I’ve probably walked past dry brushes a million times while shopping. It had never occurred to me to buy one because I didn’t know how or why I should use it—I assumed it was just an old-timey shower tool that every store carried for whatever weird reason. When a coworker told me its true purpose, though, I immediately wanted to try one out. I picked up this wooden-handled one at Target ($4.49), watched this YouTube video, and got to work. Now, I am a total convert. Dry brushing might be the easiest thing I’ve ever incorporated into my beauty routine. You don’t need any other products, it only takes a few minutes, and it can have multiple positive effects on your skin and body. Read on to find out how to do it (spoiler alert: you basically just brush) and, more importantly, why it’s awesome. HOW to dry brush It’s easiest to do this right before you shower. Undress, grab the brush, and stand in the tub. This way, you won’t get all the dry skin you’re about to brush off onto your bathroom floor. But don’t turn on the water yet! Remember, this is dry brushing. I like to start at my feet and stroke the brush in an upward motion—toward my heart—over every section of my body. (Once I get to my shoulders, I brush downward so that I’m still going in the direction of my heart.) Brush with medium pressure—enough that you feel it but not so much that it’s grating. You can take as much time as you want. I usually take about five to six minutes. Once you’re fully brushed, turn on the shower and rinse that dead skin away. That’s it! Honestly, the hardest part is remembering to do it. I’ve solved that problem by giving the brush a primo spot on my bathroom counter, so I see it and grab it before hopping into the shower. WHY you should dry brush The most obvious reason, of course, is that it’s exfoliating. I’ve been at it for about five days now, and my skin is already so much smoother. (My boyfriend agrees, though he’s kind of obligated to.) The natural bristles have a lot of give, so they’re gentle but still get the job done. And, like other exfoliation techniques, I’m thinking this could help prevent ingrown hairs. Dry brushing is also said to wake up your lymphatic system, which is why I brushed in the direction of my heart—that’s the way lymph flows. A stimulated lymphatic system could mean better immunity to disease and improved filtration of toxins in the body. I thought that dry brushing felt best in my armpits, which would make sense considering there are so many lymph nodes there! One side effect that I didn’t expect is that I’ve been feeling a little tingly after my shower. It’s not too intense—I’d compare it to the sensation of your foot coming out of being asleep. Sometimes I’m a little red and itchy, too (this technique can release histamines), but that goes away by the time I put lotion on. The bottom line is, I’ll definitely keep dry brushing. Even if the claims that it dissipates cellulite turn out to be false, I’m all for anything that gives me softer skin. Check Goods for more health and beauty gadgets.