Lymphatic Facial Exploration and Routine Development

As a beauty editor, I've tried more facials than I can count. Every one (for the most part) leaves my skin a glowier, more hydrated version of itself. But it wasn't until I had a lymphatic facial with esthetician Ian Michael Crumm, using products from Timebeam Beauty, that I understood the hype around a sculpting facial. Timebeam is a new skin longevity brand founded by integrative medicine doctor and longevity expert Dr. Lamees Hamdan, and its premise focuses on boosting skin function and circulation at a foundational level.

The results of the post-facial high had me hooked, but it was something Dr. Hamdan said that really stuck: she does lymphatic drainage every single day, with simple hand strokes, no matter where she is. That was my lightbulb moment. I realized my entire body could feel as de-bloated and sculpted as my face with this simple addition to my routine. It didn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, just consistent.

Scientifically, it makes sense: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in clearing toxins and reducing inflammation, and daily stimulation—through movement or massage—keeps it flowing. For me, incorporating a few minutes of lymphatic habits has become the easiest, most effective way to de-puff and reset. Here's exactly how I do it, along with the products that go along with it.

I have done this simple massage all over my body—using just my hand—consistently for the past week. I can do it sitting or standing still, and it takes just a few minutes. The best part? It requires no tools or a major time commitment.

I start by placing my hands lightly on my neck, near the back of my ears, and sweeping downwards toward my collarbones and shoulders to open drainage pathways. Next, I move to my underarms and gently massage them, moving on to my groin with the same technique. For legs, I focus on the area behind my knees. For an in-depth visual, Jannell Roberts makes a great tutorial.

Morning face massage is my non-negotiable. It wakes up my skin, carves out my cheekbones, and boosts circulation—all before my caffeine even hits. It initiates the drainage of pooled lymph fluid, making it the perfect first step before the rest of my skincare routine.

Before I started using one, I thought dry brushing was something only pilates girls used on TikTok. I incorporated it into my routine pre-shower to stimulate lymph flow and exfoliate my skin—and it's been especially helpful when I self-tan or have been traveling and snacking on one too many salty treats. I do long strokes, always toward the heart.

Post-massage and dry brushing, I seal in all that sculpting with hydrating products. I like body serums or firming lotions with ingredients like caffeine, which can tighten skin and improve tone and texture. While the effect is only temporary, it adds an extra boost to my lymphatic routine and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth.

My approach to well-being isn't just topical. I love to take supplements with anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits—especially around my menstrual cycle or after travel, when I'm super prone to bloating.

My routine doesn't just stop when I go to sleep. In fact, during deep sleep, the brain's glymphatic system flushes out toxins via cerebrospinal fluid, according to the NIH. At night, I wind down with calming sleep supplements and overnight skin treatments to keep my skin in tip-top shape before morning.

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