FIRST FACE

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

THE PRO AT-HOME FACIAL

Chelseé Lewis knows good skin and how to get it. An established London facialist, she counts Gwyneth Paltrow and Stella Mccartney among her loyal clientele. Here, she reveals the products and lesser-known techniques to elevate your at-home facial.

STEP 1: CLEANSE

‘Smooth Eve Lom’s cult Cleanser [3], £55, across your face, then sweep away with a muslin cloth soaked in warm water. Next, press a clean muslin cloth soaked in cold water to your face to increase blood flow for that post-facial glow.’

STEP 2: EXFOLIATE

‘Use a grain-free exfoliator such as Yon-ka Gommage [1], £36, which is so gentle you can use it on your eye area. Apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin and leave on for two minutes to remove dull, dead skin cells.’

STEP 3: OIL

‘Warm 3-5 drops of face oil, or a walnut-sized scoop of face cream, in your palms. I use antioxidant-rich SUQQU Designing Massage Cream [4], £43. Massage your face and neck for five minutes to aid lymphatic drainage – the movement of fluid through your skin’s tissue – to de-puff.’

STEP 4: MASK

‘I recommend Timeless Truth Hydrating Regenerating Skin Enhancing Face Mask [2], £6.95, which uses papyrus extract – an ingredient that helps your skin cells maintain water – and hydrating vitamin B5 to quench your complexion. Leave on for 15 minutes.’

STEP 5: TEA TIME

‘Make yourself a camomile tea. Camomile is a powerhouse of antioxidants that protects your skin from dulling free-radical damage. It also adds to the spa-like sense of occasion.’

STEP 6: REFRESH

‘Remove the mask, then fill your sink with cold water and ice cubes and splash your face 1520 times. Your mood will feel lifted, and your skin’s circulation gets another boost. Dry your face by pressing, not wiping, with tissues to avoid irritation.’

STEP 7: TREAT

‘Apply Lancôme Hydra Zen Neurocalm Day Cream, £43, which is laced with calming rose and moringa extracts. Finish with a soothing face mist to complete your at-home spa experience.’ Try Kora Organics Balancing Rose Mist, £31, an antioxidant-rich blend of rose, aloe vera and hibiscus extracts.

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Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Elle Macpherson all swear by lymphatic drainage massage – and it’s not just for your face. For the body, the treatment promises to de-bloat, de-puff and temporarily ease water retention. Expert Flavia Morellato tells all…

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

‘Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique used to accelerate your body’s detoxing processes and release water retention,’ explains Flavia. ‘Afterwards, excess fluid is filtered through your kidneys and flushed out in your urine.’

AND THE BENEFITS?

‘A full-body lymphatic drainage massage can reduce bloating and make you feel lighter and more comfortable. It will also boost circulation, help your body to detox and aid the function of both the immune and digestive systems.’

THE DIY LYMPHATIC

DRAINAGE

While booking in with a professional reaps the best rewards, you can enjoy some of the benefits of lymphatic drainage at home by dry body brushing. Begin slowly with long, gentle strokes across dry skin, directed towards your upper torso and chest. Start at your feet and move upwards using a low-to-medium pressure. Use circular motions across your stomach to aid digestion and, once above your chest, direct strokes towards your heart. Try the Mio Skincare Dry Body Brush, £15, which features rubber nodules alongside synthetic bristles to offer a more complete massaging effect.