Lymphatic drainage of the face is becoming more and more popular. What is this miracle method that is supposedly as effective as a facelift? We looked into the matter to provide you with the best answers.

Among the beauty techniques that are currently popular, we find above all mechanical methods that do not require any invasive approach. Totally natural, they rely on the hands or accessories such as rollers, Gua Sha, suction cups or even mushrooms, to apply their protocol. Among these methods, lymphatic drainage takes a well-deserved place in the top 3 and is increasingly seducing the world of beauty.

A little explanation about manual lymphatic drainage

Do you know what manual lymphatic drainage is? It is a vigorous body massage technique that involves massaging the areas where fat and tension are stored in order to detoxify the body and boost lymphatic circulation.

To better understand this process, you should 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 is the lymph* (liquid) that transports all the bad things accumulated in the body and blood, to free it. Unfortunately, with a hectic lifestyle, not always proper hygiene or even a hormonal change, the lymphatic system becomes clogged... The filters become HS and health problems follow such as water retention, poor circulation or even bloating and other swelling.

• *What is lymph? It is the translucent fluid that carries waste from the body for elimination.

Why is it important to practice manual lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage or massage helps to restart the lymphatic system which can (very often) be blocked. Stress, an altered lifestyle, an unstable daily life, there are so many reasons that can interfere with its proper functioning. However, if the lymphatic system is blocked, it means that the body no longer properly eliminates 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! It is therefore important to be able to put things back in order with a drainage session. For people suffering from major disorders such as heavy legs, blood circulation problems, difficult and painful digestion, drainage is ideal to practice several times a year. Obviously, it is not a miracle solution but a huge support, alongside a rebalanced lifestyle!

The big advantage of lymphatic drainage?

In addition to restarting the proper functioning of the body, lymphatic drainage has a rather pleasant physical aspect. Indeed, after the massage we notice a refined silhouette, deflated legs and thighs, more toned arms... This vigorous massage method models the body in a spectacular way! Of course, it did not take long for beauty addicts to understand that such a massage on the face could also be very interesting...

What is facial lymphatic drainage?

Just like the body, facial lymphatic drainage focuses on the facial area. The massages are vigorous and gentle (to respect the fragility of the facial skin). The combination of meticulous gestures is always carried out in such a way as to release the lymph nodes (where the filters are located). During facial drainage, the gestures are therefore directed from the inside to the outside of the face, the nodes being located on both sides of the neck.

Drainage is an excellent way to "deflate" a face and therefore redraw its oval. It's a bit like the practitioner having fun reshaping the face with her magic fingers. Note that it is also a good way to treat circulation problems and therefore improve the appearance of the skin, allow the epidermis to be better nourished and therefore... avoid cases of acne.

Can we practice it at home?

The answer is YES. To do this, you need to adopt the right actions, which can be learned from a professional or via tutorials on the internet.

Here are some tips to help you start practicing it at home:

• Light circular pressure is applied with the fingertips at the level of: above the lips, cheeks, both sides of the sinuses, towards the forehead then we go down to the temples, cheeks and chin. Finally we continue at the level of the neck where the lymph nodes are located in order to stimulate them.
• At the neck level: apply pressure on both sides of the neck using circular movements, from top to bottom, going as far as the hollow of the collarbone.
• We repeat the operation about three times, and if possible once a day!

Don't hesitate to combine your massage with your skincare (day or night cream, eyelash beauty serum , anti-dark circle treatment, etc.) . Nothing beats 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" ?