We all know that feeling when we wake up with puffy eyes, dark circles, or a bloated face that just won’t cooperate no matter how much sleep we get.  

Sometimes this happens if we eat too much sodium or a food we are sensitive to!

But before you reach for your concealer or rely on heavy creams, why not try some holistic methods that focus on improving overall skin health and supporting your body’s natural detoxification process?

Lymphatic drainage, hydration, and circulation play crucial roles in how your face looks and feels, so incorporating a few simple yet effective techniques into your daily routine can yield lasting benefits.

Here are 10 natural holistic ways to depuff your face, reduce dark circles, and boost overall skin health and lymph drainage:

1. Living Libations Best Skin Ever Moisturizer

This stuff has been LIFE CHANGING for my skin. Many busy days all I do is put this on and go about my day.  

A great way to start your morning skincare routine is by applying a nourishing moisturizer like Living Libations Best Skin Ever!

This luxurious blend of botanical oils helps to hydrate and calm the skin while promoting balance.

It can help soothe any inflammation or puffiness, especially when used with the other modalities like facial cupping, red light therapy etc. This step is perfect for creating a calm and glowing complexion.

For dryer skin types check out: sandalwood, frankincense, rose (I alternative between these 3 as they all have anti-aging properties and different skin benefits)

For acne prone skin check out: seabuckthorn 

2. Korean Beauty Hack: Hair Ties on Ears for Lymph Drainage

Here’s a quirky yet effective technique inspired by Korean beauty that I found on TikTok: Placing small soft hair ties around your ears.

This simple hack helps stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage fluid drainage from the face. 

It stimulates the pressure points in your ears.  I used to auricular acupuncture in Chinese medicine that puts small needles or stick-on earrings that apply pressure to corresponding organs.  Your ears (similar to feet, hands are said to contain a “map” of the whole body.

Wear the hair ties for 20-30 minutes while doing your skincare routine, and you’ll notice your face feels less congested. It’s a quick, easy trick to promote circulation with minimal effort!

3. Cucumber Juice for Hydration and Dark Circles

Cucumbers aren’t just great for topical applications; drinking cucumber juice can work wonders for your skin from the inside out.

Cucumber juice helps hydrate the skin and addresses the root cause of dark circles by cleansing the blood and reducing inflammation. T

he high water content also supports proper hydration, reducing the appearance of tired, puffy eyes. Try incorporating cucumber juice into your morning routine for overall skin health—it’s especially helpful if you tend to struggle with dark under-eye circles.  You can make ahead of time for a few days.

Recipe: 3-4 large hothouse cucumbers, cut into 1-2 inch pieces and run through a juicer on their own.

4. Sniffing Peppermint Essential Oil to Clear Sinuses

Peppermint oil is known for its ability to clear sinuses and improve circulation. I love this one from DoTerra.

When you’re feeling congested or dealing with facial puffiness, simply sniffing peppermint oil can help relieve pressure and reduce swelling, making it a powerful tool for those suffering from sinus-related puffiness and dark circles.

You can sniff from the bottle or add a drop to your palms, then inhale deeply.  This is also a great way to relieve tension headaches and help you wake up.

5. Jade Roller Technique on Sinus Pressure Points

Jade rolling is a beloved ancient practice for reducing puffiness and promoting lymphatic drainage.

By gently rolling the jade roller over the following specific sinus pressure points, you can relieve congestion and help clear sinuses:

Source: https://gibsonchiropracticclinic.com/sinus-trigger-points/

6. Facial Cupping for Lymphatic Drainage

Facial cupping has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and is incredibly effective at stimulating lymphatic drainage.

This technique uses small, soft cups that create suction on the skin, which helps lift and drain stagnant lymph fluid, depuff the face, and encourage blood flow.

Cupping also improves circulation, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and helps release tension in the face. It’s a great way to bring immediate relief to tired, puffy eyes and restore your skin’s natural glow.

Check out this video here to see how to do it:

7. Rebounding: Jumping for Lymphatic Health

Rebounding (or simply jumping on a mini-trampoline) is not only fun but incredibly beneficial for your lymphatic system and overall health.  SO many people have seen amazing results with rebounding and it’s said to be an essential way toxins removed from the body through the lymphatic system.

Many people utilize traditional rebounding for a low impact workout to aid with building muscle and weight loss.

The up-and-down motion helps stimulate lymph flow and detoxify the body. It’s a simple way to promote overall skin health, reduce puffiness, and even improve your energy levels.  

If you don’t have a rebounder, just spend several minutes bouncing up and down by lifting your heals off the ground to gently move the lymph.

8. Red Light Therapy: Using the Solawave 4-in-1 Wand

Red light therapy is an innovative way to support your skin’s natural healing processes and really improve skin texture.  I always get compliments on my skin after I use this!

The Solawave 4-in-1 Wand combines red light therapy, galvanic current, facial massage, and heat, all of which help to reduce puffiness, stimulate collagen production, and enhance circulation.  This is a great way to help absorb product into the skin too!

Red light therapy specifically works by penetrating deep into the skin, promoting cell regeneration, and improving the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.  Use it consistently to address puffiness and signs of aging with non-invasive, rejuvenating effects!

9. Ice Roller to Tighten Skin and Close Pores

An ice roller is a simple yet powerful tool for tightening skin, reducing inflammation, and shrinking pores. It feels amazing too!

The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels, which can reduce swelling and depuff areas like the under-eye region.

Simply roll it over your face in gentle motions, especially around the eyes, jawline, and forehead, to improve skin tone and reduce any morning puffiness. It’s a refreshing and invigorating way to start your day, and it’s also an easy step to add to your routine before applying makeup.

10. Green Tea Bags for Anti-Inflammatory Relief

Green tea bags are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Simply chill used green tea bags in the fridge and place them over your eyes for about 10–15 minutes.

The tannins in the tea help tighten the skin, reduce swelling, and even soothe irritated areas. This treatment is perfect for those days when your eyes feel extra tired or swollen.

Incorporating These Techniques into Your Routine

You don’t need to do ALL of these techniques every day, but integrating just a few into your routine can have a noticeable impact on the appearance of your face and overall skin health 🙂

Whether you start with a few minutes of facial cupping, a daily jade rolling session, or a glass of cucumber juice, these natural modalities can help keep your skin glowing and reduce puffiness and dark circles over time.

Consistency is key.

By supporting your lymphatic system, improving circulation, and hydrating your skin, you’ll be investing in long-term skin health.

These holistic techniques work synergistically to create a vibrant, depuffed complexion that radiates wellness from the inside out 🙂

Which technique are you excited to try first?

Or do you already have a favorite from this list? Let me know your thoughts and how you’re planning to incorporate them into your routine in the comments below!