My Everyday Lymphatic Drainage Routine Keeps My Face Sculpted and My Body De-Bloated
It's lazy-girl approved.
As a beauty editor, I've tried more facials than I can count. Every one (for the most part) leaves my skin a glowier, more hydrated version of itself. But it wasn't until I had a lymphatic facial that I understood the hype around a sculpting facial. After that experience, I met with integrative medicine doctor and longevity expert Dr. Lamees Hamdan, whose practice and skincare brand focuses on boosting skin function and circulation at a foundational level.
The results of the post-facial high had me hooked, but it was something Dr. Hamdan said that really stuck: she does lymphatic drainage every single day, with simple hand strokes, no matter where she is. She says that it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, just consistent in order to reap the benefits. That was my lightbulb moment. I realized my entire body could feel as de-bloated and sculpted as my face with this simple addition to my routine.
Scientifically, it makes sense. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in clearing toxins and reducing inflammation, and daily stimulation—through movement or massage—keeps it flowing. For me, incorporating a few minutes of lymphatic habits has become the easiest, most effective way to de-puff and reset. Here's exactly how I do it, along with the products that go along with it.
Quick Easy Lymphatic Massage Motions
With Dr. Hamdan's instructions, I have done this simple massage all over my body—using just my hands—consistently for the past few months. I can do it sitting or standing still, and it takes just a few minutes. The best part? It requires no tools or a major time commitment.
I start by lightly placing my hands on my neck, near the back of my ears, and sweeping downward toward my collarbones and shoulders to open drainage pathways. Next, I move to my underarms and gently massage them, moving on to my groin with the same technique. For legs, I focus on the area behind my knees. For an in-depth visual, Jannell Roberts makes a great tutorial.
De-Puff Sculpt
Morning face massage is my non-negotiable. It wakes up my skin, carves out my cheekbones, and boosts circulation—all before my caffeine even hits. It initiates the drainage of pooled lymph fluid, making it the perfect first step before the rest of my skincare routine.
The high-tech features of this device take all the guesswork out and instantly depuff under-eye bags and reduce the appearance of tired, dull skin. Plus, the red light therapy gives your skin an extra dose of collagen-boosting effects.
Return to the basics with this aesthetically pleasing gua sha that works just as well for sculpting my face as it looks sitting on my vanity.
Dry Brush Time
Before I started using one, I thought dry brushing was something only Pilates girls used on TikTok. I incorporated it into my routine pre-shower to stimulate lymph flow and exfoliate my skin—and it's been especially helpful when I self-tan or have been traveling and snacking on one too many salty treats. I do long strokes, always toward the heart.
Don't know what products to get for your lymphatic drainage body routine? Easy. Pop this kit in your cart that includes everything from a body gua sha, a dry brush, and two skincare treatments.
Famous massage educator and esthetician Cecily Braden created these ultra-luxe dry brushes that are softer than their counterparts and made to last. The set includes one for your face and your body.
Smooth It All On
Post-massage and dry brushing, I seal in all that sculpting with hydrating products. I like body serums or firming lotions with ingredients like caffeine, which can tighten skin and improve tone and texture. While the effect is only temporary, it adds an extra boost to my lymphatic routine and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth.
This cult-favorite body cream contains its hero ingredient, caffeine-rich guaraná for smoother, tighter-looking skin. Plus, it smells absolutely delicious.
My eyes are the dead giveaway that I haven't had any sleep. This affordable caffeine eye cream from Inkey List instantly solves that problem.
Ingest to De-Bloat
My approach to well-being isn't just topical. I love to take supplements with anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits—especially around my menstrual cycle or after travel, when I'm super prone to bloating.
Ginger root remains one of the best natural ingredients to combat nausea. I always keep a few from Nature's Way on hand.
Vitamin B1 improves menstrual cramps, says the National Library of Medicine, so when I start to notice signs of pain during my cycle, a dose of thiamine relieves everything.
Drain While You Sleep
My routine doesn't just stop when I go to sleep. In fact, during deep sleep, the brain's glymphatic system flushes out toxins via cerebrospinal fluid, according to the NIH. At night, I wind down with calming sleep supplements and overnight skin treatments to keep my skin in tip-top shape before morning.
These magnesium-powered supplements promote relaxation during sleep and are yummy to take, which helps me get a restful night's sleep.
If I had a tough workout the day before or a long workday, I love to spray this magnesium spray on my sore muscles right before bed.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
