A Quick Guide to Lymphatic Facial Massage
If you’ve been following me for long enough, you’ll know that I like to harp on about facial massage for a glowing complexion.
You may have even downloaded my Guide to Harnessing the Lymph for Vibrant Skin and read about the importance of the lymph there. So I’m not going to go full nerd on the technical details of the lymphatic system or it’s various roles here. If you’re looking for a quick way to maximise the benefits of your skin care routine, read on!
Lymphatic Facial Massage is absolutely key for improving the appearance and tone of skin, particularly if you experience an adult-onset skin condition like adult acne.
That’s not to say that facial massage can’t improve hormonal acne as well, just that in cases where people suddenly find themselves with erupting skin in their twenties and thirties, the lymph needs to be addressed.
Think of the lymph like a sewerage system for your skin.
The lymph does many amazing jobs, but for the sake of the skin, let’s consider the lymph as the sewerage (ew). Sewerage needs to be removed from the skin tissue and directed away towards the liver for detoxification and excretion. Metabolic byproducts, dead cells, cellular waste, water and toxins are filtered away through a complex system of vessels that lie just beneath the skin. When this system becomes clogged and backed up, the body has little choice but to try and excrete this stuff out through the skin.
Cue the breakouts, redness, uneven tone, puffiness and dull skin. You may also notice you’re prone to cellulite, raised lymph nodes/glands, fluid retention and body odour. These can be signs that you’re lymph may require a little lovin’.
Skin conditions that can involve lymphatic congestion include:
Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Dermatitis
Cellulite
Puffy Skin
Lymphatic Facial Massage
#1 With damp, clean fingertips (or a Jade Facial Roller) massage in a circular motion, applying gentle pressure to clean skin. Apply half the pressure that you would usually use when massaging.
#2 Begin beneath the collarbone, using circular motions to ‘milk’ downwards. This clears the tissue so the lymph has somewhere to drain down to (remember there are important lymph vessels in the neck).
#3 Work your way up the neck. Using the graphic (right) as a guide, massage below the ears, beneath the jaw, along the jaw, across the cheeks, beneath the eyes and above the brow, in this order.
#4 You should spend at 30-60 seconds at each set of lymph nodes.
Extra tip: The best time for this massage is after a shower - the skin on the face should be clean and dry. For even more skin love, use this technique to massage a natural skin serum into your skin. Using damp fingertips will soften the outer layer of skin for best absorption of the serum. Rosehip oil is ideal as it is rich in antioxidants and is a dry oil (doesn't clog pores or leave skin feeling oily).
Got a stubborn skin issue? Get in touch and let me know! Sometimes massage just isn’t enough and some internal work is required. Make an appointment and I look forward to working with you.
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This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition. If you have any concerns regarding your health, always seek the advice of a qualified health professional.