Gua Sha: What is it?
Skincare has become a top priority of mine over the past few years and I’m always looking for ways to improve my routine. Gua Sha is one of the latest skincare trends to take over the beauty world and its benefits list is practically endless. I’ve been all about facial massages lately, so I couldn’t wait to try this trend myself!
The gua sha massage technique was traditionally used on the body, but has since been adapted for the face. It’s still very similar to the body techniques and has the same benefits, it’s just a little more gentle for the sensitive face tissue. The tool used in a gua sha massage is typically made out of some sort of stone like rose quartz or jade. They come in all different shapes and usually have a polished glassy finish.
A lot of skincare tools feel amazing on the skin when they’re kept in the fridge. However, that’s not necessary with the gua sha tool because it loses its cool quickly. It may seem similar to a jade roller, but it’s actually very different. The gua sha tool can provide more pressure and be used over all areas of the body, not just the face.
Because of its smooth surface, a gua sha tool can easily slide over the skin without the need for any oils. I typically use it in the mornings after applying my daily moisturizer. Gua sha is meant to lift the face, so all motions should be made upwards and out towards the ears.
I start on my jawline, then move to the lips, cheeks, eyes & cheekbone area, outer eye & temple, and forehead. I also love moving this up and down the sides and back of the neck to release tension and promote lymphatic drainage. I do about five strokes in each area of the face and the total massage takes about two minutes. The skin may be slightly red after massaging - that’s all the fresh blood flow! It’s totally normal and should go away in about a minute.
There are countless benefits to gua sha, including depuffing and removing excess fluid from the face, enhancing skin’s elasticity, eliminating dark circles, and softening fine lines and wrinkles. It also contours, sculpts, lifts, firms, tightens, detoxes, releases tension, and promotes blood circulation. It’s gentle enough to be used every day and is easy to clean with soap and water.
I’ve been trying this facial massage technique every morning and started noticing a difference in just a few days. There was an immediate firmness to my skin after the first massage, but after daily use the depuffing and contouring benefits are definitely noticeable. I love that it’s so quick and easy to do, and is now a staple in my beauty routine!
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XO ♥ Christina ♥
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