It is very popular to do lymphatic massage by dry brushing the body.
But now it has also become popular to do lymphatic massage/drainage on the face, which is what we will look at more closely now.
The lymphatic system
The main tasks of the lymph are to fight infections and to transport away waste products. Therefore, it is important that the lymph does not stagnate.
Common symptoms of stagnation or problems with the lymphatic system include:
- fluid swelling
- impure and swollen skin
- cellulite
- headaches
- sleep problems
- tension in the neck
Causes of lymphatic system problems can be many, but usually include too little physical activity, poor diet, poor gut health, stress, smoking, drinking too little water, etc.
The best way to tackle the problem is to start exercising (gentle movement exercises), drink more water, etc., but you can also help the lymph along with lymphatic drainage.
If you want to read more about the lymphatic system, you can do so here.
Why do lymphatic drainage? What is it good for?
For (skin) cells to get nutrients and tissues to remain healthy, smooth, and firm, the exchange of nutrients and waste must be unhindered.
The lymph is the body's cleaning system. It fights infections, removes old damaged or foreign cells, and toxins/waste products.
From a skincare perspective, the lymph has another important function: it transports fat to our cells from the small intestine. When lymph flow is slowed, excess fluid accumulates in the tissue. You become swollen and cell cleansing does not work.
Over time, you can also develop cellulite and the internal cleansing of, for example, acne works less effectively because the lymph has a harder time fighting the bacteria.
How does it work? (What is it about)
Since the lymphatic system lacks a pump like the heart is for the blood system, we must keep moving for the lymph to do its job.
All lymph vessels have valves that make the lymph flow in one direction, so it is important to always work with the lymph, not against it.
You open all lymphatic gates with circular motions and then guide the lymph through light strokes with the brush from the center of the face outward.
How to do lymphatic drainage on the face
Lymphatic drainage on the face can be done in different ways. We will go through how you can do it with a soft brush or a gua sha stone.
Lymphatic drainage with a brush
c/o mineral makeup's kabuki brush is truly perfect for dry brushing the face. It is soft and gentle on the skin while having a suitably dense "body" that ensures the pressure is well balanced and not too hard.
Shorter and denser kabuki brushes can become too stiff, while sparser brushes apply too little pressure.
Instructional image for lymph drainage on the face with a soft brush.
Remember to work with small, gentle movements. The skin and brush should be dry and free from makeup and dirt. Repeat each movement six times (or as many times as feels good).
Lymphatic drainage with a brush is suitable for sensitive and delicate skin and is a good way to counteract blockages and stimulate lymph circulation in the face.
The easiest way to do lymphatic drainage is during your mineral makeup routine. A few minutes with these extra movements helps prevent stagnation and swelling.
- Always start just above the collarbone. Work from the center outward.
- Then brush the neck from top to bottom.
- Brush the chin, from the center outward and slightly upward.
- Continue upward on the face by brushing from the center outward, then with micro-stimulation on the edges of the face by rotating the brush upward and outward. This helps stimulate the lymphatic gate to open.
- When you have brushed the forehead, you have released any blockages.
- Brush downward in the same way and finish where you started, just above the collarbone. This stimulates and guides the lymph flow in the right direction and helps drain lymph from the face’s various lymph nodes.
Lymphatic drainage with a gua sha stone
Facial massage with a gua sha stone is mainly done to stimulate blood circulation, reduce tension, and help drain lymph into the lymph nodes.
Here we focus on stimulating the lymph flow. Gua sha stones are recommended for those who want quick results and to lift the face.
Instructional image for lymphatic drainage on the face with a gua sha stone.
The very best gua sha stone for the face is Lahja from Yin Your Skin. It has shapes that suit different faces equally well. Try the stone’s different sides and shapes to find the perfect pressure and contact with your face’s surface.
Work with gentle, slow stroking motions. The skin and gua sha stone should be clean of makeup and dirt. Gua sha massage should always be done on skin moisturized with facial oil. Repeat each movement at least six times (preferably more).
- Always start with the neck. Since we have lymph nodes both under the jawline and above the collarbones, you can stroke the gua sha stone either upward or downward. Just choose one direction. It’s fine to start with upward strokes and finish with downward strokes. The advantage of upward strokes is that the skin gets a lift. The advantage of downward strokes on the neck is that the lymph still flows downward through the body.
- Then stroke the chin, from the center outward and slightly upward to lift the skin.
- Continue upward on the face by brushing from the center outward toward the ear or past the hairline.
- Remember to stroke the forehead from the middle, outward, and downward toward the temple. That’s where the larger lymph nodes are located.
- Stroke downward on the face in the same way and finish with the neck where you started.
Microstimulation with the fingers
Perfect for you who experience severe lymph stagnation (a lot of swelling) for example during:
- cold
- period of poor sleep
- period of a lot of sitting still
- period of poor diet
Microstimulation with the fingers opens the lymphatic gates so the lymph can flow onward. This can also be done before lymphatic drainage with a brush or gua sha stone. See the video below on how to do it.
Here is a video showing how to give the lymph nodes micro-massage so the lymph can flow and drain more easily.
What is important to keep in mind?
Regardless of the method, it’s important not to press hard as this is not a muscular massage. Remember that lymph is under the skin. Brush, stroke, or press gently on the skin with slow movements.
There are many videos on YouTube; search for "lymphatic drainage massage" if you want to see more. However, some apply way too much pressure… so whatever you do, be gentle.
Take time to do lymphatic drainage. If you are short on time and feel stressed, it’s easy to go faster and harder.
Besides moving around, you can help the lymph by dry brushing the body with a brush.
Do not use dry brushes meant for the body on the face. A body brush is far too harsh for the thin skin of the face. On the face, you should be very gentle and use a much softer brush or gua sha stone.
The face needs microstimulation and daily lymph drainage to avoid stagnation, swelling, and to achieve the fresh, clear skin we want. The lymph can do its job – and your skin feels so much better.
What can happen if you "do it wrong"?
The challenge is to perform the stimulation with sufficiently light touch. If we press too hard, lymph accumulates to counteract the external threat the body perceives the pressure to be, resulting in increased fluid buildup/swelling.
Is it safe to do this at home by yourself? How often can you do it?
Lymph stimulation in the form of light massage followed by these simple lymph drainage movements should be done often and fits well into your daily skincare routine.
Is it safe to do lymphatic drainage during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Yes, lymphatic massage with a brush and gua sha stone is completely safe. It provides gentle stimulation that helps the body/lymph perform its tasks – protecting us and cleansing.
Other
Within 24 hours, 2–4 liters of lymph are produced, and it's good to replenish with fresh fluids by sipping about 100 ml of water per hour throughout the day.
