Here’s everything you need to know about the trendiest beauty essential, Gua Sha!
Keep in mind that i am no professional. just a beauty enthusiast, like yourself, sharing her experience.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese alternative therapy that involves massaging motions with a smooth-edged tool. The tool is traditionally made of stones such as jade, quartz, obsidian and so on. Usually, a trained professional would lather your skin in massage oil, and then stroke (or scrape) your skin with the tool.
While it is generally used on the body–to treat chronic pain and reduce inflammation–, a gentler version is used on the face.
What Are Its Benefits?
With this amazing little tool, and the right technique, you can reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and remove puffiness. All from the comfort of your own home.
Moreover, it helps with lymphatic drainage, promotes blood circulation, and reduces fine lines. Resulting in a much more youthful and healthy complexion!
Why Is It So Popular?
It’s easy to say that TikTok is what skyrocketed its fame, but that wouldn’t be very fair.
The tool itself is very simple and intuitive to use
You don’t need any batteries, or fancy products to pair it with. Just a facial oil or moisturizer to act like a lubricant, and you can start massaging your face.
Gua Sha Tools for Beginners
Here’s a selection for the best beginner-friendly tools. They all feature rounded edges, a small soft ridge perfect for massaging your jaw, a tapered point to work your eyes and pressure points, and they’re all pretty.
The Proper Technique
Start off by gently cleansing your face. If you’re not sure you’re doing it right, here’s our guide to facial cleansing. We also have a complete guide for skin care beginners.
Afterwards, apply a facial oil. This step is crucial to avoid abrasion and make sure you’re not damaging the skin.
Now get your trusty little tool, which should also be cleansed, and start working upwards and outwards. This means that you would start with the center of your neck, gliding it up towards your jawline and ears. Then, you would move to the nose, working your way to the eyes, eyebrows, and lastly the forehead.
Throughout the whole process, you should use soft pressure. Do not be harsh, as that could lead to bruising. Which we do not want.
Remember soft consistency is better than hard inconsistency. Use it gently and frequently and you’ll get the most amazing results without irritating your face.
My experience
I hope this blogpost was helpful. Before we get into the FAQs I just wanted to share a bit of my experience.
I have to say, following along with a youtube video during my facial massage routine helped A TON in the beginning. Just be careful with who’s instructions you’re following. Bruising the next day, while you have places to be, is NO FUN.
Now that I’m more used to it, and I know what I like/works for me, I’m more confident with doing it on my own and tweaking my routine depending on my needs for the day.
Enough of me rambling. Let’s get to the FAQs!
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