At OhMyKoko we are always looking for natural solutions that care for and transform your skin from within, and today we bring you an interview that you won't want to miss.
We spoke with Judith Checa, an expert physiotherapist and DO in osteopathy , who will reveal how facial lymphatic drainage can be key to brighter, toxin-free and rejuvenated skin.
Did you know that lymphatic drainage not only reduces swelling and improves circulation , but also enhances the effects of a natural cosmetic routine like ours? In addition, Judith shares with us how good posture is not only essential for physical health, but also has a direct impact on facial appearance.
Get ready to discover a holistic approach that combines the best of manual treatments with natural products, and start transforming your skin in a healthy and lasting way. Don't miss out!
CAN YOU BRIEFLY EXPLAIN WHAT FACIAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE IS AND HOW IT WORKS?
Facial lymphatic drainage is a manual technique that promotes the circulation of fluids into the lymphatic vessels . This helps with blood circulation, the elimination of toxins and reduces fluid retention.
FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT MAIN BENEFITS DOES FACIAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE BRING TO THE SKIN?
Facial lymphatic drainage provides several benefits to the skin, including:
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Reduces swelling and fluid retention : helps eliminate excess fluids in the face, reducing inflammation, especially around the eyes and cheeks.
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Improves circulation : stimulates blood and lymphatic flow, which promotes oxygenation of the skin and the elimination of toxins, resulting in more radiant skin and helping us reduce expression lines.
"It helps to cleanse the lymphatic channels, eliminate excess fluid from the face and stimulate circulation."
- Decongests the skin : By cleansing the lymphatic channels, it reduces congestion in the pores and helps prevent acne breakouts or the buildup of toxins.
- Tones and rejuvenates : improves skin tone and elasticity, contributing to a firmer and more youthful appearance, especially in mature skin.
HOW CAN FACIAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE COMPLEMENT A NATURAL COSMETIC ROUTINE, LIKE OHMYKOKO'S?
Facial lymphatic drainage is a great ally as it helps us to better absorb products.
WHAT TYPE OF SKIN DO YOU THINK CAN BENEFIT MOST FROM THIS TREATMENT?
Facial lymphatic drainage is beneficial for all skin types, but some in particular may experience greater improvements due to their specific characteristics or needs. For example:
- Skin prone to swelling or fluid retention : People who experience swelling in the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks, may notice a significant reduction in fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage helps to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling.
- Sensitive and inflammation-prone skin: Being a non-invasive and gentle treatment, it is very beneficial for sensitive skin. It can reduce inflammation without irritating or damaging the skin, improving circulation and calming any possible redness.
"Any skin type can benefit from facial lymphatic drainage, as it improves circulation, promotes detoxification and encourages a more radiant appearance. However, skin types with inflammation, swelling, congestion or that tend to be sensitive are the ones that can notice a more visible and positive change with this treatment."
- Acne and congestion-prone skin : By improving the elimination of toxins and stimulating lymphatic flow, facial drainage can help reduce congestion in the skin and improve the appearance of pores. Although it is not a direct treatment for acne, it can be a beneficial adjunct by improving detoxification and reducing inflammation.
- Mature skin: In mature skin, lymphatic drainage can help improve skin tone and elasticity by stimulating blood circulation and the drainage of toxins. This can contribute to a firmer, more radiant appearance, while also helping to minimize the swelling and fluid retention that sometimes accompanies aging.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ROLE DOES NATURAL COSMETICS PLAY IN LONG-TERM SKIN HEALTH?
In my opinion, using natural cosmetics is the best for our health since we are exposed to a wide range of products that contain synthetic ingredients, many of which act as endocrine disruptors, negatively affecting our hormonal balance .
Using natural cosmetics significantly reduces this impact, as these natural products are free of these harmful compounds. Not only does this promote healthier skin, but we reduce the toxic load on our body that we absorb through the skin.
DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY SPECIFIC NATURAL COSMETIC PRODUCT TO USE BEFORE OR AFTER A FACIAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE TREATMENT?
After treatment, product absorption is increased . A serum with vitamin C can help brighten and stimulate collagen production, while hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated .
Additionally, choosing moisturizers with natural ingredients helps seal in moisture and provide a protective barrier .
These products complement the facial lymphatic drainage treatment, promoting cell regeneration and improving the overall appearance of the skin .
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUR READERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL SKIN CARE AND HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE THEIR DAILY ROUTINE?
Natural skin care is key to your long-term health. I recommend opting for products with natural ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals like parabens and synthetic fragrances . An effective routine should include cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sun protection, even on cloudy days.
In addition, techniques such as facial lymphatic drainage improve circulation, reduce swelling and detoxify the skin. Complementing this with a balanced diet and adequate hydration is essential, as beauty starts from within.
AS A PHYSIOTHERAPIST, WHAT ROLE DOES POSTURE AND MUSCLE TENSION PLAY IN FACIAL APPEARANCE? HOW CAN WE IMPROVE IT?
The face not only reflects our emotions and daily habits, but is also closely related to our general posture .
A forward head position or a hunched posture can affect the alignment of the facial muscles . This can cause tension in the tissues downwards, giving a more tired appearance or even accentuating sagging and expression lines in the jaw and neck area.
It is also very common to find tension in areas such as the jaw (bruxism) or facial muscles, which can cause stiffness, wrinkles and, in some cases, asymmetries . Constant tension in the forehead or between the eyebrows can aggravate the formation of expression lines.
Let's not forget that a more closed posture can compromise blood and lymphatic flow in the face and neck . This can lead to dull skin, facial swelling and toxin buildup. Good lymphatic flow is key to reducing inflammation, improving tone and promoting radiant skin.
"Improving posture and reducing muscle tension not only impacts overall health, but can also have a positive impact on the appearance of the face, helping to maintain firmer skin, a balanced facial structure and a radiant appearance."
Here are some tips that can help improve your posture and reduce tension to optimize your appearance.
- Posture correction: A useful exercise is to imagine that a string is pulling the top of your head towards the ceiling, elongating the spine, and moving the shoulders away from the ears.
- Facial muscle relaxation exercises: Performing facial self-massage exercises can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce facial stiffness. It is advisable to massage from the center of the face outwards and upwards.
- Neck and jaw stretches: This will help relieve built-up tension. Simple movements such as tilting your head to the side and slowly rotating your neck can release tension in your upper body, which in turn has a positive impact on your face.
- Mindful breathing and relaxation techniques: Stress and tension often show up on the face. Incorporating deep breathing and mindful relaxation techniques can help release facial tension. Breathing deeply while relaxing facial muscles can reduce stiffness and promote a smoother, more rested appearance.
- Proper ergonomics: Adjusting your workstation to avoid bad posture is key. Your computer screen should be at eye level and your feet should be flat on the floor. Also, taking regular breaks to stretch and move around is essential.
WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENTS OR EXERCISES DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR PEOPLE WHO SPEND MANY HOURS IN FRONT OF A SCREEN AND WHO FEEL TENSION IN THEIR FACE AND NECK?
To relieve tension in the face and neck of those who spend many hours in front of a screen, it is essential to break with a sedentary lifestyle . Here are some recommendations:
- Break up sitting : Take regular breaks every hour to get up, stretch and walk around. This helps to boost circulation and reduce stiffness.
- Mindful Breathing : Practice deep, mindful breathing. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for four seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This reduces stress and relaxes your muscles.
- Strength exercises : Incorporate strength exercises for the neck and shoulders, such as upper limb pulling and pushing exercises, rowing exercises or push-ups, to strengthen the muscles and prevent tension.
- See a physical therapist : Seeing a physical therapist can provide specific treatments to correct posture and relieve built-up tension, as well as personalized advice.
Implementing these practices can improve your overall well-being and reduce tension in your face and neck.
IS THERE ANY LINK BETWEEN SKIN PROBLEMS SUCH AS ACNE OR ROSACEA AND MUSCLE TENSION OR BODY POSTURE FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE AS A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
Yes, from a physiotherapist's perspective, there is a link between skin problems, such as acne or rosacea, and muscle tension or body posture . Although the primary causes are often hormonal, genetic or inflammatory, posture and tension can also influence skin health in the following ways:
"Although acne and rosacea are not directly caused by postural problems or muscle tension, they can worsen the conditions. Addressing muscle tension with techniques such as facial lymphatic drainage and postural correction can be a useful complementary strategy in the treatment of these problems."
- Stress and muscle tension : Constant tension in the face, neck and shoulders can affect blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues, worsening inflammation and hindering skin regeneration.
- Blood and lymphatic circulation : A slouched posture can compromise blood flow in the face, reducing nutrient delivery and making it difficult to eliminate toxins, which can contribute to acne and rosacea.
- Compression of facial nerves and muscles : Tension in the neck and jaw can affect the balance of facial muscles, causing nerve compression that alters the function of the sebaceous glands and increases inflammation.
- Bruxism and jaw tension : tension in the jaw can cause acne breakouts in nearby areas, as it affects lymphatic flow and encourages the accumulation of toxins.
- Nervous system : Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can aggravate inflammation and increase skin sensitivity, especially in people with rosacea.
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