Lymphatic massage through dry brushing your body is very popular, and you can find a guide for simple dry brushing techniques.
Now it has also become popular to perform lymphatic massage/drainage on the face, which is what we'll look at more closely now.
The Lymphatic System
The main functions of the lymphatic system are to fight infections and transport waste products. This is why it's important that the lymph doesn't stagnate. Common symptoms of stagnation or problems with the lymphatic system include:
Fluid retention
Impure and swollen skin
Cellulite
Headaches
Sleep problems
tension in the neck
There can be many causes of lymphatic system problems, but commonly they include insufficient physical activity, poor diet, poor gut health, stress, smoking, not drinking enough 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 through lymphatic drainage. If you want to read more about the lymphatic system, you can do so.
Why do lymphatic drainage? What are the benefits?
For (skin) cells to receive nutrients and for tissues to remain healthy, smooth, and firm, the exchange of nutrients and waste must be unimpeded. The lymphatic system is the body's cleaning system. It fights infections, removes old damaged or foreign cells, and toxins/waste products. From a skincare perspective, the lymphatic system has another important function: it transports fat to our cells from the small intestine. When lymph flow slows down, excess fluid accumulates in the tissue. You become swollen and cell cleansing doesn't function properly. Over time, you may also develop cellulite, and the internal cleansing of acne, for example, works less effectively because the lymph has more difficulty fighting 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 need to keep moving for the lymph to perform its work. All lymph vessels have valves that ensure lymph flows in one direction, which is why it's important to always work with the lymph and not against it. You open all lymph ports with circular movements and then guide the lymph through gentle strokes with the brush from the center of the face and outward.
How to perform lymphatic drainage on your face
Lymphatic drainage on the face can be done in different ways. We'll go through how you can do it with a soft brush or a gua sha stone.
Lymphatic Drainage with a Brush
The c/o mineralmakeup kabuki brush is truly perfect for dry brushing the face. It's soft and gentle on the skin while having a suitably dense "body" that makes the pressure well-adjusted and not too hard. Shorter and denser kabuki brushes can be too harsh, while sparser brushes provide too light pressure.
Instructional image for facial lymphatic drainage using a soft brush.
Remember to work with small and 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 those with sensitive and delicate skin and is a good way to prevent blockages and get the lymphatic circulation going in the face. The easiest way to do lymphatic drainage is when applying your mineral makeup. A few minutes with these extra movements helps you avoid 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 and then with micro-stimulation at the edge of the face by rotating the brush upward and outward. This stimulates the lymph ports to open.
When you have brushed the forehead, you have cleared any potential blockages.
Brush in the same way downward and finish where you started, just above the collarbone. This stimulates and guides lymph movement in the right direction and helps drain the lymph in the different lymph nodes of the face.
Lymphatic Drainage with a Gua Sha Stone
Facial massage with a gua sha stone is primarily done to stimulate blood circulation, reduce tension, and help drain the lymph in the lymph nodes. Here we focus on getting the lymph moving. A gua sha stone is recommended for those who want quick results and want to give their face a lift.
Instructional image for facial lymphatic drainage using a gua sha stone.
The very best gua sha stone for the face is Lahja from Yin Your Skin. It has shapes that fit different faces equally well. Try the stone's different sides and shapes that best suit your face to find the perfect pressure and contact with the facial surface. Work with gentle and slow stroking movements. The skin and gua sha stone should be clean from makeup and dirt. Massage with a gua sha stone 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, it works equally well to stroke the gua sha stone upward or downward. However, decide on one direction. It's fine to start stroking upward and later 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 needs to flow downward further into the body.
Stroke the chin from the center outward and slightly upward to give the skin a lift.
Continue upward on the face by brushing from the center outward to the ear or past the hairline.
Remember to stroke the forehead from the center, outward and downward toward the temple. This is where the larger lymph nodes are located.
Stroke in the same way downward on the face and finish with the neck where you started.
Micro-stimulation with Fingers
Perfect for those experiencing severe lymphatic stagnation (significant swelling) in situations such as:
colds
periods of poor sleep
periods of prolonged sitting
periods of poor diet
Micro-stimulation with the fingers opens up the lymph ports so that the lymph can flow freely. 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 on how to give the lymph nodes micro-massage so that the lymph can flow and drain more easily.*
What's important to keep in mind?
Regardless of method, it's important not to press too hard as this is not a muscular massage. Remember that the lymph is located under the skin. Therefore, brush, stroke, or press gently on the skin with slow movements. There are many video clips on YouTube; search for "lymphatic drainage massage" if you're interested in seeing more. Some press way too hard... so whatever you do, keep a light touch. Take your time when performing lymphatic drainage. If you're short on time and feeling stressed, it's easy to make faster and harder movements.In addition to physical movement, you can help your lymph system by performing dry brushing on your body. Do not use dry brushes designed for the body on your face. A body brush is far too harsh for the thin skin of the face. On the face, you should be very careful and use a much softer brush or a gua sha stone. Our faces need micro-stimulation and daily lymphatic drainage to avoid stagnation, swelling, and to achieve the healthy, clear skin we want. The lymph can do its job – and your skin will be much healthier for it.
What can happen if you "do it wrong"?
The difficulty lies in being able to perform the stimulation with sufficiently light touch. If we press too hard, lymph accumulates to counteract what the body perceives as an external threat, resulting in increased fluid accumulation/swelling.
Can you safely do this at home yourself? How often can you do it?
Lymphatic stimulation in the form of light massage followed by these simple lymphatic drainage movements should be done frequently and fits perfectly into your daily skincare routine.
Is it safe to do lymphatic drainage during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Absolutely, lymphatic massage with a brush and gua sha stone is completely safe. It provides a gentle stimulation that helps the body/lymph perform its tasks - protecting us and providing cleansing.
Additional Information
During a 24-hour period, 2-4 liters of lymph are formed, and it's beneficial to replenish with fresh fluids by drinking approximately 100ml of water per hour throughout the day in small sips.
