Manual lymphatic drainage has become one of the most talked-about treatments in skincare, but few people understand what a lymphatic drainage facial actually does beneath the skin. Who better to explain it than Brice Avon, award-winning massage therapist, 2025 World Massage Championship medallist and author of three books on lymphatic drainage?

We are delighted to announce that Brice will become IRÄYE’s official Ambassador in France. With nearly 20 years of expertise in manual lymphatic drainage, he discovered IRÄYE on his own, tested the products on himself, and has since built a signature treatment around our LYMPHACTIVE™ skincare. As he joins the IRÄYE family, he tells us what happens to the lymphatic system during treatment, why lighter pressure works better, how lymphatic function fits into the skin-ageing conversation, and the ritual he gives his clients to continue at home.

Interview by Janine - Founder Heroine & Muse.

“With lymphatic drainage, more pressure does not mean better results. The direction, rhythm and lightness of the touch are extremely important.” — Brice Avon

1. How did your collaboration with IRÄYE begin, and what fascinated you about skincare powered by lymphatic science?

Manual lymphatic drainage has been at the heart of my work for many years — I’ve even written three books on the subject — so I’m extremely selective about the products I use on my clients.

I actually discovered IRÄYE on social media around two years ago. Before speaking to anyone at the brand, I ordered the products and tried them on myself because I wanted to form my own opinion. I saw the results, became curious about the science behind them, and when I later met the team, the collaboration felt very natural.

What immediately fascinated me was that IRÄYE wasn’t simply talking about lymphatic drainage as a beauty trend. The brand was born from more than 20 years of scientific research into the lymphatic system. Its scientists studied over 2,200 natural extracts before developing LYMPHACTIVE™, their proprietary complex of five plant-derived actives.

For someone like me, who works manually with the lymphatic system every day, discovering a topical skincare technology developed specifically around lymphatic science was really unique.

That is the idea behind my signature IRÄYE treatment: my personalised manual lymphatic techniques combined with IRÄYE skincare. We work on the lymphatic system through touch in the treatment room, and then the products allow the client to continue that lymphatic-focused approach every day at home.

And beyond the science, the products are beautiful to work with. The formulas are vegan, the textures are very sensorial, and there is this combination of efficacy and pleasure that is essential for me in a treatment.

2. What happens within the lymphatic system during a lymphatic drainage facial, and why does it matter for puffiness, radiance and definition?

The lymphatic system is essentially one of the body’s drainage networks. It collects excess fluid from the tissues and helps transport it back into circulation.

Unlike the cardiovascular system, it doesn’t have one central pump like the heart, so movement, breathing and the natural contractions of the lymphatic vessels themselves all contribute to lymphatic flow.

During my treatment, I use very gentle, precise and rhythmic movements. With lymphatic drainage, more pressure does not mean better results. The direction, rhythm and lightness of the touch are extremely important.

When fluid has accumulated in the tissues, particularly around the eyes, cheeks or jawline, supporting drainage can have a very visible effect. The face can look less puffy, the features more defined, the complexion brighter, and the person simply looks fresher and more rested.

What makes IRÄYE particularly interesting to me is that I can then combine that manual stimulation with a skincare technology developed specifically around lymphatic science. So there are really two complementary dimensions: what I can achieve mechanically with my hands, and what IRÄYE is designed to support topically through LYMPHACTIVE™.

3. What difference do you see when you combine manual lymphatic drainage with IRÄYE skincare, compared with massage or skincare alone?

This is really where the collaboration becomes interesting. Manual lymphatic drainage can create a very immediate visible change. You can see puffiness decrease, features become more defined and the complexion look fresher.

IRÄYE adds another dimension because the products aren’t simply moisturisers that I apply after the massage. At the heart of the formulas is LYMPHACTIVE™, a technology specifically developed around lymphatic function.

So I see the two as complementary. My hands provide the mechanical stimulation; the skincare provides topical support as well as all the additional benefits you expect from high-performance skincare — hydration, radiance, firmness and support for the visible signs of ageing.

But for me, the biggest advantage is continuity. A client can leave my treatment with that beautiful fresh, sculpted, rested appearance, but she obviously can’t have a facial every morning. With IRÄYE, I can give her a ritual to continue at home.

In my experience, clients who are consistent with the products and the lymphatic gestures at home maintain that fresher, less congested appearance much better between treatments. They often tell me their skin looks brighter, their face looks less tired and they notice more definition.

That’s what I find so intelligent about IRÄYE: it creates a bridge between the professional treatment and what the client can realistically do every day.

4. Could signs of skin ageing, such as dullness, fluid retention and loss of definition, be connected to slower lymphatic function?

Absolutely — although I think it’s important to put it in context.

Skin ageing is multifactorial. Collagen loss, sun exposure, hormonal changes, hydration, the skin barrier and many other mechanisms are involved. I would never say that everything comes from the lymphatic system. But lymphatic function is a big part of the ageing conversation that the beauty industry has largely ignored.

The lymphatic system is involved in fluid balance and tissue homeostasis. When the system becomes less efficient, excess fluid and congestion can become more visible. You see it particularly in puffiness around the eyes, a heavier-looking lower face, less definition and a complexion that can look dull or tired.

This is why I find IRÄYE’s approach so interesting. We’ve spent decades talking about collagen, hyaluronic acid and the skin barrier — all of which are important — but the lymphatic network underneath the skin is another piece of the puzzle. For me, it’s not about replacing traditional skincare science. It’s about completing it.

To learn more about how LYMPHACTIVE™ was developed, discover The Science Behind IRÄYE.

5. Which IRÄYE products do you recommend most for a more sculpted, rested look, and what is your ultimate combination?

If I had to choose the product where clients can really understand the IRÄYE difference, I would say the Eye Revive Cream.

The eye contour is one of the areas where fluid accumulation is most visible. A small amount of puffiness can immediately make someone look more tired, so when you improve the appearance of that area, the whole face can look different.

Eye Revive is particularly interesting because it doesn’t only address puffiness. It combines LYMPHACTIVE™ with ingredients including caffeine, vitamin C and Bio-Retinol to work on the appearance of under-eye bags, dark circles, fine lines and firmness. It’s a very complete eye treatment, and the texture is beautiful.

I also love the Radiance Firming Serum for the whole face. It gives hydration and radiance while supporting that firmer, more defined appearance that my clients are looking for.

My ultimate combination after a manual treatment would be the Radiance Firming Serum over the face, Eye Revive Cream around the eyes and then the IRÄYE moisturiser best suited to the client’s skin.

And at home, I would absolutely add the lymphatic application gestures — and, around the eyes, the Reusable Eye Patches with Eye Revive Cream. It’s a very simple ritual, but clients can see why the technique and the skincare work so well together.

For me, that’s the strength of IRÄYE: it isn’t simply a range of beautiful products. It is a complete approach connecting lymphatic science, highly effective skincare, professional touch and a ritual that clients can realistically continue at home.

Shop Brice’s Lymphatic Ritual

1.Serum: smooth Radiance Firming Serum with LYMPHACTIVE™ over the face and neck.

2.Eyes: apply Eye Revive Cream with LYMPHACTIVE™ around the eye contour.

3. Moisturise: finish with The Cream or, for drier skin, The Rich Cream.

4. Massage: use light, directional lymphatic gestures as you apply, from the centre of the face outwards and down the neck. For a step-by-step routine, follow our 3-minute facial massage guide.

5. Once or twice a week: apply Eye Revive Cream, then place the Reusable Eye Patches on top for 15 minutes.