Lymphatic facials are an increasingly popular method to smooth and debuff the face, whilst also assisting the body to rid itself of toxins; here’s some information, top tips, and product suggestions if you’re wanting to have a go at home.

What is a lymphatic facial?

Lymphatic drainage facials are simply a form of massage therapy, designed to rid the body of a toxin build up. The lymphatic system, which is made up of a network of nodes and vessels allows the lymph (fluid that drains from cells and tissues) to flow and so, removing waste, directing it to the organs that can flush them out of the body.

There’s plenty of benefit too, as not only does this method bid farewell to toxins (and in turn boosting the immune system), but it also helps reduce water retention, swelling, stress, while strengthening the facial muscles, improving the complexion and blood flow.

Falling into two categories, there is the manual lymphatic drainage facial, which is carried out by a qualified therapist, but there’s also a simple variation that you can do at home.

How can you do it at home, and what are the best products?

The lymphatic drainage massage is easy to do at home and starts with the fingertips applying gentle pressure to the forehead, with upward movements, then down past the temples. For the upper cheek bones under the eye, massage outwards with long rhythmic strokes and down the face, moving down the neck and to the décolletage.

“The easiest way to do lymphatic drainage at home is to apply the Honey & Jasmine Mask and with your fingertips start at the centre of the face and move very gently with light pressure out to the hair line and down the neck. This allows the lymph to drain at the base of the neck. 

The mask is used to allow very gentle gliding so as not to pull the skin, this is because the lymph is just below and does not need heavy pressure. 

You can do this across the whole face starting at the centre and moving out, always finish at the neck to drain completely.”  Margo Marrone, Founder, The Organic Pharmacy

Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool

The gua sha tools have been used for centuries and are ideal for this type of massage, especially under the eyes, moving it along the cheekbones.

MZ Skin Tone & Lift Germanium Contouring Facial Roller

Working in a similar way to the gua sha, it helps to depuff the face and acupressure pods on this roller encourages circulation.

Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum

To ensure the smooth sliding of the facial tool, apply a lightweight serum such as this one from Dr Dennis Gross. It blends lactic acid with 15% L-ascorbic acid to help with the absorption, as well as fading dark spots, and smoothing the skin.

BEAR^TM mini

A microcurrent toning device, it lightly exercises the 69 muscles in your face and neck via short pulsations. Again, sweep up the cheekbones and the jawline, down the side of the face and down the neck. This face massager can be controlled by an app and gives out little pulsations to tone the muscles in the face.