The Gua Sha Facial Co.

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Massage work is a fundamental step in most professional facials, as expertly kneading the skin can promote better product absorption, stimulate circulation, and help sculpt the muscles. It's arguably the best part of the lineup (IMO), as it not only improves skin appearance but also ensures a relaxing experience—for many, it's a significant part of what makes a facial such a treat.

Now, some types of facials will really hone in on the massage aspect, focusing on specific meridians of the face to help drain excess fluid and encourage flow. Enter, lymphatic drainage facials: such as, my signature facial “The luxury Gua Sha Facial.  Find out how this luxury facial can also be a wonderful treatment that can benefit your skin, how it works, and what to know before booking your session. 

 

To learn specifically about The Gua Sha Facial, Click here  >  The Luxury Gua Sha Facial Information

 

To learn more about Lymphatic Drainage and all its benefits, read below.

 

What is a lymphatic drainage facial?

First, it helps to understand a bit about the lymphatic system:  The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and other organs that keeps body fluid in balance. Lymph, the clear fluid that travels within the lymphatic system, helps deliver vital nutrients while ushering away toxins and waste—essentially, it helps aid the body's natural detox process. 

However: The lymphatic system relies on muscle contraction, diet, exercise, and physical manipulation to function normally. Unlike the circulatory system, your lymphatic system doesn't have its own pump. That's where a lymphatic facial comes in.  You have a high concentration of lymph nodes in your face and neck, so specific movements can help encourage flow.  I use my hands, as well as a Gua Sha stone for this type of treatment/facial.

For the skin, conditions like puffiness, acne, dryness, dullness, and even skin sensitivity can be improved and even resolved by simple lymphatic stimulation because it helps the body do what it's meant to do: heal.

 

Benefits. 

1. Improves dull skin:  Lymphatic drainage can have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin, especially if you are showing signs of lymphatic buildup.  As you clear that buildup and encourage circulation, those vital nutrients have a much easier time reaching the skin cells—and nourished, happy skin cells appear way more radiant. 

2. Decreases puffiness:  Lymphatic drainage is often used to reduce puffiness and inflammation, as lymph buildup can also result in swelling. Those gentle massage techniques can help drain and circulate that excess fluid, thus deflating any puffiness. 

3. Can help with acne: A stagnant lymphatic system will cause acne, breakouts, even full dry skin. As the lymphatic system accumulates more and more waste, it can result in inflammation (and all acne stems from inflammation of some kind). So, by flushing out that waste and encouraging flow, you can keep the skin from becoming congested. 

4. Massages the sinuses:  If you suffer from allergies or any sinus complications/congestion, this service can be very beneficial for you. When the tissues in your nose swell up, those sinuses passages become blocked, and a lymphatic drainage facial can help evacuate some of that fluid and clear the airways. The massage itself gently probes the sinuses, which is a lovely sensation if you're feeling blocked up—just make sure to speak with your doctor to make sure it's the right move for you. 

 

How does it work? 

Of course, every treatment is different with different estheticians or facial practitioners.  However, the esthetician or facial practitioner will likely begin by applying some sort of serum or oil to avoid any friction. Then apply specialized movements with the hands or Gua Sha stone, which may start from the top of the head, then move from the center of the face (near the nose) and work outward, bringing it around and down to the collarbone area.   For my treatment, you may click on > The Gua Sha Facial.

The use of a Gua Sha stone is to enhance the draining experience. These are great tools; however, when draining the lymphatic systems, the key is a very light and gentle touch. You don't want to drag the skin, which can create lines or wrinkles.  So, if you are doing this at home, make sure you have an oil or skin cream on your face and neck to prevent dragging.

That's why it's best to have an esthetician, facial practitioner or licensed acupuncturist specifically trained in this type of facial.  Not only will they have a gentler touch, but they'll also know exactly how to target the channels on your face, thus providing a more successful experience.

 

 

Who should get one? 

Considering lymph buildup can result in a variety of skin concerns (dryness, dullness, puffiness, acne, etc.), pretty much any skin type can benefit from a lymphatic drainage facial. However, if you're dealing with any open, active acne, you might want to skip this type of facial, as it may be too much stimulation. 

 

 

Risks & warnings. 

A lymphatic drainage facial is associated with many skin care benefits—but it should not be confused with a basic facial massage. In fact, lymphatic massage has actually been used as a centuries-old medicinal practice, as the lymphatic system is part of the immune system.  So, if you're immunocompromised in any way, please speak with your doctor before deciding to manipulate this essential network. 

As for the service itself, it likely won't require any downtime on the skin care front. The only thing that comes to mind, with lymphatic drainage, is that it can leave you feeling tired or even a little exhausted.  After all, it takes work for your body to flush out all of that accumulated waste!  That said, you may need to rest for the day—it might not be best to jump into any strenuous activity. It's more common after a full-body lymphatic drainage massage, with a lymphatic massage therapist, but an important warning nonetheless for facials, too. 

You also want to make sure to drink plenty of water post-treatment—after those excess fluids get released from the tissues, you want to continue to flush them out of the body. Yes, that means a few more trips to the bathroom, but it's the only way the waste can truly exit. 

 

 

The takeaway. 

Lymphatic drainage facials can help encourage circulation in the face, which can make the skin appear brighter, reduce puffiness, and even help with breakouts. Again, this facial is not for everyone, so make sure to speak with your doctor if you have any specific concerns.

And if you're curious about other types of facials, make sure to browse through all my services—chances are you'll find one that suits your skin care goals.