Want to benefit from lymphatic drainage but don’t know where to start? By the end of this article, you’ll be able to give yourself the perfect lymphatic massage at home.
Key Takeaways
- Lymphatic massages have become increasingly popular, in part because they are simple to do at home.
- When done right, lymphatic massages can provide various potential benefits, such as reducing swelling and puffiness, improving facial contour, and supporting the immune system.
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The two most important parts of a good massage are using a soft touch and high-quality facial oil to help your fingers glide over the skin.
- Staying hydrated, eating well, and locking in hydration with your favorite moisturizer are also good practices to support the benefits of lymphatic massages.
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Introducing the Lymphatic Drainage Massage
There's a reason lymphatic drainage massages are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Athletes use them in recovery. Celebrities from Lizzo to Jennifer Aniston use them to look radiant in photoshoots.
And in recent years, more and more people around the world have been enjoying the many potential benefits of this surprisingly simple wellness routine.
Lymphatic massages might be simple, but they're based on complex biology. In order to maximize the potential benefits, you need to know what you're doing.
That's why we created this guide, with a science-backed routine to help you perfect your lymph drainage massage. We'll cover why this facial massage is so popular, its potential benefits, how you can do it at home, and more.
But first, we need to understand the science behind this wellness technique.
The Science Behind Facial Lymphatic Drainage Massages
History of Lymphatic Massages
Lymphatic drainage has a longer history than you might expect.
It's based on observations made by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates in the 4th century BC and developed by European scholars in the 1600s. The first massage for lymph drainage was developed by Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine, in the late 1800s.
At first, lymphatic massages were used by doctors to treat conditions affecting the lymphatic system. Over the years, different techniques were developed, and more potential benefits of the massage were discovered.
The Lymphatic System
Lymphatic massages target (and are named for) the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of different organs and tissues with many important functions.
Key among those functions is returning a clear fluid called lymph from your tissues back into your bloodstream. Every day, blood plasma seeps out of your circulatory system, bringing crucial nutrients to your body's cells and collecting the waste those cells produce.
Much of that plasma seeps back into your circulatory system. But not all. Some of it remains in your body's tissues.
At this point, it's a clear, watery fluid with a new name: lymph. As you can imagine, this fluid can't just be left hanging around in your tissues. About three liters are produced every day, so it would build up fast!
This is where your lymphatic system steps in. Lymphatic capillaries collect the lymph from your tissues, and lymph vessels move it to two major lymph ducts, which direct the fluid back into your bloodstream.
That's not all, though.
Along the way, the lymph passes through small structures called lymph nodes. Hundreds of these structures are present throughout your body, with clusters in important areas like your neck, armpits, and abdomen.
Think of lymph nodes as checkpoints. They contain cells produced by your immune system. These cells filter through the lymph as it passes through, destroying and removing anything you don't want hanging around, from harmful bacteria to damaged cells.
Lymphatic Fluid Retention
As with many complex bodily systems, the lymphatic system doesn't always work perfectly.
When this happens, various problems can occur. For example, fluid can collect in your body, causing swelling and puffiness.
Supporting the Lymphatic System
Lymphatic fluid isn't circulated throughout the body by a central pump. That's different from blood flow, which is caused (in large part) by the beating of your heart.
Instead, various external factors can support or hinder the flow of lymphatic fluid. Massages, for example, can increase the flow of lymphatic fluid.
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Potential Benefits of Lymphatic Massages
Supporting the lymphatic system has many potential benefits.
For example, it's thought that increasing the flow of lymph can help support the immune system. Remember, the lymph system is responsible for eliminating pathogens, toxins, and other undesirable elements from your body. Supporting lymphatic flow and increasing the circulation of lymph may therefore help support your body's natural detoxification process.
Another benefit of lymphatic massages is stress reduction. Think of how a good traditional massage reduces stress and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Lymphatic massages are no different.
However, perhaps the most well-established potential benefits of lymphatic massages is reducing puffiness. One common cause of puffiness is excess fluid that has been trapped or retained in the body.
Fluid retention can happen for all kinds of reasons. It can be caused by serious medical conditions or everyday occurrences like hot weather. Some women experience it due to their menstrual cycle, and pregnancy often causes it, too.
Research has shown that lymphatic drainage massages can help reduce puffiness caused by retained fluid. For example, a 2025 analysis of twelve scientific studies found that lymphatic drainage can help reduce edema. That's the scientific term for swelling caused by trapped fluid.
Glowing Complexion
Swelling can affect any part of the body. But what about the face specifically?
Research suggests that lymphatic drainage massages can have powerful benefits for the face that go even beyond reducing puffiness and swelling.
For example, a 2025 study found that manual lymphatic drainage can help slow skin aging and improve skin appearance.
How? Well, according to the study, lymph drainage can help enhance the natural contours of your face — contours that may be hidden by swelling or puffiness. And the act of massaging your face can also help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two crucial proteins that help keep your face smooth and firm.
Facial massages in general can be a great addition to your skincare routine. Multiple studies have found that facial massages can change the structure of the face and reduce sagging.
Facial Lymphatic Drainage Techniques
Lymph drainage massages require a careful touch. That's why high-profile massage therapists are so sought after. One popular masseuse in LA claimed to have a waitlist in the thousands!
Fortunately, it's actually fairly simple to give yourself a lymphatic drainage massage. There are three basic steps: preparation, the massage itself, and aftercare.
#1. Preparation
The first step in any lymphatic drainage massage is a good facial oil or cream. These serve two purposes.
First, they allow your hands to glide smoothly over your skin. Attempting a facial massage without an oil or cream (or something similar) could result in significant friction, which can cause various skin issues, like irritation, acne, and even damage.
Second, the right skincare product can provide additional benefits that support and even go beyond those provided by the action of the lymphatic massage itself.
For example, the Candlenut Glow Body Oil is a silky smooth blend of exotic oils with a luxurious candlenut scent. It's packed with powerful bioactive ingredients, like moringa oleifera, which visibly improves skin firmness and leaves it glowing.
Another great option is our Kartini Body Oil, named after Princess Kartini, a beloved Indonesian royal who advocated for the emancipation of women in the 1800s. This premium blend includes turmeric oil, an ancient staple of Indonesian beauty treatments that contains anti-inflammatory properties, and passion fruit oil, a good source of vitamins A & C.
Both of these oils are dry, meaning they won't leave behind any residue after your massage is done.
#2. Massage Techniques
Once you've chosen your favorite oil or cream, place a little on your hands and start your massage.
As we mentioned, lymph nodes are present throughout your body, and are clustered in certain areas. It's these areas we want to start with.
Before you start massaging, it's important to note that lymphatic drainage massages require only very light pressure. Your lymph system is quite sensitive, and too much pressure can actually do more harm than good.
Where you start is up to you. Lots of people like to start at the bottom of the face and move upwards.
That means starting with the sides of your neck. Use gentle pressure and slow downward strokes. Repeat the motion about a dozen times.
Next, move up to your jawline. Continue using the same gentle motions, this time moving along your jaw outwards from your chin to your ears. If you'd like, you can extend these motions from behind the ear and down the sides of your neck, as this area contains plenty of lymph nodes.
Once you're done with the lower half of your face, move on to your cheeks. Remember, light pressure! As before, slowly massage outwards from the center of your face to your ears.
Now it's time to target the under-eye area. Your skin is particularly thin and sensitive here, so be especially gentle. One way to maintain light pressure is to use just your ring finger, starting from the inner corner of your eyes and moving outwards.
Next, target your forehead. As before, use only gentle pressure, massaging upwards and outwards from the center of your forehead.
The final step is to guide all that excess fluid away from your face and back down your neck.
These movements are intentional. If done right, the idea is to encourage the circulation of lymph fluid and help drain excess fluid from your face. That's why we usually aim to move outwards from the center of the face.
Gentle pressure also helps avoid skin irritation, and your massage can also improve blood circulation. Improved blood flow brings a host of potential benefits on top of those provided by supporting the lymph system.
#3. Aftercare
Once you're done with your massage, consider locking in the potential benefits with some key aftercare techniques.
For example, hydration is absolutely crucial. It promotes drainage and is generally great for skin health. Make sure to drink enough water and avoid dehydrating foods and drinks.
You could also end your massage by applying your favorite moisturizer to lock in moisture. If you used an oil and your skin feels oily, use an oil-free moisturizer.
And if you're considering lymphatic drainage for the first time and are looking to build the ideal skincare routine, you might want to pick up our Moisturizer Plus Duo. It contains our Sweet Black Tea and Rice Moisturizer and Radiance Vitality Oil, both tailored for radiance and restoration.
Optional Tools for Lymphatic Drainage Massages
It's entirely possible to perform a professional-level lymphatic drainage massage with just your hands (and the right oil). Nevertheless, various tools have become increasingly popular.
Gua Sha
Gua sha actually refers to an ancient East Asian healing technique, but it's colloquially used to refer to the tool used to perform it. This is a smooth-edged scraper, traditionally made of jade or rose quartz.
Gua sha is similar to lymphatic drainage, and may promote it, but that's not its core purpose. The tool is used to scrape the skin, breaking tiny blood vessels. Research suggests this could improve blood flow, help the body eliminate toxins, and generally promote healing in the area treated.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic healing technique that's exactly what it sounds like. A brush with coarse fibers is rubbed over the body in a certain pattern.
This is thought to bring various potential benefits. The bristles can exfoliate the skin, and the massage is relaxing and may help support the lymphatic system.
Dry brushing is also thought to open pores, helping the body eliminate toxins through sweat. And it's also thought to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. While there is anecdotal evidence in favor of these benefits, they haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Conclusion
The lymphatic system is absolutely vital, and supporting it is important for overall health and wellness. Fortunately, doing so via a lymphatic drainage massage is simpler than you might think.
All you need are your hands and a high-quality body oil or a rich, lightweight lotion. Remember to use gentle pressure and slow, gliding movements to help drain excess fluid. When done right, many people find that lymphatic drainage leaves them with reduced inflammation and a clearer complexion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Way Do You Massage Your Face for Lymphatic Drainage?
Where you start is up to you, but many people like to start at the neck and end at the forehead. In each section (neck, jawline, cheeks, and so on), gently massage your skin in an outward direction. Remember, the purpose is to help drain fluid from your face, which is why the movements should move outward and downwards.
Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Work on the Face?
Yes! There are clusters of lymph nodes in the neck and head, making the face an excellent place to practice lymphatic drainage.
When done right, a facial lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling, improve facial contour, and support the immune system.
It's also a relaxing self-care routine that can help reduce stress and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
And if you use the right body oil and moisturizer, you gain all the wellness and skin benefits of those products, too.
What Oil to Use for Lymphatic Massage on Face?
Oil (or cream) is absolutely necessary for a lymphatic massage. It helps your hands glide over your skin.
What oil you use is up to you. Consider using one that contains powerful ingredients that support and enhance the benefits provided by the massage itself.
For example, our Candlenut Glow Body Oil contains a blend of oils that moisturize, soothe, and calm the skin, protect the skin barrier, and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins to support skin health. It's a dry oil, which means no residue when the massage is done.
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