While getting glowing skin on your face may take some concentrated effort, maintaining the rest of the body’s skin can be a breeze especially with a simple routine that includes a body brush.

Skin brushing, a technique meant for the body, may seem like it got a lot more complicated with such a range of skin brushes on the market and different techniques to try. Yet really, keeping your skin clean, youthful and glowing is just a matter of exfoliation- sloughing off the dead skin cells and encouraging the skin to push the new cells through.

You can brush the skin when it is dry or wet for exfoliation benefits. People swear to the benefits of dry brushing. But if you want to save time, then brush your body in the shower with a thick loofa, bristled brush, or set of gloves.

Let’s take a look at a two popular types of body brushes; there’s the ever-true dry skin brush, exfoliating gloves. Both are sometimes referred to as a ‘cellulite brush’ because their exfoliating effect is supposed to help reduce cellulite- however, from personal experience, don’t expect much. The Clarisonic brush is great for in shower use because it is waterproof and extra gentle when compared to the other methods. The Clarisonic brush head has a smaller surface area so it will take you longer to brush your entire body.

A dry skin brush is a rough fiberous brush with a long handle for reaching the back and other hard to reach areas. If you already have a long handled bath brush, simply use that- otherwise choose a natural bristle body brush made out of natural fibers, see if there is an indication on the label if it is sourced and manufactured responsibly, which is not only better for the planet, but you too. Natural bristles have a more luxurious feel that a synthetic brush can’t replicate.

Exfoliating gloves is another great option. Several gloves are made available with natural fibers from the same reason. Slip on some of your favorite lotion or body butter onto your hands before you put on the gloves to give your hands a little extra love and TLC as they help slough off the skin.

When using a dry skin brush or exfoliating gloves- do this before you jump in the shower, and naturally before you put any moisturizer on. Dry brushing takes anywhere from 3-8 minutes depending on how fast you move and how thorough you want your skin brushing session to be.

Start brushing your entire body, avoiding any open wounds or sensitive areas. Many people start from their heels and move upwards, but ultimately you should do what you want. Aim to make round circular motions especially in the belly, chest, thigh and buttock areas. Skip over the breasts and decollete area which tend to be thinner skin. (When in the shower later use the Clarisonic in these areas because it is gentler.)

Dry skin brushing benefits are plentiful. Skin brushing in the dry brush method is said to help stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding your body to maintain its health, as well as your skin. It is something that you’ll want to do before you get a fake spray tan because it will help the skin maintain the tan longer. It also is a great way home remedy for dry skin or dry patches on the body. Basically it is all about exfoliation, and exfoliating equals younger looking skin.

After your body has been given a good once-over, use a towel to wipe down the skin again or take a shower. Apply a non-drying lotion such as a shea body butter to lock the moisture in.

Body brushing is an easy, no-cost way to enhance the cell turnover on your body, temporarily stimulate the lymphatic system, and if done continuously can help keep that healthier looking glow. So choose a skin brush of choice and get going!