At Tibby Olivier, we believe true beauty rituals should be both luxurious and transformational—and few practices embody this quite like dry body brushing. While the wellness world is abuzz with ancient techniques rediscovered, dry brushing has quietly earned its place among the modern icons of self-care, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Tracee Ellis Ross. Now, with over 130 million TikTok views and counting, it’s safe to say the world is catching on.
Curious about what all the fuss is about? So were we. And as champions of intelligent, results-driven beauty, we decided to dive in and share everything you need to know—from the art to the science—behind this deeply detoxifying ritual.
What Is Dry Body Brushing?
At its core, dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like: using a firm, natural-bristle brush on dry skin, typically before bathing. But behind the simplicity lies an elegant tradition rooted in Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, practiced for centuries to activate the skin and stimulate the lymphatic system.
“Dry brushing is a powerful ritual to awaken the skin, encourage lymphatic flow, and support natural detoxification,” says Tibby Olivier. “It’s as much about beauty as it is about internal balance.”
Why Your Lymphatic System Loves It
At Tibby Olivier, we’re deeply invested in the health of your lymphatic system—it’s the very system our Shrinking Violet Body Wrap was designed to activate. The lymphatic network is like your body’s internal cleansing crew, but it doesn’t have a pump of its own. Movement—or intentional stimulation—is required to keep it flowing. That’s where dry brushing steps in.
Dry brushing can:
• Stimulate lymphatic drainage, helping eliminate toxins
• Exfoliate dull, dead skin to reveal a radiant surface
• Improve circulation, leaving you with a healthy post-brush glow
• Reduce puffiness and water retention
• Gently support the appearance of skin tone and texture
And while results around cellulite reduction are debated, many find their skin looks smoother and more toned after regular use.
The Right Way to Dry Brush
Ritual matters. For best results, we recommend the following sequence, inspired by both tradition and results:
1. Start at your feet, brushing in long, upward strokes toward the heart.
2. Move to your hands, sweeping toward the shoulders.
3. Brush the stomach area in clockwise circular motions toward the groin.
4. For the upper body, brush inward toward the armpits—both important lymphatic ports.
5. Include gentle strokes across the décolleté and breast area to support upper-body lymphatic flow.
Pressure should be firm yet comfortable—your skin may tingle or blush slightly, a sign that circulation is in full swing.
Professional vs At-Home
A full-body dry brushing treatment, performed as part of a professional Shrinking Violet Wrap, can elevate the benefits by targeting every inch of your body with expert technique. But daily home practice offers plenty of its own power—especially when done consistently.
Want to perfect your method? Seek out a lymphatic flow map, which shows you where the lymph nodes sit and how to brush toward them.
How Often Should You Brush?
For most skin types, dry brushing 3–5 times a week is ideal. If you’re sensitive, start with once or twice weekly. And always follow with a nourishing body oil or lotion—ideally paired with one of our wrap treatments for amplified results.
Morning is best, when your circulation is naturally waking up. Many say the energy boost rivals a double espresso.
Caring for Your Brush
Your brush is a sacred tool. Clean it every 1–2 weeks with a gentle solution—warm water and a few drops of tea tree oil work beautifully. Let it air dry in sunlight and never leave it in a humid environment like your shower.
Note: Natural bristles will soften over time. When they start shedding excessively, it’s time to replace.
Our Favourite Tools of the Trade
For the discerning beauty devotee, we recommend:
• Tibby Olivier – Body Brush – classic and effective
• Tibby Olivier Fascia Brush – with Japanese luxury in every stroke
Our Verdict? Skin Glows, Energy Flows
Since integrating dry brushing more consistently into our routines, the results speak for themselves: brighter skin, better tone, and a sense of morning clarity. Combine it with contrast showers and your Shrinking Violet home ritual, and you’ll elevate your wellness routine to a thing of beauty.
No, it won’t cure a hangover. But it might just become the most cherished three minutes of your morning.
At Tibby Olivier, we don’t follow trends. We resurrect rituals that work.
