The lymph-skin connection
Art by Devra Fox
Considering my upcoming event is centered around the subject of supporting lymphatic health, I thought I’d give you the rundown on why keeping this system in good standing is so important. For your overall wellbeing and glow.
Who is she?
The lymphatic network is an extension of our immune system, running all throughout our body helping to detect and process waste, toxins, pathogens, and injuries. Its role is broad considering it’s responsible for detoxing benign substances such as dead or damaged cells, hormone byproducts, unusable skincare ingredients, etc.. but it also fights infection, bacterial overgrowths, inflammation, and diseases throughout the body. Put simply, it aids in the healing of a breakout and also preventing cancer. She’s kind of a big deal and definitely needs your attention beyond the once-in-a-while gua sha or dry brush.
The Mechanics
Small and thin lymph capillaries run throughout our tissue, trapping waste and delivering support. It does this via interstitial fluid which is made up of water, plasma, and lymphocytes that carry the waste and pathogens away from the collection site. This fluid moves towards the the lymphatic nodes which act as mini processing centers. After passing through the nodes, what is left gets on the lymph “highway” known as the right duct and the thoracic duct and travels through the lymph vessels, eventually rejoining the bloodstream and starting the circulation process over again.
Why Hydration x Vibration
This incredible system is quite self-sufficient as long as you do your part. Other than lowering your exposure to toxins and harmful by-products that increase it’s processing load, the two most crucial components for keeping it fortified are making sure it has enough water (hydration) and movement (vibration) to flow generously and swiftly. The lymph capillaries are thin and can collapse easily if dehydrated or pinched, and it doesn’t have a designated “pump” but instead relies on the movement and vibrations of your body ranging from deep breathing and laughing to bouncing, walking, or running. Considering the body is an inherent micro-doser of all things, it prefers these resources come often and throughout the day vs chugging all your fluids at once or relying on a high-intensity workout class twice a week to cut it. It wants variety and consistency, you give it an inch by eating hydrating fruit and dancing to one song on your lunch break, it takes a mile. Flowing is glowing and movement and hydration are life, it’s kinda like… that simple.
And! Bonus! The skin!
Not only does the lymphatic system run throughout the tissue of our skin, but it also contributes to many of it’s core functions considering the skin is our barrier organ and first line of defense. Notably, when it’s backed up and fighting a good fight it can be visibly seen struggling— presenting as looking puffy, swollen, inflamed, dehydrated, or dull. Progressed signs that it needs extra support are skin disorders, slow wound healing, edema, and swollen lymph nodes.
The skin and lymph (separate of each other and together) require optimal water intake and movement for functioning well. Beautifully, topical lymph support through self-massage with hands or tools can provide an extra boost for increasing detox and summoning a healthy and vibrant glow.
Please join me for my IRL event on 8/25 centered around practicing habits for a more embodied skin health routine.
