What is lymph, and why does the face become puffy overnight?

Lymph originates from interstitial fluid, the fluid produced by the filtration of blood plasma that continuously surrounds our cells. As soon as it enters the lymphatic capillaries, it becomes lymph: a clear fluid that removes excess water from the tissues, transports proteins and metabolic waste to the organs responsible for processing them, and carries cells of the immune system.

The lymphatic system has no central pump like the heart. Its circulation relies on two complementary mechanisms. The first is intrinsic: collecting lymphatic vessels are divided into valved units whose walls contract rhythmically, propelling lymph from one segment to the next. The second is extrinsic and comes from the body itself — walking, breathing, muscle contractions and facial expressions.

At night, this second mechanism is almost completely at rest. And another, even more significant phenomenon comes into play. When standing, gravity naturally draws fluids toward the lower part of the body; when lying down, this effect disappears and fluid redistributes more evenly. The face shows this more visibly than anywhere else because the skin is thin and the tissues are loose, particularly around the eyes. This explains the appearance of under-eye bags, puffiness, a dull complexion and tired-looking features upon waking.

The morning ritual simply helps restore this balance sooner.

How does the Facial Lymphatic Brush work on the skin?

Designed with ultra-soft fibers, the Facial Lymphatic Brush helps counteract overnight stagnation without ever irritating the skin. As it glides across the face, it supports the circulation of lymph through the superficial lymphatic network — located just beneath the surface of the skin and easily stimulated with gentle pressure. The movement guides excess fluid toward the lymphatic pathways of the face and neck, in front of the ears, beneath the jaw and chin, then down the cervical chains to the collarbones, where lymph naturally rejoins the bloodstream.

It provides three complementary actions.

How to perform a lymphatic facial self-massage: the 3-step protocol

This protocol was developed with facialist Barbara Sand. One golden rule sums it up: movements always travel from the center outward, then downward, using gentle pressure. The brush should glide over the skin, never rub it.

Around the eyes, stay along the orbital bone: the mobile eyelid has the thinnest skin on the face and does not need to be worked directly.

How to incorporate lymphatic brushing into your beauty routine?

Lymphatic brushing naturally fits into a Holidermie routine built around three pillars, with each step preparing the skin for the next.

The first step works from within. Nourishing the skin from within with Collagen Powder or Vegetarian Collagen Capsules helps support its structure and density over the long term — following the rhythm of daily supplementation.

The second step enhances. On clean, dry skin, self-massage with the Facial Lymphatic Brush helps de-puff the tissues and relax facial features. Once freed from excess fluid, the skin also becomes more receptive to the skincare products that follow.

The third step reveals. This is the moment for targeted skincare, applied to prepared skin: the Dark Spot Radiance Serum to even out and restore luminosity to the complexion, or the Absolute Hydration Serum for intensely plumped-looking skin.

Just five minutes every morning are enough to visibly transform the way your face looks throughout the day. The Facial Lymphatic Brush becomes both a beauty ritual and a moment for yourself, allowing facial tension to melt away before the day begins.

Lymphatic brush, gua sha, V roller or reflexology tool: which technique for which need?

All four In Motion tools help promote relaxation and firmness in the face, but each addresses a different need. They do not replace one another: the right tool depends on what your skin needs that morning.

The Facial Lymphatic Brush is the easiest to incorporate naturally into a daily ritual: no oil or skincare product required, just five minutes and gentle pressure by design. It is the morning ritual created to address the appearance of the face upon waking.

The Gua Sha works more deeply and requires more time: it is better suited to an evening ritual, used over a serum or oil when tension from the day has settled into the jaw and forehead. The Facial V-Lift Roller focuses on the contours and facial oval using upward smoothing movements. The Reflexology Tool, meanwhile, belongs to a slightly different category: rather than working on fluid circulation, it offers a moment of pressure and release, ideal whenever the main need is simply to slow down.

Many people combine them throughout the week — the brush every morning, and the gua sha or V roller two to three evenings a week. There is no need to choose just one.

What this ritual is — and what it is not

Manual lymphatic drainage is a physiotherapy treatment performed by a state-qualified physiotherapist, with a medical prescription, for specifically defined medical conditions.

The Facial Lymphatic Brush offers something different: a daily beauty ritual designed for aesthetic and well-being purposes. It supports the comfort and appearance of the skin; it does not treat any medical condition. If you suffer from lymphedema or a circulatory disorder, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Precautions to keep in mind

This ritual requires a few simple precautions.

Ask your doctor for advice before incorporating it into your routine if you currently have or have recently had cancer, or if you have a heart condition or thyroid disorder. Use only on intact skin, avoiding any areas that are damaged, irritated or healing. Always work around raised moles. After an aesthetic procedure — injections, peel or laser treatment — follow the waiting period recommended by the practitioner who performed it.

And if in doubt, professional advice remains the best answer.