Key Benefits
Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which firms and tightens skin
Promotes lymphatic drainage which removes toxins and helps clear complexion
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Contours face by removing puffiness
Relieves muscle tension
The History
This ancient tool has quickly become my favorite anti-aging device. Keep reading to learn the benefits, tips and tricks when using a Gua Sha. The Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese medicine tool that was first written about during the Ming Dynasty about 700 years ago in 1368 - 1644, although it is thought to be used long before that time period, all the way back to the Paleolithic Era which was roughly 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 B.C! The word Gua means “scrape” and the word Sha means “sand”. Facial Gua Sha uses a much gentler, softer pressure than is used on the body, which can actually cause temporary bruising. Facial Gua Sha should not cause bruising although you might notice some redness from increased blood flow. Today, Gua Sha tools are typically made out of natural semi- precious gemstones like Rose Quartz, Amethyst or Jade. These stones also provide Spiritual Healing, Balancing of Chakras which are energy centers in the body and they can even help heal physical ailments.
The Science
Incorporating a Gua Sha ritual into your skincare routine or your next professional facial will provide you with visible anti-aging benefits, as well as a soothing, calming experience. The noticeable benefits of using a Gua Sha is firming and tightening of the skin, diminished fine lines and wrinkles as well as smoother texture. These benefits are attributed to the stimulation of blood circulation and the accelerated production of collagen and elastin which declines as we age. Gua Sha also helps to brighten and clear the complexion by providing lymphatic drainage which removes toxins and bacteria. Another noticeable benefit of using a Gua Sha is the enhanced appearance of facial contours like cheekbones and jawline to give you a sculpted look. The movement of the stone across the face and underlying muscles also relieves tension in the face which creates a relaxing experience.
How you use the tool
Now, let's get into how you use a facial Gua Sha. First and foremost always use on clean skin with clean hands and a clean tool for the obvious reason of not spreading bacteria on your lovely face. I like to sanitize my stone with a little rubbing alcohol and then rinse with water and dry. To begin the ritual apply a few drops of oil to skin to ensure the Gua Sha glides easily. Typically the Gua Sha stone is paired with a facial oil to provide a nice glide on the skin, so you are not pulling or injuring the delicate facial tissue. Some people don’t want to use oil on their skin, so in that case you can use a gentle, hydrating facial cleanser and water instead. My preferred and recommended method is a nice slow absorbing facial oil like.
Next, hold Gua Sha at an angle so the flat surface is touching your face instead of just the edge of the stone. Always move in an upward direction while holding a finger at the starting point of your face. For example, you would hold your chin while running the stone along your jawline. Repeat the movement in the same area 5 to 10 times before moving up the face and repeating. The whole process should be around 10 mins. I would advise you to avoid areas where you might have Botox or another similar injectable, as you don’t want to move or break up the expensive treatment. For me, I don't use the Gua Sha on my forehead or around my eyes unless I am due for another Botox treatment. I recommend you use your Gua Sha at least 2-4 days a week although it can be used every day.
Now it's your turn to experience the amazing benefits of this Ancient tool! I love to do this treatment before bed, during my night time skincare routine. I usually listen to a podcast or music when I do my Gua Sha to help me wind down before bed. Let me know in the comments if you have tried using a Gua Sha and if so, what changes in your skin have you noticed? Enjoy! xo Blair
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