we have all seen captivating video An Instagram that carefully crafted a relaxed and glossy look. And thanks to the mainstream popularity of the likes of Gua Sha, we know those movements are more than just a spectacle. Lymphatic Drainage Face Massage uses only your hands to remove puffiness, detoxify, and lift your skin for a more radiant, firmer complexion.
And while “lymphatic drainage” is officially embedded in the beauty zeitgeist, that doesn’t mean we necessarily fully understand the details of how it works. (I’m a self-professed skincare freak, but I’m a little lost on how to describe it.) Good for depuff!)
To enlighten you a little, we consulted celebrity facialists and brand-founding pros. Joanna Vargaswith a plastic surgeon Solvasa Co-Founder Dr. Ritu Chopra.and co-founder Jordan Dorn Zuma Nutrition— Get a more complete understanding of the process and how to do a lymphatic drainage face massage at home.
Featured image by Michelle Nash
What exactly is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Part of our immune system, the lymphatic system is responsible for transporting waste and toxins (and transporting nutrients) from every cell in the body. However, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump. Because it relies on things like movement and breathing, it can easily get stuck and cause pimples, puffiness, and dry, dull skin.
“Lymphatic drainage massage is a type of massage where you manually press and massage specific areas of the skin, pushing towards the heart to encourage the natural drainage of lymph,” Dawn explains. “Lymph carries waste products from the tissues and returns them to the heart for cleansing and elimination.”
Dawn says a lymphatic drainage facial massage can be done by a qualified professional, but another method you can do yourself at home.
How can I tell when I need lymphatic drainage?
Without a pump to keep things moving, the lymphatic system tends to get bogged down. “So anyone can benefit from a lymphatic drainage massage, even if they don’t have any noticeable symptoms, like swelling, because it promotes lymphatic movement and prevents the backflow of lymph,” Dawn added.
Effects of lymphatic drainage massage
You may not know it yet, but the lymphatic system is a hidden power player in our bodies. Of course, if nutrients are properly supplied and waste products are properly excreted, the health benefits on our faces are immense.
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite.
- Supports detoxification.
- Improves skin elasticity.
- Promotes relaxation.
- Helps the body maintain proper blood circulation.
- Improve circulation.
- Reduce swelling.
- Aids digestion.
- Helps get rid of acne.
- It especially helps reduce wrinkles in the glabellar area (aka the 11th line).
How long does it take to see the effects of Lymphatic Drainage Face Massage?
Our pros unanimously said our favorite beauty answer.
“However, the benefits of massage vary from person to person,” Vargas points out. “If your lymphatic system is very backed up, you may not feel the benefits after a few sessions. If your system has little or no disruption, you may not feel any visible benefits. In both cases, massage promotes lymph movement, but lymph promotes lymph movement, and lymph can adversely affect the whole body, which has enormous health and immunity benefits. It brings benefits.”
While we love high-tech skincare tools here at Camille Styles, your lymphatic system can be revitalized a bit with: and without being charged.our own Nihel AyariDealing with chronic swollen lymph nodes, he admits he does 100 jumps every morning just to get his body moving.
However, if you want to invest in at-home lymphatic care, our specialists in the art of lymphatic drainage have you covered.
* Dr. Chopra also says, “Avoid rollers as they are generally designed to move back and forth and it is important to treat the skin in one direction.”
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Best Practices
“It only takes 3 minutes. Do it every day for 21 days and make it a habit.” — Dr. Ritu Chopra
“When using the wand, mimic a lymphatic drainage massage, starting at the sides of the neck and then moving from the center of the face to the sides for best results.” — Joanna Vargas
“Apply enough pressure to always move in one direction, toward the lymph nodes.” — Dr. Ritu Chopra
And Jordan Dorn shares some helpful steps for practical techniques to help drain the lymphatic system throughout the body.
- Take 10 slow, deep breaths, filling and emptying your lungs completely with each breath. This helps move lymph through the lymph vessels and lymph nodes.
- Using a dry brush, brush your skin in the direction of your heart, repeating each stroke several times.
- Place the index and middle fingers of both hands on either side of your neck, just below your earlobes. Gently slide your finger toward your shoulder to stretch the skin and release your finger. Repeat 5 times.
- Place your palms under your armpits and press lightly toward your shoulders 10 times.
- Place your palms under your knees and gently press 10 times.
How to do a lymphatic drainage massage at home
We spoke with the following for a step-by-step tutorial on manual lymphatic drainage massage. Gianna De La Torre, Acupuncturist, Co-Founder savageis a holistic beauty brand focused on beautifully and thoughtfully crafted tools for age-old skin rituals. Below, Gianna shares tips, instructions, and specific massage techniques to get the most out of her at-home lymphatic massage.
1. Detox + dry brush
- Dry brushing stimulates lymph flow and warms tissue for gua sha. Use before shower. Think from your limbs to your core.
- Start with a slow, short stroke upwards from your ankles and move toward your legs (think shaving motion).
- Then do the same movement from your wrist to your shoulder.
- Follow with gentle circular strokes clockwise around your belly (starting on your right side, over your navel, and working your way down toward your left side).
- Finish your core with a downward stroke from shoulder to groin.
2. Moisturize
- Moisturize with your favorite body oil (we use OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil). This creates slippage and ensures that the tool slides on the body rather than being pulled.
3. Release + Smooth
- A dry brushing procedure with a gua sha or body tool is followed by upward strokes from the ankles to the top of the buttocks and from the wrists to the shoulders.
- Move over to your chest and work in circular strokes over and under each breast toward your armpits.
- Repeat circular movements around your stomach.
- Finally, stroke around your core, from your shoulders to your groin.
Prefer a video? Joanna Vargas walks you through it step-by-step below. easy DIY tutorial.
This post was originally published on June 18, 2022 and has since been updated.
