Skincare trends are constantly changing, from rolling ice under the eyes to taking up face yoga to achieve a snatched jawline.
However, one of the most popular skincare practices is Gua Sha.
Gua Sha has been around for a long time and claims to deliver less puffy and contoured skin with minimal effort. But does it really work? In this article, we will explore the origin of Gua Sha and how it works.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha, pronounced ‘gwah-shah,’ is an East Asian healing technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to stroke the skin in a specific direction. This technique is designed to activate the lymphatic system, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
Chinese medical practitioners began using Gua Sha in the early 1300s, and for over 700 years, people have used this technique to reduce tension in the face, shoulders, neck, and other areas. Different cultures have used Gua Sha to treat illnesses, from digestive issues to chronic diseases.
Recently, Gua Sha has become popular in skincare as a facial massage technique. Most people do it daily to achieve a more sculpted appearance.
How does Gua Sha work?
A Gua Sha stone is made of jade or rose quartz and has a smooth surface and edged corners. The soft-edged corners fit perfectly against different parts of your face, providing just the right amount of pressure. The pressure from the Gua Sha reduces tension in the face, improving blood flow. The extra force on your skin guides nutrients and oxygen to cells, improving your visual appearance.
To experience the full effects of Gua Sha, you have to be consistent and massage your face regularly, at least two to three times a week.
Types of Gua Sha
There are different types of Gua Sha tools. Each one has a different function. Here are the most popular Gua Sha tools:
Jade roller
A jade roller is a handheld facial massage tool made from jade stone, designed to roll over the skin gently. It has two rollers; one larger for broader areas like the cheeks and forehead and a smaller one for delicate areas like under the eyes.
Dolphin-shaped Gua Sha
A dolphin-shaped Gua Sha is one of the most popular ones on the market. Its design is inspired by the curves of a dolphin and is usually made of jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel. This Gua Sha shape is designed to promote lymphatic drainage, muscle relaxation, and sculpting the face while providing a soothing massage.
Comb-shaped Gua Sha
The comb-shaped Gua Sha is a unique variation of the traditional Gua Sha. It features a row of evenly spaced, rounded teeth along one edge and is inspired by ancient Chinese beauty and wellness techniques. This type of Gua Sha is particularly popular for scalp massage to encourage hair health, as well as for deep tissue work on the body.
How to Use Gua Sha
Incorporating Gua Sha into your skincare routine is easy and can be done in four steps:
Jawline to the top of the face
Start by holding the curved side of the Gua Sha against your jawline and apply light pressure and work up to the top of the face. Repeat on the other side of your face.
Cheekbone to the ear
Start below your cheekbone and move the Gua Sha from your cheekbone to the ear on both sides of the face with light pressure.
Eyes and temples
When massaging areas around your eyes and temples, be gentle and try not to apply too much pressure. Move your Gua Sha slowly from the corner of your nose to your temples and repeat the process using the curved edges of the dolphin-shaped Gua Sha. Then, run the tool from your brows to your temple.
Forehead
Your last portion is your forehead. With light to medium pressure, run the Gua Sha across your forehead from the top of your brows toward your hairline. Repeat this process 3 - 5 times.
Tip: Before using Gua Sha, make sure that your skin is prepared and hydrated. Ample hydration helps the Gua Sha slide smoothly across your face. Without a protective layer, you can sustain bruises due to friction.
To use your Gua Sha tool effectively, you'll need a:
Cleanser
Make sure to clean your face with a cleanser before using Gua Sha. The cleanser should remove dirt and impurities in your pores. Trying to massage your face with Gua Sha without properly cleansing your face can spread dirt across and result in inflammation and infections.
Serum
Serums help lubricate the skin surface, allowing the Gua Sha to glide smoothly on your face, reducing tugging and unnecessary friction.
Moisturizer
A moisturizer acts as a lubricant while hydrating and nourishing the skin. An effective moisturizing formula will reduce water loss and improve your skin’s plumpness.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Here are some of the benefits of Gua Sha.
Improves blood flow
Gua Sha can improve blood flow in the areas it is applied. In a 2007 study, 11 participants who had undergone Gua Sha treatments experienced increased circulation in small blood vessels 25 minutes after the treatment. They also experienced a decrease in muscle pain in the affected area that extended to other areas until a follow-up visit.
Provides pain relief
Recent studies compared the effects of Gua Sha treatments with thermal heat pads on adults with chronic neck pain. The group that received Gua Sha treatments experienced a significant improvement in neck pain severity and mobility. In another 2017 study, a set of 12 participants were used to compare the effects of Gua Sha treatments with moist heat pads. Although both groups experienced decreased pain, it was found that the group that did the Gua Sha treatment had longer lasting anti-inflammatory effects.
Relieves puffiness
The strokes under the eyes help reduce puffiness that can occur when people wake up. Be careful when massaging the skin under the eyes as it is delicate. To increase the tightening effect, put your Gua Sha in the fridge for 15 mins before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any truth to Gua Sha?
Gua Sha may help improve blood circulation in the areas where it is applied.
What will happen if I use Gua Sha everyday?
Using Gua Sha regularly will result in softened fine lines, firmer skin, reduced eye puffiness, and a more glowing complexion.
How long does Gua Sha take to work?
The long term benefits of Gua Sha are seen in 6-8 weeks which include a more lifted and youthful appearance and better skin elasticity.
Wrapping Up
Gua Sha is a form of natural healing for the skin and will depend on your skin type, consistency and how much time you invest in the process per time. While some may see improvements right away, others may need to be consistent for up to 8 weeks to notice significant changes.
