All practices
Lymphatic & massage
Facial lymphatic drainage
Light, rhythmic strokes down the face and neck, used mainly for how puffiness looks and feels first thing in the morning.
About 5 minutes
Mornings, or after a salty meal or a poor night
How to do it
- 1Apply a facial oil or a slippery moisturiser so nothing drags.
- 2Start at the neck: light downward strokes along the sides, ten times.
- 3Work from the centre of the face outwards, then down towards the collarbone.
- 4Pressure should be feather-light — you are moving fluid just under the skin, not massaging muscle.
What the evidence says
Manual lymphatic techniques have clinical evidence in specific medical contexts. Cosmetic at-home use is best understood as a temporary change in how the face looks and feels.
Be careful if
- •Avoid if you have an active skin infection, or unexplained swelling or lumps — get those checked.
- •Not a substitute for medical care of lymphoedema.
Related treatments and devices
Others in this area
Practices are listed for general information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment for any condition, and results are not promised. If something hurts, worsens, or worries you — or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a health condition or taking prescribed medication — speak to a doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner first.