Healthy skin needs a healthy lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is an extremely important and fascinating system of the body that plays a major role in the health and function of our skin. When discussing the skin, we need to consider and understand the lymphatic system and its relevance to the skin’s overall appearance and health.
So what is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is an intricate network of tissue and organs made up of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph that play an imperative role in many vital processes that support not only skin health, but overall health, such as nourishment and regeneration of cells, keeping the immune system healthy, filtering metabolic waste and supporting crucial detoxification processes for the whole body.
When the lymph system becomes inefficient it becomes the equivalent of a backed-up pipe: waste clogs within the body and, in turn, triggers inflammation.
How does the health of our lymphatic system impact the skin?
The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins, metabolic waste, dead cells, hormones, bacteria, excess water out of the skin and tissues. Think of it like a backed-up pipe: if the lymphatic system is not performing properly, these wastes accumulate beneath the skin, which in turn, can lead to:
dull, uneven skin tone.
loss of elasticity.
dry, itchy skin.
puffy skin and swelling.
premature ageing.
slow healing of wounds.
congestion & breakouts.
acne.
rashes.
eczema.
psoriasis.
So now that we know the importance of a healthy lymphatic system, let’s discuss ways that we can support the health and function of this very important system.
Exercise: Unlike your cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system does not have a ‘pump’ (a.k.a the heart), so stimulation of the lymph system relies on movement of the body. The contraction of your muscles becomes the pump that helps the fluid get around your body, so it is important to find a way to move your body daily. Even gentle exercise such as walking, stretching, or dancing can be effective in stimulating lymph flow.
Hydration: Lymph fluid is primarily made of water so keeping your water intake high is key to a happy lymphatic system. Less water equals thicker, slower moving fluid and more toxins. Aim for 2L of water per day for maximum hydration.
Hot and cold showers: Exposure to cold water causes your lymph vessels to contract forcing your lymphatic system to pump lymph fluids throughout your body. Alternating the water between hot and cold during a shower is a very effective technique that we can do at home. The hot water dilates the vessels while the cold water constricts them, creating a contraction that imitates the ‘pumping’ action of circulation.
Deep breathing: Abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing exercises are a valuable tool in stimulating the flow of lymph. The up and down movement of the diaphragm during deep abdominal breathing is an essential component for the sufficient return of lymphatic fluid back to the bloodstream. Breathe deeply in through your nose and hold for four counts, then exhale through your mouth for two counts. As you get better at this, you can increase the time, exhaling for twice as long as inhaling. Watch this video to learn more about deep breathing for the lymphatic system.
Dry body brushing: The mechanical action of dry brushing is excellent for exfoliating dry skin and unclogging pores, which makes it easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins in your system. Consistent use of a natural stiff-bristled brush has also been found to increase blood circulation and promote lymph flow/drainage.
We can now see how looking after our lymphatic system needn’t be complex. When your lymphatic system is happy and healthy, the greater chance your skin will be.
Which out of the above suggestions might you include in your routine?