To Gua Sha Or Not To Gua Sha. Is That Even A Question?

What's with this popular buzzword: Gua Sha?

Well, a Gua Sha is a flat tool made of semi-precious stone, jade or rose quartz, that is used to massage the face. Even though the Gua Sha face tool has recently gone mainstream, it is a lot older than you think. This modern-day face scraping technique is based on a traditional Chinese healing practice known as Gua Sha. "Gua" means to stroke or press, and "Sha" refers to redness.

According to early practitioners, the redness that is obtained through scraping encourages the skin to heal itself. While the modern-day Gua Sha practice is less intense, it will still leave you with a well-sculpted face along with other remarkable results!

So what exactly are the benefits of this flat, otherwise unremarkable little stone? Keep reading!

What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

After using a Gua Sha both properly and regularly, you will notice the following benefits:

1. LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

A slow lymph system can cause puffiness, swollen skin, fatigue, acne, and other skin problems. Since lymph circulation is only possible through muscle movement or massage, using a Gua Sha is the best way to increase it. 

2. DEALS WITH CYSTIC ACNE

A common misconception is that you cannot use a Gua Sha on acne, and this is simply not true! The Gua Sha tool actually helps reduce flare-ups, redness, and the size of acne by moving congestion and improving circulation. Just remember to never use a Gua Sha on broken skin and pustules. 

3. FIGHTS ACNE SCARS 

The Gua Sha brings fresh blood to the surface of the skin which renews skin cells, hence reducing the visibility of acne scars. 

4. REDUCES PUFFINESS

Since the Gua Sha removes lymph and other fluids from your face, your skin tightens and becomes more chiseled.

5. SAY GOODBYE TO DARK CIRCLES AND DULL COMPLEXION 

An improved blood circulation results in lesser dark circles and a youthful glow.

6. SOFTENS WRINKLES AND FINE LINES 

The Gua Sha relaxes your stiff facial muscles and tissues, thus smoothening out aging signs.

7. CONTOURS & SCULPTS JAWLINE AND CHEEKBONES 

Consistently scraping the Gua Sha on your face in the correct manner will lead to a defined jawline and cheekbones. Your face will begin to look naturally contoured the more and more you consistently use it.

How to find the right Gua Sha for you:

Gua Shas vary in shapes and material, each having its distinct use. We’ve curated a list of common shapes and materials along with their benefits and uses to help you find your perfect Gua Sha!

BASED ON MATERIALS:

1. Rose Quartz

This pretty shade of pink is associated with emotions, compassion, and love. It is the best suited for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and getting rid of toxins and negativity that is present in the body.

2. Black Obsidian

This material has the most powerful elements of fire, water, and earth which clears negative thoughts and emotions that may reside in the body. It leaves the skin feeling rejuvenated. It is also responsible for repairing and strengthening muscle tissues over time.

3. Jade

This crystal brings the existing imbalances to rest. It reduces puffiness and promotes lymphatic drainage.

4. Amethyst

Thanks to its negative charge, it gets rid of negativity and stress by producing negative ions. It helps to cool down the skin and tightens pores. 

BASED ON SHAPES:

1. Concave Side - The concave side of a Gua Sha is the most ideal to use on wider areas of your body. It sculps the neck, shoulder, and spine.

2. Double Curved Side - If your Gua Sha has this shape it promotes blood circulation under the eyes, cheeks, and cheekbones.

3. Cleft - Since the cleft or the divot is smaller, it is best used specifically for the jaw.

4. Teeth Edge - Gua Shas that have this type of edge stimulates fine lines and wrinkles. It is used from the chin to the cheeks, temples, and forehead.

5. Pointed Convex Edge - This part of the Gua Sha is most beneficial to scoop the brows.

How To Use Your Gua Sha:

1. Before you start, wash your Gua Sha tool with water and soap to ensure that it is clean. If you want you can even leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours for an additional cooling and soothing effect on your skin.

2. Cleanse your face and apply a serum, face oil, or moisturiser of your choice. We love using AO’s Liquid Gold (shameless plug)!! Your skin should be slippery with some product to prevent the Gua Sha from causing any irritation.

3. Hold your tool firmly in the correct way. The curved part should hug the curves of your skin and the flat part should rest on your skin.

4. Begin by using the wider concave side of your tool. Start at the base of one of the sides of your well-moisturized neck, pulling it up, towards your jaw. Repeat this a few times and do the same on the other side of your neck. Then move to the front of your neck, making the same upward movement. Do not put too much pressure here, otherwise you will start choking and coughing.

5. Next, with the smaller cleft or divot in your Gua Sha, start scraping from the center of your chin. Scrape it along your jawline, going towards the bottom of your ears. Repeat this a few times and follow the same movement on the other side.

6. Take the flatter curve of your tool and scrape from the center of your face to massage the cheeks. You will have to do this in a couple of horizontal lines to cover the area.

7. Then, use the small rounded end of your tool to massage the area under your eyes, pulling it towards your temples.

8. Place your tool against your forehead in a way that the largest curve is just above and gently pull it up towards your hairline.

9. Finally, once you are done massaging all the areas of your face, finish your skincare routine, if need be.

How often should I Gua Sha?

The recommended amount of use of your Gua Sha is at least three times a week to maintain results. You can choose to do it in the morning to reduce puffiness or at night, just before sleeping, to relax your facial muscles.

How to clean and store your Gua Sha?

Cleaning your Gua Sha tool is extremely important. A dirty tool can cause several skin problems such as acne, greasiness, breakouts, and more. To ensure your tool is clean, we recommend using a soft towel to wipe it before and after every use. For a deeper cleanse, you can dip the towel in some soapy water (water + your cleanser) and then proceed to wipe your tool gently. This gets rid of the bacteria build up on your stone. Avoid using hot water as it can damage your tool. Before you put your Gua Sha tool away, ensure that it is completely dry.

Since your Gua Sha tool is made of semi-precious stones, it is fragile. Dropping it can damage the crystals in your face tool, thus altering results or even worse…breakage. Handling your Gua Sha with extreme care is very important. You can store your tool in a dry place where it will not fall. You can even store it in your refrigerator for an added cooling effect.

In conclusion:

All in all, this ancient yet mainstream trend is much more than just a crazy fad. These pretty stones have astounding results so get ready to start your Gua Sha journey at home today.

Stay healthy, stay well, and have a beautiful day!

xoxo - Jessie