Gua Sha – pronounced gwahshah means “jade scraping” in English. This facial technique dates back to 220CE and thanks to TikTok and Instagram, a large number of beauty enthusiast are now being exposed to it for the first time.
Originally a body treatment, gua sha practice involved using a tool to apply pressure and scrape the skin to release pain and tension. According to traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) gua sha is intended to address blocked/stagnant energy called chi – the energy that flows through the body which many people believe may be responsible for pain and tension. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy reduce pain and promote healing.
A gentle version this modern day is even used on the face as a facial technique. Before you go massaging yourself with one of the tools, there are some rules you’d have to follow to get the best out of the gua sha facial.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Modern day Gua Sha treatment is less invasive and results in no skin bruising or bleeeding. The benefits of this treatment includes
- Radiant complexion
- Softens fine line and wrinkles
- Stimulate circulation
- Aids collagen production
- Sculpts and lifts facial muscle
- Decrease inflammation
- Tightens the skin temporarily
- Reduces puffiness
- Reduce dark circles
How To Use a Gua Sha
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to gua sha – there are many varieties and gua sha tools. In order to get a proper gua sha facial, you’ll need to get familiar with these three golden rules.
- Prep Your Skin
Gua Sha can sometimes be an intense process and may cause bruising – hence the need to prep your skin with products before hand. Your gua sha tool should be able to glide and stretch your skin instead tugging. Applying a serum oil, balm or a hydrating cream will make the facial treatment not only comfortable but also less irritating to your skin. Moisturizing helps reduce the friction and the gua sha tool.
Farmacy Honey Grail ULTRA-Hydrating Face Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate
2. Angle the Tool Correctly
To avoid injury by digging the stone’s edge into your skin it is important to use the gua sha tools at the right angle. To use lie your tool at a 15-degree angle at this angle your tool creates stroke that imitate a lymphatic flow from the middle of the face out to the edges.
SEPHORA COLLECTION Green Aventurine Gua Sha
Sacheu Gua Sha Stainless Steel
OSEA Gua Sha Sculptor
3. Apply gentle pressure
For an effective gua sha consciously monitoring the amount of force/pressure you exert is required. While the lymphatic system underneath the skin doesn’t need much to stimulate. You can start your facial from the middle of your face. Move the stone out towards your hairline, repeating in a sweeping motion, preferably in the direction of the lymphatic flow.
How Often Should you Give a Gua Sha?
Frequency of Gua Sha depends on your skin type and your skin’s tolerance for the method. Once you get familiar and more comfortable with the routine- aim to use gua sha at least two to three times weekly.
Pro tip: For best results give yourself a gua sha facial at least once a week for 6 -10mins.
How To Choose Your Gua Sha Tool
The type of the stone used for gua sha is not necessary important but a smooth, rounded stone that fits the curvature of the area you want to treat is recommended.
Select a gua sha tool with varying contours on the edge. A gua sha tool will often be slightly heavier than a knock off or a man made synthetic tool in weight.
