How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Reduces Inflammation and Improves Skin Health
The lymphatic system is made up of organs, blood vessels, and tissues that support the immune system and ensure a healthy balance of fluid throughout the body. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked due to bacteria, toxins, and viruses, fluid can build up. Lymphatic drainage massage helps reduce this buildup while speeding up the absorption and transport of lymph fluid.
Some lymphatic drainage advocates recommend performing the treatment on the face to reduce puffiness and dull skin. But does it work? Read on to learn more about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage, how it works, and how to incorporate it into your skin care routine.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage therapy used to relieve painful swelling in the arms and legs associated with lymphedema, or excess fluid in the tissues. 1 Using special techniques, lymphatic drainage massage helps relieve painful swelling in the arms and legs. It drains fluid, also called lymph, from the tissues to the lymph nodes, which reduces swelling and discomfort.
How can I perform lymphatic drainage massage on my face?
There are 600 lymph nodes in the body, 200 of which are located in the neck. 2 The goal of a lymphatic drainage facial massage is to drain fluid that has accumulated in the face by moving it back to the lymph nodes in the neck. This means that lymphatic massage should be performed in a gentle, downward motion.
A lymphatic drainage facial massage includes the following steps:
Using a light oil or moisturizer, gently massage your neck in a downward, circular motion.
Move your face upward, working in a circular motion from the center of the face outward.
Massage along your jawline upward to your hairline, then downward.
Repeat the motion (outward and downward) along your cheekbones and forehead while massaging your face upward.
When it comes to the eye area, be especially careful with this sensitive skin. Gently massage from under your eyebrows down toward your hairline; repeat the motion under your eyes.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage for Skin Health
There is limited research on the benefits of lymphatic drainage for the face. But people who practice this type of massage say it can reduce swelling, puffiness, and inflammation while improving circulation. This is particularly helpful for those recovering from cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or dermal fillers.
Whether it can improve wrinkles or fight other signs of aging is uncertain. Here’s what we know about the effects of lymphatic drainage on the body, which can have a positive impact on skin health:
1. Improved Circulation
Research shows that manual lymphatic drainage improves blood flow to the skin by increasing interstitial pressure. 3 Improved blood flow not only helps relieve facial puffiness, but also ensures that oxygen and other nutrients can reach skin cells and tissues, resulting in a more radiant complexion and faster scar healing.
2. Reduced Inflammation
Lymphatic vessels are thought to be the main transport pathway for inflammatory mediators. 4 Manually stimulating the lymphatic system through massage can reduce this inflammation and potentially relieve symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne, and even UV damage.
3. Hydrates the Skin
Just as lymphatic drainage massage can clear a path for oxygen and nutrients to reach skin cells, the same is true for moisturizing. This type of massage not only helps remove toxins and waste from the body, but it can also help the skin better absorb topical products, such as hyaluronic acid (a powerful moisturizer).
While more research is needed to prove that lymphatic drainage can aesthetically benefit your skin health, it’s worth noting that massage itself is a powerful stress reliever. Stress is a well-known trigger for acne, dark circles, rosacea and psoriasis flare-ups, and premature skin aging.
How to Incorporate Lymphatic Drainage into Your Skin Care Routine
Feel free to give your face a lymphatic drainage massage every day, but be sure to apply gentle pressure and use a moisturizer to help your fingers (or tools) glide better over the skin. Lymphatic drainage massage should not be confused with facial massage, which focuses on the muscles underneath the lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic drainage massage doesn’t have to penetrate as deeply.
Combine a lymphatic drainage massage with Foundation Skincare’s Hyaluronic Acid Lotion for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and deeply hydrates your skin for healthy, radiant skin. For an even stronger anti-inflammatory effect, this product also contains shea butter as well as chamomile, green tea, and olive extracts.
Hyaluronic acid combines perfectly with other FS products, such as FS Niacinamide Lotion, which suppresses inflammation while boosting keratin production, and FS Vitamin C, which brightens while boosting collagen synthesis.
Explore the complete Essentials Skincare range and find more resources to support your skin’s health in FS Journal.
