripping the skin of its natural moisture
2. Stimulates cell production
3. Enhances skin detoxification *through the stimulation in the lymphatic system, increasing in blood flow and blood circulation to the skin
4. Stress relief
5. Reduces the common skin irritation of Keratosis pilaris
6. Reduces or Smooths Cellulite
7. Unclogs pores 
8. Fights Ingrown Hairs

How-To Dry Brush with Dignity Made:

Important note before we get started: The lymphatic system only moves one way--UP! So we always recommend dry brushing in an UPWARD motion. We found it works best to use light, small strokes towards your glands, towards your heart, and towards your neck. Light pressure is all your lymphatic system needs!

1. Arms: Start by locating your lymph nodes, which are in your armpit. These are called your axillary nodes. Lightly brush in a circular motion to stimulate the lymphatic system. Then, brush from the wrist UP to your armpit, and again, massage those axillary nodes.
2. Legs: Repeat a similar brushing style on the legs. Start at the top of your thighs, where your inguinal nodes are located. Massage in a circular motion. Then, brush from the ankles UP to the top of your inner thighs (groin area).
3. Stomach: Brush in a clockwise pattern to mimic the pathway of your digestion system. You may find it better for your skin to brush even lighter here--to avoid harsh exfoliation!
4. Heart and Chest: Hold the brush in your right hand and reach your arm across to press against your heart. With small, light strokes, brush your chest, starting at the top of your left breast and moving up to your collar bone. Continue this all the way across your chest.
5. Neck: Start by massaging your lymph nodes, located at the base of your neck, just on the other side of your collar bone. After massaging, light brush up your neck to your chin.
6. SHOWER! Rinse away dead skin cells and impurities, while also allowing your pores to release toxins.
7. Moisturize: After your shower, grab your jar of Dignity Coconuts 100% Organic, Raw Coconut Oil. Apply from head to toe to lock in moisture and feed your skin vital nutrients and watch that skin glow!

Dedicate a few minutes before your shower to dry brush and begin to feel those wonderful benefits! Once your skin adapts, you can increase your dry brushing time.

The Bad News?

Most dry brushes on the market:

❌ Use plastic or synthetic bristles
❌ Are produced in factories with poor labor conditions
❌ Shed microplastics and harm the planet
❌ Are too harsh on the skin

Not exactly “clean beauty.”

The Good News?

We tested SO many brushes and finally found one we love:
✔ Synthetic-free
✔ Ethically made
✔ Sustainably sourced
✔ Gentle but effective

You can now find it in our Skin Detox Kit and Clean Beauty Kit, your all-in-one ritual for radiant, healthy skin.