GUA SHA (THE ONE THING I’D TAKE IF STUCK ON A DESERTED ISLAND)
It’s very likely you’ve seen this all over Instagram. I mean, I can’t really say anything…I use my Gua Sha tool every night and regularly post about it in my Insta Stories. I’ve received so many DMs from you asking wtf this little tool is. Here’s my take!
Gua Sha is a healing facial practice that is used in ancient Chinese medicine, particularly in East Asia. Gua Sha is used all over the body with a flat tool. It is “scraped” across the skin to promote healing and increase blood flow. Gua Sha is mainly used now for lymphatic drainage, increasing circulation and blood flow, decreasing inflammation, releasing facial tension, lifting, and more.
Facial massage fascinates me. The benefits feel endless. It’s interesting to me that we work out our muscles in our body, but rarely think about the muscles in our face. I initially incorporated facial massage into my routine with a Jade Roller. I’ve also used my hands to massage my skin and drain my lymphatic system. I’ve learned a lot about the benefits of Facial Massage from Joanna Czech, one of my favorite estheticians and skin experts.
Of all the ways to incorporate facial massage, the Gua Sha tool is the winner for me. It’s similar to the roller, but with added benefits like lifting and releasing muscle tension. I carry a lot of stress and tension in my jaw and between my brows. I swear there is nothing better than using the Gua Sha tool to relax my facial muscles at the end of a long day. I’ve been using the Gua Sha tool regularly for a few months now, and I’ve seen more of my jaw and cheekbones than ever before…I truly have seen lift in my face. I also noticed that my skin has more glow and is smoother, showing fewer wrinkles.
I use the Gua Sha tool around 5 times a week, generally at night. I do like using it in the morning if I have extra time. It helps reduce the puff in my skin, and the increased circulation and blood flow really give my skin glow throughout the day.
Here’s how I use it:
Start with cleansed skin. I Gua Sha at the end of my skincare routine. Use a serum, oil, or moisturizer - something to give your skin slip, so that the tool doesn’t pull on your skin harshly.
Start at the base of your neck and move the tool upwards towards your jaw/chin. Repeat this as many times as you’d like across the neck, moving upwards. (I started with 3-5 times, to avoid bruising my skin. All skin is different so just see what works for you.) I turn the tool horizontally and use the curved part at an angle so it’s not too blunt against my skin.
Move on to your jaw (my favorite part!). Sweep the tool across your face in an upwards motion towards your cheek bone. Don’t forget both sides of your face. :)
After I’ve worked my way up from my jaw to under my eyes, I switch the tool to the smaller end. I take the tool alongside my nose vertically, and move it out and up towards my temple.
Lastly, I use the tool similarly to how I used it on my neck (holding it horizontally) and move it upwards all along my forehead. Then I use the smaller end and hold it vertically while moving it along my eyebrows.
ahhhh, my face is like jelly. But tight and glowy. :)
Gua Sha tools I like:
