"Your lymphatic system brings nutrients and carries away waste from every cell in the body," explains Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care. "It doesn't have its own pump, so the lymphatic system relies on our own body movement to perform vital function."

So... what does that mean for us if we're quarantined at home? Unfortunately, a stagnant lymphatic system can cause acne, breakouts, puffiness and dry skin — which is where drainage comes in. "Drainage means we're moving stagnant lymph so it can carry away waste and bring in fresh nutrients," says Dr. Lamees Hamdan, the founder and CEO of Shiffa. Dr. Hamdan also explains that massaging the lymphatic system is key to helping our face and body move the excess water, which causes puffiness. "When lymph is flowing freely you'll have clearer, healthier skin without a buildup of toxins and fluids."

So how, specifically, can we go about getting our lymph to flow freely?

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Lymphatic massage is an effective way to reduce puffiness, eliminate dark circles under the eyes and lessen the frequency of breakouts.

"I recommend lymphatic massage for anyone," says Vargas. It's easy and quick to do. Here's how:

"Start with clean, dry skin and position your index and middle fingers just underneath your ears, in the soft indentation behind your jawbone. Using gentle but firm pressure, rub your fingers down, then loop back in a 'J' motion. Don't just graze the surface of your skin, but don't crush your lymphatic tubes, either. Continue this 'J' pattern three times, then move to the middle of your neck, right on the sides near your arteries. Do the same at the base of your neck, about an inch above your clavicles. Finally, move to where your neck meets your collarbone and massage the soft part along the same neck line you've been following."

It's time to move to your chin. "Using your pointer, middle and ring fingers, massage in the 'J' pattern three times on your chin, below your lips but to the right and left of your chin cleft. Shift your fingers along your jawline, below the corners of your lips, and rub there. Then go to the far end of your jawline, to the muscles where many of us hold tension. Using the two fingers you started with, go back to your first position, under your ears and massage there. Move down your neck in a line, working the same positions you worked on your neck previously. Then go under your eyes, massaging in the 'J' pattern along your eye orbit, from the sides of your nose to just below the outer corners of your eyes. End at the place where your cheekbones meet the sides of your eyes. If you've got puffy eyes, especially in the morning, this will dramatically improve under eye bags."

Where does the fluid from your puffy eyes drain? "Down the sides of your face," says Vargas. "To move that excess liquid through your lymphatic vessels, massage the sides of your face, right toward the top of your ears, then shift down to the middle of your ears, then to the bottom of your ears, where your jawline begins. Finally, return to your neck, right where you began, and travel the length of your neck once again. Now reposition your fingers on your forehead, right above your eyebrows. Rub three times here, then move along your forehead, massaging in the middle, and finish at your temples." If you're prone to breakouts on your forehead, Vargas underlines that this will help clear out the inflammation that triggers them. "Because the fluid needs to drain, move to your ear position and massage there, then finish up along your neck. It's vital you remember your neck, because this is where the excess liquid eventually drains out into your tissues."

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While the lymphatic massage technique can work wonders on your face, dry brushing is a particularly effective tool for your body. "Dry brushing increases blood flow and it stimulates collagen production, which will help to thicken the skin and lessen the appearance of fat cells," says Vargas. "It also dramatically increases elasticity, so it's great for lifting and toning a problem area and is good for draining excess water out of your tissues, making you look less puffy and bloated." Vargas also notes that it gives your skin a little workout, making it thicker and more resilient, which helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite toward the surface of your skin.

To dry brush, start at the tops of the feet and brush upwards in small circular motions. Go over each area 3 to 4 times. Dry brush your whole body this way, giving extra attention to the thigh area. The only area you'll want to brush downwards is your stomach area.

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The benefits of rebounding, or bouncing, on the lymphatic system are countless — plus it's a great way to combine drainage with working out. "Bouncing on, for example, a trampoline introduces additional factors that are suggested to be very helpful in draining the lymphatic system, such as muscle contraction and increased blood flow," says Aly Giampolo, founder and movement director of The Ness NYC. "I recommend bouncing at least three times per week for 20-30 minutes to boost the function of your lymphatic system as well as your mood."

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We saved the easiest and most relaxing for last. The self-explanatory "legs up a wall" yoga pose has tremendous benefits. "It increases the flow of blood from the veins in the legs towards the heart," says Dr. Gabrielle Francis, a naturopathic doctor and board advisory member of Love Wellness. "When we're on our feet all day the blood can pool in the legs causing heaviness, swelling, edema and varicose veins. Putting feet up on the wall helps the blood flow towards the heart where it's pumped into the lungs and exchanged for fresh blood with oxygen." This pose can reduce leg swelling, improve energy, increase oxygen flow and reduce varicose veins. Dr. Francis recommends 10-20 minutes per day.

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