Do Lymphatic Face Brushes Actually Work? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
“Dry lymphatic brushing reproduces precise pressures that stimulate subcutaneous lymphatic flow and reactivate the three main functions of the lymphatic system,” explains Marine Guillou-Doré, facialist for IRÄYE, a brand dedicated to activating the lymphatic system. “First, it helps with elimination by removing toxins, excess fluids, fats, and bacteria, which reduces facial puffiness, redefines facial contours, awakens the complexion, and can even improve acne by accelerating the removal of subcutaneous bacteria. Second, it supports cellular nourishment by carrying essential nutrients that stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin density, firmness, and overall quality. Third, it strengthens immunity by promoting the circulation of B and T lymphocytes throughout the body.”
This puts lymphatic dry brushing tools in the ranks of depuffing tools like gua shas and face rollers that stimulate the body’s natural detoxification process. Unlike the vascular system, which has the heart to pump blood through the body, the lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pressure pump. Waste and toxins are therefore only drained by movement or manual actions, like the use of a brush.
Kickstarting the viral trend, Cecily Braden created The Lymphatic Brush with a curved, ergonomic handle in a striped wood-grain pattern and tightly packed bristles in circular clusters. Unfortunately, the tool is not yet easily available in the UK, which means that we will have to settle for the Amazon dupes of lymphatic face brushes to tap into the trend. As this is the case, pay attention to the bristles to ensure they are not too hard, as this will cause sensitivity. Consistency is key for cumulative benefits that range from minimising puffiness and calming inflammation to promoting lymphatic drainage. Light pressure is essential to prevent tugging or pulling – holistic practitioner Tammy Fender tells Vogue, “The lymph layer sits very close to the skin’s surface, and if you use too much pressure you can’t move the fluid – you actually trap it.”
Lymphatic Contour Face Brush
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FAQs
What does lymphatic dry brushing do for the face?
“Facial lymphatic brushing gently stimulates lymph flow, helping to move excess fluid, reduce puffiness, and support the skin’s natural detox process,” says lymphatic drainage massage specialist Dimple Amani. “When done correctly, it can create a clearer, more sculpted appearance by improving circulation and drainage.”
What are the signs that your lymphatic system is draining?
The two easiest ways to tell if your lymphatic system is draining well are noticing clearer, brighter skin and reduced puffiness around the eyes, says holistic practitioner Tammy Fender. “Some of the most important signs are also very subtle,” she adds. These signs can include a wide range of sensations and physical changes, notes aesthetician Cecily Braden. This could be everything from improved mental clarity, focus, and stress response to a reduction in bloating, gastrointestinal discomfort, and headaches.
However, if you’re feeling a little discomfort or nausea immediately after a lymphatic drainage treatment, that’s normal: “As the body processes and drains excess fluid, congestion, and the accumulation of wastes, it may cause temporary pain,” says Braden. As the fluid drains and tissues soften, pain should be relieved (with restored mobility, too).
What skincare products should you use alongside it?
Begin your lymphatic brushing with clean, dry skin. Save your oils for after, agree the experts. Morellato recommends following the treatment with “a light hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid and/or glycerin, and barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide.” She says to “Avoid actives like retinoids immediately. Brushing increases absorption, so product choice matters.”
Who should use and shouldn’t use a facial lymphatic brush?
A facial lymphatic brush is ideal for those looking to combat puffiness, fluid retention, dullness, post-flight swelling, low circulation and hormonal or lifestyle-related oedema. But Morellato says that you should avoid when you have “active acne (especially inflamed or cystic), rosacea (active phase), eczema / compromised skin barrier, recent fillers (within two to three weeks), recent procedures (surgery, lasers, peels) and fragile capillaries.”
What direction should brushstrokes follow, and why?
“This is critical,” stresses lymphatic drainage expert Morellato. “Strokes should always follow lymphatic flow, not muscle direction; neck and décolleté should always be included. Draining the face without opening the neck is like directing traffic to a closed road. The lymph must have somewhere to go.”
Guillou-Doré breaks it down: “For facial drainage, start from the décolleté and move upward, opening exit pathways in this order: supraclavicular area, under the ears (infra-auricular area), and under the jawline (submandibular area). Perform strokes from the centre of the décolleté outward, from the chin along the jawline toward the ears, from the centre of the face laterally toward the outer contours, along the cheeks, and finally toward the eye area. It is important never to start with the eyes before draining the lower face, as lymph cannot flow properly if the lymph nodes at the ears, chin, and décolleté have not been stimulated first.”
How do I know if I’m brushing too hard or too often?
Light pressure is all that is required to see results. “You’re brushing too hard if your skin turns red and stays red, if there’s a burning or tingling sensation and if you feel heat instead of lightness,” Morellato details. “Lymphatic stimulation should feel light, calming, and almost boring.”
As for frequency, the experts agree that around twice per week is ideal.
What type of brush is best?
“For the face, look for ultra-soft natural bristles with a small head (precision matters),” says Morellato. She advises paying attention to ensure the bristles are flexible – no rigid, sharp or dense fibres. If it feels “scrubby”, it’s wrong for lymphatics.” Guillou-Doré prefers options designed specifically for the face with “vegan synthetic fibres, an optimal bristle density for adhesion to facial contours, and feature small nodules that reproduce the precise pressure needed for effective lymphatic stimulation.”
Manual brushes are Morellato’s preferred option. “From a lymphatic perspective, manual brushes are best for superficial lymph stimulation and to control pressure and direction. Silicone brushes are often too blunt, and vibrating tools can overstimulate, confuse lymph rhythm, and increase redness, but may help circulation.” This is also agreed by Amani, who adds, “Manual tools allow greater control over direction and pressure, which is key for lymphatic drainage. Vibrating tools stimulate the skin but may not support true lymph flow in the same way.” These may be too aggressive or invasive.
How long until you see results and are the effects temporary or cumulative?
The instant results are a big part of why these brushes have gone so viral, especially when it comes to reducing puffiness. Yet it is worth noting that this is just a temporary benefit. Long-term, Morellato says, “consistent correct stimulation supports better lymph function.” Amani says that regularity is where you’ll be able to truly see improvements in tone, clarity, and facial definition. What’s more, “regular lymphatic stimulation can improve drainage efficiency over time, creating more sustained results.”
Guillou-Doré adds, “While lymphatic drainage is a natural process, lifestyle factors such as diet, hydration, physical activity, sleep, stress, and hormonal cycles affect lymphatic function. Daily self-drainage, lymphatic-stimulating skincare, a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular professional treatments can create long-term, cumulative benefits over time.”
How do lymphatic brushes compare to other tools?
“Dry brushing is the gentlest entry point, not the most powerful tool,” Morellato believes. She compares them to other popular tools; “Gua sha has a stronger mechanical effect and can influence fascia, but it is easier to overload if done incorrectly. Facial massage, on the other hand, is good for muscles and circulation, but it is often too heavy for lymphatics. Microcurrent is great for muscle tone and lifting; however, it has minimal lymphatic impact.”
What should you do after lymphatic drainage to support results?
According to Amani, “Hydration is essential. Drinking water or herbal teas helps the body flush out toxins and supports the skin from within.”
- Flavia Morellato is a celebrity-favourite lymphatic drainage and post-op recovery expert.
- Dimple Amani is a specialist in Ayurveda and lymphatic drainage massage and the founder of her eponymous lymphatic drainage brand.
- Marine Guillou-Doré is a luxury facialist at Beau Soin in Paris and facialist ambassador for IRÄYE.
- Tammy Fender is a holistic practitioner and founder of eponymous skin-care line and spa.
- Cecily Braden is an aesthetician, spa educator and founder of The Lymphatic Brush.
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