By Adriana Ermter
Did you know that you can massage stress, fatigue and worry away from your face with a five-minute, DIY, lymphatic drainage massage? Facts. By following a few simply steps offered by the experts at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN), along with extra grooming tips and insight from the team at Featuring…You Spa, you can get your daily glow on.
But first, what is your lymphatic system?
Your lymphatic system is made up of many bean-shaped lymph nodes that are connected together throughout your body by lymph vessels. They’re all over and large groups or chains of lymph nodes can be found in your neck, your arms and in your groin. And they work together to to filter and remove extra fluid and waste from your face and body. This is a good thing because when they release excess fluid, “it plays an important role in your immune function,” explain the experts at UHN. Which means not only will you feel healthier, your skin will look better too.
So what is lymphatic, face self-massage and why is it important?
Lymphatic self-massage is a gentle skin massage where the skin is gently stretched and released along lymph pathways. “Lymphatic self-massage helps move extra fluid from swollen areas into an area where the lymph nodes are working well,” add the experts at UHN. “Lymphatic self-massage can help soften and move extra fluid away from your face and neck.”
How to do lymphatic, face self-massage:
Find a comfortable chair to sit in or if you prefer, stand and look in the mirror. If you’re feeling really confident you can even lie down. Just make sure that you feel warm; your muscles will be more relaxed and better able to massage. Then start by keeping your hands soft and relaxed and using a light pressure on your face, massage your cheeks, chin and neck in upwards and outwards motions. Next, massage your forehead, nose and the clavicles on the front of your shoulders/chest in downwards and outwards motions. The pressure of your hands should be just enough to gently stretch the skin. “Only stretch the skin as far as it can go naturally without causing pain,” advise the experts at UHN. “Release the pressure and let your skin come back as it was. If you can feel your muscles under your skin, you are pressing too hard.” Try to use the flat part of your hands (palms and fingers) instead of your fingertips, as “your palms allow more contact with the skin to stimulate (pump) the lymph vessels.”
What visible benefits can I expect to see?
- It reduces puffiness and swelling. By stimulating your lymphatic system through facial and neck massage, you can reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes, cheeks and jawline. “This results in a smoother, more defined facial contour,” say the experts at Featuring…You Spa.
- It promotes circulation. It stimulates blood circulation, which improves oxygen and nutrient flow to the skin. “This gives your skin a healthy glow and can improve skin tone and texture over time,” add the experts at Featuring…You Spa.
- It detoxifies the skin. “By enhancing lymph flow, this massage helps clear toxins from your face,” explain the experts at Featuring…You Spa. “This detox process helps prevent breakouts and improve skin clarity, leading to a healthier complexion.”
- It reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Enhanced circulation promotes collagen production and skin cell renewal, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “Regular lymphatic massage can improve skin elasticity and firmness,” affirm the experts at Featuring…You Spa.
- It soothes and relaxe It helps reduce stress and tension from your face and neck. “This relaxation can improve overall well-being, reduce stress-related skin issues and leave you feeling refreshed,” say the experts at Featuring…You Spa.
How often should I do it?
Daily, it only takes five-minutes and can easily be integrated into your skincare routine. Simply massage your face cream on in the upwards and downwards motions for five minutes. It’s relaxing and a great way to end or start your day. Just take care to not “self-massage if it causes pain or if you have an infection in the area that has swelling,” advise the experts at UHN.
