How to get glowy skin…
How to make your skin glow…
A Lymphatic Massage Therapist’s perspective.
When it comes to radiant skin, the lymphatic system is super helpful — it supports an internal balance in the body by helping to flush out toxins, metabolic waste and excess fluid from the tissues.
A sluggish lymphatic system can lead to a buildup of waste in the body, which may manifest as dull skin, puffiness, inflammation, or breakouts. On the flip side, a well-functioning lymphatic system helps clear congestion, reduce water retention, and support cellular regeneration, all of which contribute to a clearer, brighter, more luminous complexion.
So on that note, here are some tips to help your Lymph System and Skin Health:
Stay hydrated - drink filtered water and herbal teas throughout the day. Pass on soft drinks even diet ones, and don’t overdo it on coffee or black tea as all of these can dehydrate you, and therefore could contribute to fine lines and wrinkles, dullness or fluid retention.
Work on your gut health - ditch processed foods and focus on a varied diet rich in whole foods (think fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, oily fish, unprocessed meats etc). The World Health Organisation recommends 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day (or about 2.5 - 3 cups) for optimal health. You may have noticed many Nutritionists and Naturopaths recommend at least 30+ different plant sources per week for optimal nutrient intake and gut health (as variety is key for our overall health). It’s also important you steer clear of any dietary triggers that impact your digestion, which for some people that is gluten, dairy, soy or sulphites to name some common culprits. If you need extra support with your gut health consider seeing a Naturopath, Nutritionist or Chinese Medicine Practitioner/Acupuncturist or talk to your GP.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage - You can do this yourself or see a trained therapist such as myself. This helps your Lymphatic vessels maintain tissue fluid homeostasis and therefore shows up as less fluid retention, improved immune system defences and a reduction in inflammation and inflammatory conditions including skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and psoriasis.
Facial cupping - Regular facial cupping can help release tight muscles in the face (which can then make your face appear more lifted and feel more relaxed), boost lymphatic flow, increase circulation and it may stimulate collagen production, all helping with a brighter appearance. You can purchase them here. You could also book in for a Face Massage with me to help release tight muscles, move lymph and boost circulation.
Seek out skin care products that suit your skin type - For me that’s a mix of Korean Beauty, Mukti Organics and Sans Ceuticals. These are products that cleanse, hydrate and brighten my skin. I also wear a dewy look sunscreen by Eco Sonya.
Reduce the amount of toxins your body is exposed to - This could mean turning to natural cleaning products for your home, body-care and or skin care such as wearing and sleeping in natural fibres (think 100% cotton/wool/bamboo/linen/hemp sheets and clothing); reducing your frequency of wearing perfume (perfumes are a proven endocrine/hormone disruptor); washing your fruits and vegetables in bi-carb soda and filtered water or buying organic to reduce your pesticide intake; reducing your exposure to microplastics by storing foods in glass over plastic, ensuring you don’t cook with plastic utensils or heat foods in plastic containers. I mean I could continue with the low tox tips… but it’s best you find ways that suit your lifestyle.
Skip the alcohol - it’s inflammatory, and is just another toxin that your body has to process and eliminate. It also dehydrates you, and therefore could also be adding to fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness.
Find ways to destress every day - Think gentle yoga, meditation, breathwork, walks in nature, putting your legs up the wall for 10mins, journalling, cuddling your dog or loved ones… what ever feels calming for you. The intention here is to bring your body back to the parasympathetic nervous system state aka rest, digest and repair as that’s the state for healing and vibrant health.
Written by Tarren Hehir, Remedial Massage Therapist + Yoga Teacher
Massaging clients based in: Clifton Hill, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Northcote, Collingwood, Abbotsford, Coburg, Preston, Carlton, Carlton North, Thornbury, West Melbourne, North Melbourne, Melbourne CBD
