Is lymphatic drainage for your face worth the buzz? Dive into our guide to explore its benefits, tools, and whether it truly enhances your skincare routine!

You’ve likely seen lymphatic drainage facials trending across social media or spotted them on spa menus, but what exactly does it involve? More importantly, is this skincare trend just hype, or does it truly deliver? 

At Mazillo, we believe in cutting through the noise. Our goal is to go beyond fleeting skincare fads, to bring you skincare solutions rooted in tradition and backed by science, offering honest tips to enhance your routine. 

So, is lymphatic drainage the key to a de-puffed and glowing complexion? In this post, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to decide for yourself. 

Get your gua sha ready, and let’s go! 

What Is The Lymphatic System? 

Before we get into the lovely and luxurious facial side of things, let’s briefly crack open a science textbook and get to grips with the lymphatic system. 

Simply put, the lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs, including lymph nodes, vessels, and fluids, that plays a crucial role in your immune health. Think of it like an internal version of your beloved cleanser, working inside your body to remove toxins, waste, and unwanted materials, keeping your body in balance.

When the lymphatic system isn’t functioning as it should, it can lead to fluid retention and swelling, toxin build-up, a dull complexion, and weakened immunity. When it’s working optimally, however, it encourages better circulation helping you maintain your healthy glow. 

What Is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a broad term, sometimes used in a medical context to treat conditions like lymphedema, and other times referring to aesthetic practices aimed at reducing cellulite or facial puffiness, and creating a ‘firmer’ appearance. 

Generally, it includes techniques that are said to support your body's natural detoxification process by stimulating the flow of lymph fluid to reduce blockages. However, it's important to note that most of the evidence for these treatments is still anecdotal and there’s limited scientific backing. 

So what’s it got to do with your skincare routine?

Lymphatic Drainage For Your Face

You know when you wake up and your half-asleep face looks all puffy? That could be due to lymphatic buildup and – you guessed it– lymphatic drainage might be useful. 

The primary benefit of lymphatic drainage for your face is moving excess fluid out of the facial area, which gives a de-puffing effect. This can make your face look slimmer, more sculpted, and potentially brighter, as it encourages blood flow to the area.

But (there’s always a but!), the effects are usually short-lived. In a Cosmopolitan article, dermatologist Dr Ananad Geria explains ‘‘by reducing puffiness and promoting lymphatic drainage, your face may appear slimmer and more sculpted [but] the results of lymphatic drainage massages are generally temporary and may require ongoing treatments’’. 

Similarly, in this article for SELF, plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine says “There’s anecdotal evidence that this kind of massage will move the fluid, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to come back”. 

Our take? Even if the sculpting effect is temporary, there are many other lasting benefits of enjoying a facial massage with your skincare routine. It can help your skin absorb the active ingredients in your products, release of any tension around the jaw and brow bone, and improve your mental health by taking time for relaxing routine each day.

If you’re ready to try a simple lymphatic drainage ritual at home, try the tips below! 

At-Home Lymphatic Drainage For Your Face

You can easily incorporate lymphatic drainage into your skincare routine using Mazillo’s Samodiva’s Allure Elixir Facial Oil, which is packed with potent natural vitamins and powerful antioxidants.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a few drops of the facial oil to your clean skin.
• Using a gua sha or jade roller, begin at the center of your face and gently sweep outwards toward your ears.
• Move to your jawline, neck, and finally, your forehead, applying light pressure.
• Repeat each stroke 5-10 times to stimulate circulation and lymph flow.

Yoana, Mazillo’s Co-Founder, says, 

‘‘I love massaging [the facial oil] with a face roller or gua sha for some extra self-care in the evenings’’. 

This soothing routine can help reduce puffiness, and leave your skin glowing and you feeling as relaxed as ever! 

Bottom Line: Is lymphatic drainage good for the skin?

The short answer: quite possibly. While the evidence for lymphatic drainage is mostly anecdotal, there's no harm in trying it—especially when it adds a relaxing, mindful moment to your skincare routine. 

At the very least, it can help with puffiness, improve product absorption, and offer a self-care boost. So, if you're curious, go ahead and give it a try!

 Much Love, Mazillo x