Lymphatic Facial Massage Is No Joke — Here's Exactly How to Make It Work For Your Routine - POPSUGAR

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There are many ways to facilitate lymphatic flow — gua sha stones, jade rollers, or dry brushes can help stimulate lymphatic drainage and increase circulation to bring to life the depuffed result you're looking for. But as fun as tools can be, they aren't always necessary. All you need is a product that helps create some slip to the skin and your hands.

First, choose your topical; you'll want something that will prevent you from tugging on your skin. If most of your puffiness is localized around the eye area, you might want to consider using an eye cream for your daily massage, like the new Clarins Double Serum Eye. This eye cream uses 13 plant extracts, like turmeric and wild chervil, to target the delicate needs of the eye area. This serum also uses a two-phase formula that provides instant hydration while visibly brightening the skin; even better, it offers just enough slick for gentle massage.

The age-old trick of using your ring finger to apply eye cream isn't a secret, but Clarins takes it a step further. While there are a few different ways you can encourage lymphatic drainage, the brand's draining pressure method is one to seriously consider, and it's just three easy steps: warm, apply, and drain. After warming the product in your hands, use your fingertips to press the product into the skin — press, not tap. This firm but gentle pressure — moving from the inner corner of the eye to the outer — promotes microcirculation to help visibly reduce dark circles and puffiness. In combination with a product like the Double Serum Eye, you might also expect to see firmer skin.

All-over drainage requires a little more product, like the Clarins Double Serum, which offers slip and a load of ingredients to support your glow. This formula uses 21 plant extracts, including turmeric, to visibly firm, smooth, and improve radiance. Since we know you can't solely rely on a lymphatic massage to address visible signs of aging, a serum like this serves as your perfect pinch hitter. The fluid texture is due to its two-phase formula, which uses a ratio of water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients, similar to the skin's hydrolipidic barrier (a protective film that helps skin maintain moisture while preventing it from external aggressors).

The same draining pressure method can be used for the face, too. After warming up the serum, apply it using both hands for even distribution, pressing it into the skin. Once applied, slowly and firmly press the skin again, moving from the forehead to the neck to support lymph drainage. Dr. Obioha-Lolagne says to massage or press the skin in the direction of lymphatic flow. The consistent pressure is what helps move lymph accumulation from the center of the face toward your lymph nodes, where it'll be filtered and pushed on through the lymphatic network. Dr. Obioha-Lolagne says you can also pair the massage with deep-breathing exercises to help promote better lymphatic circulation — no celeb status required.