The Tamesis
Our lives are all governed by almighty algorithms—if you’re as beauty-obsessed as we are, you’ve probably stumbled upon those lymphatic face brushes on TikTok or Instagram. this happened to me Fashion’s beauty editor Kiana Murden, and even comedian and recent Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser, who dished out the tool in her Beauty Secrets video.
Despite her initial skepticism about their efficacy, Glaser methodically swept a brush from the center of her face outward until she suddenly stopped and exclaimed, “Oh my God, it works.” The side of her face she was brushing was noticeably more chiseled than the other, so she continued brushing, this time switching to the other side.
That said, lymphatic brushing joins the ranks of de-puffing tools like gua sha, rollers, and dry brushing; most importantly, it stimulates lymphatic drainage, your body’s natural detoxification process. “Unlike the vascular system, which relies on the heart to pump blood throughout the body, the lymphatic system does not have its own pressure pump,” explains Tammy Fender, a holistic practitioner and founder of her eponymous skin care line and spa. “Instead, lymph collects the body’s metabolic waste products and toxins and then drains them out in response to our movement, such as walking or exercising, but can also be drained through manual movement.”
However, not all methods are actually designed to promote lymphatic drainage, says esthetician, spa educator and founder of her eponymous brand, Cecily Braden. For example, gua sha and dry brushing are best for supporting blood flow and microcirculation, which helps provide nutrient-rich plasma to cells. “Cosmetic rollers can promote lymphatic flow, but to effectively increase lymphatic circulation, tissue must engage in a precise manner that supports the natural function of lymphatic vessels,” she adds.
According to Braden, the best way to increase lymph flow to drain fluid and waste from the tissues is manual lymph drainage (with your hands) or using her proprietary lymphatic brush. “Manipulating lymphatics manually requires a deeper understanding of lymphatics and enough patience to consistently measure and apply the correct pressure throughout your daily routine, whereas performing these actions on yourself is very different and often much more difficult than working with a client,” she explains. In an effort to create a convenient self-care option, she spent years developing the Lymphatic Brush, launching it in 2023.
She offers products in large and small brush sizes, which look similar but have different bristles to provide the right amount of pressure for the respective treatment area. Smaller brushes are best for the face because of their longer, softer bristles, while larger brushes have shorter, stiffer bristles and are suitable for the face, neck, crown, and body. Braden recommends using both. “It’s a common misconception that small brushes are for the face and large brushes are only for the body,” she says. “In fact, the large brush plays a leading role in facial care, accounting for approximately 75% of the regimen. By focusing on the neck and jawline, key areas that impact skin vitality, it helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, acne and inflammation.”
Does lymphatic brushing really work?
Lymphatic scrubbing can be very effective, but it’s best done on an ongoing basis, over time, to achieve a cumulative effect, rather than as a one-time treatment, Fender notes. “That said, for some people who have severe puffiness or whose skin has become dull and pale, the effects can be powerful and rapid,” she says. Braden emphasizes that not all lymphatic brushes are created equal, and her patented tool is engineered to work with facial tissue and lymphatic vasculature to target inflammation.
