Lymphatic drainage is one of our favorite beauty hacks. It’s a totally natural process in the body—one most of us didn’t know was so impactful on our bodies.
Think of it like this… poor lymphatic drainage means swelling, dull skin, breakouts, slower healing, and increased sensitivity.
So, yes, promoting lymphatic drainage isn’t just some trend. It’s a really important part of any beauty routine.
If you want to give yourself a lymphatic drainage massage on your face to calm inflammation and get an instant facelift, we’ve got you. Here’s how to do lymphatic drainage facials at home.
But . . . what about the rest of the body? The lymphatic system is all over, and we need to get things moving from head to toe for the biggest health and beauty gains. So, let’s break down exactly how to use the TSC Butter Brush for the ultimate self-care experience.
How to Dry Brush for Lymphatic Drainage: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this post, we’ll first talk about what lymphatic drainage actually is and how dry brushing supports the process. Then we’ll finish up by giving you easy-to-follow instructions for your own DIY lymphatic massage.
Here’s why we’re obsessed with dry brushing for lymphatic flow:
What Is Dry Brushing for Lymphatic Drainage?
Dry brushing for lymphatic drainage is when you use a naturally bristled brush with a long handle to provide light mechanical stimulation to the skin. When this happens, it encourages stuck lymph fluid to move.
This is important because the lymphatic system is your body’s cleanup, drainage, and immune-support network. So when lymph stagnates, fluid pools and waste lingers. Obviously, that’s not good for our health or beauty.
It gets stuck because the lymphatic system has no pump. It just slowly moves through the body unless we manually stimulate the lymphatic system through massage.
And the best tool for a great lymphatic massage? The dry brush. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, but firm enough to shed dead skin cells and encourage lymphatic flow.
The result is baby soft skin that’s sculpted and GLOWING. With the TSC Butter Brush, your whole body will be as radiant as your face.
Note: If you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, make sure you don’t dry brush over any active rashes or problem areas. In fact, talk to your dermatologist before trying dry brushing at all, just to be safe.
How Does Dry Brushing Help Lymphatic Drainage?
Friction mechanically stimulates your skin.
Dry skin brushing applies gentle pressure and movement to the skin, gently stimulating the lymph vessels that lie just beneath the surface.
Lymph fluid starts moving.
That stimulation encourages stuck lymph fluid to start flowing again. That means no more sticking around and pooling beneath the surface.
Directional brushing guides flow.
Brushing toward lymph nodes (like the neck, armpits, and groin) helps direct lymph fluid where it needs to go. It’s essentially like giving your body a map! This way, it can filter it out properly.
Your system transports waste and excess fluid.
As lymph moves, it carries cellular waste, excess fluid, and toxins away from tissues. Say bye-bye to puffiness, poor skin health, and inadequate fluid balance!
Lymph nodes filter the fluid.
As lymph passes through the body, it passes right through those lymph nodes, which act as filtration points. This is where waste, excess fluid, and pathogens are removed before they circulate again.
Circulation improves in the surrounding tissue.
Increased lymph movement often improves overall circulation, too. This reduces feelings of heaviness and fatigue.
Swelling and fluid retention decrease.
With better drainage, areas that tend to retain fluid, like the legs, arms, and belly, may feel less swollen over time.
Your whole body benefits from the detox.
From there, you get to reap all the benefits of dry brushing. Once your body clears out waste and excess fluid, you’ll notice less cellulite, a more sculpted figure, improved circulation, and an overall lighter, more energized feeling.
How to Do Dry Brushing for Lymphatic Drainage
Step One: Start the shower and get your Butter Brush.
Turn your shower on and let it run with lukewarm water, but don’t step in yet. While the water warms up, grab your TSC Butter Brush and take a moment to set the vibes.
Play some calming music, hang eucalyptus in the shower, dim the lights, and maybe even light a TSC Non-Toxic Candle. Anything to make the experience more spa-like!
Step Two: Begin at the feet on the left side.
Start on bare, dry skin. Begin at your feet, starting on the left side of the body. Then use long, purposeful sweeps, brushing toward your heart.
Want to know why we recommend starting on the left side? Read these lymphatic drainage hacks celebs swear by.
Step Three: Move up your legs.
Continue brushing up the legs using medium pressure. Always brush upward, working from the ankles toward the knees, then up toward the hips to encourage lymph movement and circulation.
Step Four: Sweep towards your torso and neck.
As you move higher on the body, switch to light pressure on more delicate areas like the thighs, torso, chest, and neck. Gentle strokes here are all you need to stimulate lymph vessels just beneath the skin.
Step Five: Brush your arms and hands.
Start at the hands and brush upward toward the shoulders and underarms. Use medium pressure on the arms, keeping strokes smooth and intentional.
Step Six: Sweep down your back.
For your back, brush from the neck down toward the hips—you could even try going in circular motions here. This helps move fluid through the larger lymph pathways and ensures the entire body is included in the routine.
Step Seven: Use pressure points to activate the spleen.
Before stepping into the shower, take a moment to gently stimulate the spleen pressure point. This plays a significant role in lymphatic function!
Using your fingers or the edge of the brush, apply light pressure just below the ribcage on the left side of the body for a few seconds while taking slow, deep breaths. This helps encourage lymph movement and supports overall drainage.
Want to hear more about activating the spleen and expert lymphatic drainage techniques ? Take it from award-winning massage therapist Josie Rushing on this episode of the HIm & Her Show.
Step Eight: Shower as usual.
Once you’re done dry brushing, step into the shower and wash your hair and body as you normally would. This rinses away dead skin cells and impurities loosened during brushing.
Step Nine: Repeat 3-4 times a week.
Dry brushing is most effective when done consistently, but not daily. Aim for 3–4 sessions per week, followed by a nourishing body oil or butter. This locks in moisture and leaves skin soft, smooth, and totally refreshed.
For more on this, read our post called “How Often Should You Dry Brush?”
Dry brushing for lymphatic drainage is your newest beauty hack.
Dry brushing is one of those rituals that looks simple, but delivers major beauty and wellness benefits when done consistently. From improved lymphatic flow to smoother, more radiant skin, this habit supports your body in SO many ways.
Ready to make it part of your routine? Browse The Skinny Confidential Shop for the Butter Brush and other self-care tools perfect for a lymphatic massage. You’re going to be glowing in no time.
