A technique that reduces inflammation and revitalizes your skin.
Original article Yolaine Diaz: Aug 14, 2025
Unlike a traditional facial massage, lymphatic drainage targets key areas like the neck, jawline, cheeks, and eye area to mobilize accumulated fluids and visibly improve skin texture, tone, and radiance , as well as giving you a temporary lift. With benefits ranging from a more rested and firmer appearance to reducing dark circles, puffiness, and congestion, it’s no wonder this technique has become one of the secrets behind the definition and natural glow we see on so many celebrities.
But how exactly does it work? Is it safe to do it at home? Can you do it if you have fillers? To answer these and other questions, we spoke with Cecily Braden, a facialist specializing in facial lymphatic drainage and founder of Cecily Braden Spa & Wellness in New York City, who explained in detail what this treatment does, who can benefit most, and how to effectively integrate it into your beauty routine.
What is facial lymphatic drainage and how does it work?
The lymphatic system is one of the most important regulatory systems and vital for our body to function properly and defend itself against potential health threats. It acts as a filter to irrigate tissue and keep the fluid clean so cells can access the oxygen and nutrients they need, and protect them from harmful substances.
Lymphatic drainage for the face focuses on promoting lymph flow from the crown of the head to the base of the neck and includes all areas above the collarbone: the neck, jawline, nape of the neck, around the ears, mouth, nose, eyes, and forehead. If you think of the face as a funnel, it’s easy to understand the directional flow of fluids and the importance of the neck. Even a small obstruction can impede the flow of fluids from the face, causing common problems such as swelling and inflammation. Light, rhythmic, circular movements around the lymph node groups help warm the tissue and increase intravascular pressure, which stimulates passive contractions and the subsequent flow of lymph.
Why is our lymphatic system so important?
The lymphatic system is one of the most important regulatory systems and vital for our body to function properly and defend itself against potential health threats. To better understand its relationship with skin health, imagine your body as a personal aquarium, with the millions of cells swimming inside as fish. Tissue fluid is the immediate environment that bathes our cells and acts as a communication, transport, and supply network.
The lymphatic system acts as a filter to irrigate tissue and keep the fluid clean and pristine, allowing cells to access the oxygen and nutrients they need and protecting them from harmful substances. This allows our body’s systems to communicate and initiate a response based on their needs.
How often is it recommended?
The lymphatic system works continuously, but it can become sluggish or lazy due to certain factors such as damaged lymphatic vessels, scar tissue, or in response to the needs of the immune system. When this happens, fluid accumulates, and manual lymphatic drainage or faster lymphatic circulation may be necessary. To maintain skin vitality, this can be done daily as part of your morning or evening skincare routine. It’s excellent for reducing the inflammation associated with acne and balancing the healthy exchange of nutrients and waste products in the tissue.
What results can be expected after a facial lymphatic drainage session?
The results are immediate and can be easily seen while you work, so each movement dictates the next. As blockages are removed, adhesions are released, and fluids are directed where they need to go. The benefits are long-term, as the health of the underlying tissue improves with each session and can be maintained at home with a regular daily routine.
Are there safe ways to do facial lymphatic drainage at home?
Due to the precision of the technique, manual lymphatic drainage is very difficult to learn, which is why I developed The Lymphatic Brush. It’s the first and only drainage device that mimics the natural contraction of the superficial lymphatic vessel system. It’s also easy to use, and you don’t need a deep understanding of the lymphatic pathways.
The Lymphatic Brush does the work and ensures you apply the correct pressure throughout your routine. It’s not used in the same way as a traditional dry brush and isn’t designed to increase blood circulation, but rather to support the superficial lymphatic vessel system, removing fluids from the tissue along with waste and cellular byproducts. Therefore, it’s important to use it after showering or any strenuous exercise that stimulates blood circulation.
Is it better to do it in the morning or at night?
Self-care shouldn’t be stressful, so I always recommend doing it whenever and wherever you can. Due to the wide range of benefits, you can use the brush in the morning, at noon, or at night. In the morning, it helps reduce puffiness, brighten the complexion, and promote the lymphatic and glymphatic cleansing process that occurs while we sleep. In the afternoon, it helps reduce mental fatigue, relieve eye strain, relax the neck, and clear the mind, while at night , it reduces stress, calms anxiety, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and prepares the body for restful sleep.
Can this technique help with certain skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or acne?
Of course it helps. Inflammation is the precursor to aging and the root cause of most skin problems, and manual lymphatic drainage helps reduce inflammation and soothe redness, as well as the accompanying sensations of heat or pain.
Are there products that help promote better lymphatic flow?
Yes, I highly recommend Laurel Skin’s Lymph Compound, which uses plant extracts from coniferous trees and organic herbs to activate movement and detoxification pathways within our cells and tissues.
DeMamiel Skincare also has a great line that focuses on reducing cortisol and just launched a new product focused on lymphatic support.
What types of facials do you offer at Cecily Braden Spa?
All the facials and protocols I offer include a fusion of tools, techniques, and products to achieve healthy, radiant skin. CJB protocols focus on skin function. It’s a minimalist approach that maximizes the benefits of both the treatment and the products. We offer sustainable solutions deeply rooted in the importance of manual lymphatic drainage for cellular renewal and vitality. These solutions are supported by the use of heat to release tension and connective tissue manipulation, which releases restrictions, increases mobility, and promotes fluid flow.
How often should you see a professional?
Consistency is key. I don’t offer traditional facials that focus on topical solutions, but rather, I dedicate the time to caring for your skin’s internal function, so you can enjoy immediate results with long-term benefits. As for frequency, it depends on your goals and your skin’s current condition. If your skin is at a 2 and you want to take it to a 10, you should do it more frequently, perhaps once a week. That time isn’t spent applying masks or exfoliants, but rather on facial massages and supporting your skin’s natural systems. As your skin’s function improves, you’ll need fewer treatments. If your skin is at an 8 and you’re looking to optimize it, the frequency will be lower. Book a Treatment with Cecily Braden
How does this help achieve a visible lifting or sculpting effect?
Aging occurs at the cellular level , not just the physical level, and while products play a supportive role, the key to cellular function is movement. This is where the expertise of a practitioner who understands the function of the skin is needed. Manual lymphatic drainage also helps achieve a more lifted and sculpted appearance by reducing inflammation, draining excess fluids, and revealing the natural contours of the face. The health of the extracellular matrix depends on movement and mechanical stimulation of the tissue, which can be achieved with this type of massage. This activates fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other components that keep the skin firm, hydrated, and promote repair.
Are people with fillers candidates for these facials or for lymphatic drainage at home?
As a gentle touch therapy, manual lymphatic drainage is excellent for those with fillers, as there is no risk of displacing them. It’s a fantastic way to manage fluid retention and swelling that often result from blockages caused by fillers. It will also help restore the skin’s natural vitality, which is often dulled by injectables and lack of movement.