Lymphatic drainage of the face is becoming increasingly popular. What is this miracle method that is as effective as a facelift? We've looked into the matter to give you the best answers.

Among the most popular beauty techniques at the moment are mechanical methods that require no invasive approach. Totally natural, they rely on the hands or accessories such as rollers, Gua Sha, suction cups or mushrooms to apply their protocol. Among these methods, lymphatic drainage takes a well-deserved place in the top 3, and is increasingly seducing the beauty world.

A brief explanation of manual lymphatic drainage

Do you know what manual lymphatic drainage is? It's a vigorous body massage technique that massages areas where fat and tension are stored, to detoxify the body and boost lymphatic circulation.

To better understand this process, you need to know that the lymphatic system (whose filter glands are located in the neck and armpits) is a process for eliminating toxins (microbes, fats, dirt). It's the lymph* (liquid) that carries all the bad stuff accumulated in the body to the bloodstream, where it is released. Unfortunately, with a hectic lifestyle, poor hygiene or hormonal changes, the lymphatic system becomes clogged... Filters become HS and health problems such as water retention, poor circulation and even bloating follow.

• *What is lymph? Lymph is the translucent liquid that carries the body's waste products for elimination.

Why is manual lymphatic drainage important?

Drainage, or lymphatic massage, restarts the lymphatic system, which can (very often) be blocked. Stress, an unhealthy lifestyle, an unstable daily routine - there are so many reasons why the lymphatic system can become blocked. A blocked lymphatic system means that the body is no longer properly eliminating what it needs to get rid of. This poor elimination can lead to much more serious problems than a bloated figure, such as water retention! So it's important to be able to put things right with a drainage session. For people suffering from serious problems such as heavy legs, circulation problems or difficult and painful digestion, drainage is ideal, and should be performed several times a year. Of course, it's not a miracle solution, but an enormous help alongside a balanced lifestyle!

The big advantage of lymphatic drainage?

In addition to stimulating the body's natural functions, lymphatic drainage has a pleasant physical side. After the massage, you'll notice a slimmer figure, deflated legs and thighs, more toned arms... This vigorous massage method shapes the body in a spectacular way! Of course, it didn't take long for beauty addicts to realize that a facial massage of this kind could also be very interesting...

What is facial lymphatic drainage?

Like body lymph drainage, facial lymph drainage focuses on the facial area. Massages are vigorous yet gentle (to respect the fragility of facial skin). A combination of meticulous gestures is always used to free the lymph nodes (where the filters are located). Facial drainage is therefore directed from the inside to the outside of the face, with lymph nodes on both sides of the neck.

Drainage is an excellent way of "deflating" a face and thus reshaping its oval shape. It's as if the practitioner were having fun reshaping the face with her fairy fingers. It's also a good way of treating circulation problems, improving the appearance of the skin, allowing the epidermis to be better nourished and thus avoiding cases of acne. 

Can you do it at home?

The answer is YES. The key is to adopt the right gestures, which can be learned from a professional or via internet tutorials.

Here are a few tips to get you started at home:

• Light, circular pressure is applied with the fingertips to: the top of the lips, the cheeks, both sides of the sinuses, towards the forehead, then down to the temples, cheeks and chin. Finally, continue to the neck, where the lymph nodes are located, to stimulate them.
• Neck: pressure is applied to both sides of the neck, using circular movements from top to bottom, down to the hollow of the collarbone.
• Repeat the operation about three times, and once a day if possible!

Don't hesitate to couple your massage with the application of your skin care products (day or night cream, eyelash beauty serum, anti-dark circle treatment...). There's nothing like a good massage to help the active ingredients in your routine penetrate deep into the skin. 

For even more beauty tips, discover our practical guide on "How to remove dark circles" ?