Is Dry Brushing Safe for Deeper Skin Tones?
Plus, we find out if it really does anything for lymphatic drainage, which is touted as a benefit on social media
I’m willing to try most wellness trends, even the ones that sound extreme on paper. I’ve stood in a cryotherapy chamber cooled to nearly –170° F to boost circulation, taken ice baths to speed up muscle recovery, and lounged underneath infrared lights with supposed gut-healing and skin-clearing superpowers. Dry brushing, however, gives me pause.
On paper, it seems harmless. The practice involves sweeping a stiff-bristled brush across dry skin, typically before a shower, to remove dead skin cells. In practice, however, rubbing abrasive bristles across my skin feels harsh instead of soothing, prompting me to question what dry brushing really does, and if it’s safe for my skin.
What Is Dry Brushing?
According to dermatologist and founder of Skin Aesthetics and Surgery of Manhattan, Michelle Henry, dry brushing is best described as a form of mechanical or physical exfoliation for the body. It works by using friction to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells—known as the stratum corneum. The exfoliation comes purely from force and repeated contact with the brush, so dermatologists advise dry brushing with caution, especially on skin of color. More on this later.
Does Dry Brushing Actually Encourage Lymphatic Drainage?
In addition to the exfoliation benefits, some advocates claim dry brushing stimulates lymphatic drainage (movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system, which can help reduce fluid retention, detoxify the body, and support overall circulation), but Henry notes there’s no strong scientific evidence to support this.
How Does Dry Brushing Affect Deeper Skin Tones?
Dermatologist and assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU School of Medicine Anna Karp says repetitive friction and mechanical exfoliation can cause micro-trauma to the skin, leading to inflammation and hyperpigmentation. While a single episode of dry brushing may not have visible effects, repeated exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, similar to how chronic rubbing in certain areas gradually leads to darkening over time rather than immediately, explains Henry.
Because melanated skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a condition where excess melanin is produced after skin irritation or injury, leaving behind dark spots or patches that can linger for weeks or months, dermatologists advise either skipping it entirely or dry brushing with caution if you have skin of color.
Recent data from market intelligence agency Mintel shows that hyperpigmentation is a common concern among Black women in the U.S., with reported experiences jumping from 10 percent in 2022 to 18 percent in 2024, underscoring the prevalence of PIH.
Is Dry Brushing Worth the Risk for People With Deeper Skin Tones?
If you do choose to try dry brushing, “it should be gently and infrequently,” explains Henry, who also encourages a careful risk–benefit assessment. “Dry brushing offers minimal proven benefits beyond relaxation or self-care, and for patients at high risk of PIH, it may not be worth that risk,” she says. “It’s not inherently dangerous, but it’s also not risk-free, despite how it’s often portrayed on social media."
Karp generally recommends skipping dry brushing altogether in favor of gentler, barrier-supportive approaches when exfoliation is necessary. “Mandelic acid, lactic acid, and urea are other alternatives,” says Karp, and they are often better tolerated because they work without repeated mechanical stress.
Not every wellness trend deserves a trial run. I’m going to sit this one out—and if you have melanated skin, experts say you should consider doing the same.
