Swollen ankles, heat-induced bloating and that unmistakable feeling of puffiness… summer can be unkind to circulation. As temperatures rise, our body’s tendency to retain water and struggle with sluggish lymph flow increases. Enter two wellness trends: cold therapy and lymphatic drainage, both hailed as seasonal saviours.

But which one is better for de-puffing in summer? Can you combine the two? And do they really work? We pit these circulation-boosting rituals against each other.

Why Summer Makes You Puffy

Warm weather can lead to vasodilation, where blood vessels expand to help cool the body. This process, combined with factors like dehydration, prolonged sitting during travel and dietary indulgences, can cause fluid to accumulate in tissues. The result? Puffiness, especially in the face, legs and ankles.

The Contenders: What They Actually Do?

Cold Therapy

If you’ve ever run your wrists under cold water on a hot day or pressed a chilled spoon under your eyes after a bad night’s sleep, you already know the power of cold. Cold therapy takes that to the next level. Whether it’s a full-body cryotherapy chamber, an icy facial roller or a quick dip in a cold plunge pool, the aim is the same: to refresh, reset and revive.

This therapy works by exposing your body to short bursts of cold to reduce inflammation, ease tired muscles and boost blood flow. It’s a favourite among athletes for speeding up recovery post-workout, but it’s just as useful after a long day in the heat or when you need an energy kick. Think of it as nature’s caffeine shot, only instead of a flat white, you get a surge of circulation, a lifted mood, and better sleep.

Lymphatic Drainage

If cold therapy is the instant wake-up call, lymphatic drainage is the deep clean. This gentle, rhythmic massage technique is designed to encourage the movement of lymph, the fluid that carries waste, toxins and excess water, through your system. It’s ideal when you feel bloated, sluggish or simply ‘off’ in your body.

You might try it after a holiday full of indulgence, during a particularly hormonal week or just when your face feels puffy and your jeans feel tight. Whether it’s through a hands-on massage at a spa, a daily dry brushing ritual or high-tech compression boots at home, lymphatic drainage helps your body do what it was built to do — detox, reset, and restore balance. It’s not about weight loss or gimmicks; it’s about feeling lighter, clearer and more comfortable in your skin.

Summer Concerns (& Which Therapy Wins?)

Facial Puffiness
We’ve all been there, waking up after a late night, too many glasses of rosé, or a sleepless evening with the baby, only to be met with a swollen, puffy face in the mirror. Summer doesn’t help either. Warm weather, sun exposure and salty snacks can cause the skin to hold on to fluid, especially around the eyes and cheeks.
Who wins? – Cold therapy takes the crown here. A few minutes with ice globes from the fridge or a cooling sheet mask can visibly reduce puffiness, tighten pores and calm redness. It’s the ideal pre-makeup ritual or quick morning fix after a night of broken sleep.

Leg and Ankle Swelling
Whether you’ve spent the day on your feet at a summer wedding, trudging around town in sandals or sat on a long-haul flight to your holiday destination, swollen legs and ankles are a common seasonal issue. Even standing at the school fair or on the Tube for too long can leave you feeling puffy and heavy.
Who wins? – Lymphatic drainage is your go-to. A targeted massage, either professionally or with compression boots at home, helps encourage circulation in the lower body and eases fluid retention. You’ll feel lighter on your feet and ready to slip back into your strappy sandals without discomfort.

Post-Travel Bloat
After a weekend away or family holiday, your routine often goes out the window. Flights, rich meals, wine and late nights can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated, especially around the stomach.
Who wins? – Lymphatic drainage wins again. A gentle abdominal massage helps support digestion and encourages your body to flush out excess water and toxins. If you’ve overindulged on pasta and Aperol in the sun, this is your best route back to feeling like yourself again.

Heat-Induced Fatigue
Those sweltering summer days can really zap your energy. Whether you’ve been running errands in the heat, working from home without air-con or wrangling kids in the park, the sticky humidity often leaves you feeling drained and foggy-headed.
Who wins? – Cold therapy is the instant pick-me-up. A cold shower, ice bath or cryotherapy session can jolt your system awake, boost your circulation and sharpen your focus. It’s the perfect no-coffee-needed reboot after a day spent melting in the sun.

Skin Dullness
Between suncream build-up, pollution, sweat and dehydration, summer skin can quickly look congested and lacklustre. Enlarged pores, uneven tone and that end-of-day stickiness can dull your glow, especially if you live in a city.
Who wins? – This one’s a draw. Cold therapy gives immediate results… it tightens the skin, shrinks pores and adds a healthy flush. But lymphatic drainage works on a deeper level, improving skin tone and radiance over time by boosting nutrient-rich circulation. Use both to keep your skin bright and balanced from morning till night.

The Verdict?

If you’re looking for instant results, cold therapy is the standout. It tackles facial puffiness, revives tired limbs and gives an energy boost that is perfect for hot days or event prep. For deep, systemic results, especially with summer bloating and sluggishness, lymphatic drainage is the go-to. It’s more than just a massage; it is a full-body detox that helps your system work smarter and feel lighter.

But for those serious about beating the bloat and feeling their best this summer, combining the two may be the smartest move of all. Use cold therapy for fast fixes, then support your long-term glow and flow with regular lymphatic work, whether at home or in one of London’s top spas. Together, they deliver the ultimate summer wellness ritual.

London’s Top Luxury Spa Destinations for Lymphatic Drainage and Cryotherapy

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Dr. Barbara Sturm Spa, Mayfair
Located on Mount Street, this spa offers the renowned Lymphatic Sculpt and Tone treatment. Using mid-pressure strokes, it stimulates lymph flow, reduces puffiness and leaves you feeling refreshed. The serene, marble-clad setting enhances the experience.

Flavia Morellato
Flavia is widely regarded as one of London’s leading experts in lymphatic drainage, with over ten years of experience in health and aesthetics. Her team of skilled physiotherapists offers treatments designed to boost circulation, digestion, metabolism and immune function, as well as support recovery after cosmetic procedures — all with visible, lasting results.

Lanserhof at The Arts Club, Mayfair
This exclusive medical spa combines advanced diagnostics with treatments like lymphatic drainage massage. Accessible to non-members, it offers a holistic approach to wellness in a luxurious setting.

CRYOTHERAPY

Bulgari Spa, Knightsbridge
This opulent spa offers a range of cryotherapy treatments, including the Signature Cryotherapy Sports Massage and Cryo Energy Cellulite Treatment. The treatments aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

Apogii Clinic, Notting Hill
Home to London’s most advanced whole body cryotherapy chamber at minus 110 degrees Celsius, Apogii Clinic offers sessions that boost immunity, enhance recovery and improve sleep patterns. The twin room chamber ensures a comfortable and effective experience.

Third Space, Canary Wharf
This state-of-the-art spa offers cryotherapy among its range of treatments. Designed for recovery and wellness, it is an ideal spot for those looking to incorporate cryotherapy into their fitness and health regimen.

At Home Tools and Products

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