Gua Sha: The Hottest Tool You Need To Try For An Instant Facial Massage

You’ve either seen them on TikTok or on the shelves of Sephora and go “hmm, what’s all this about?” Gua Sha- it’s conquering 2021 and you either jump on the hottest beauty technique or get lost in the wind. However, how do you even use those gizmos? Lucky for you, Beauty Insider is equipped with the know-how from techniques to the benefits of using a Gua Sha!

What Is A Gua Sha?

First things first, what even is it? Should I be worried about gliding a stone all around my face? Will I really gain anything from it?

Gua Sha is a crystal instrument that is said to aid in the detoxification, circulation, and movement of energy in the body. The instrument is meant to massage the skin softly while guiding it into position. Additionally, it aids in the stimulation of the lymphatic system, the enhancement of blood flow, and the removal of toxins from the skin.

It’s a classic East Asian technique that means scraping the pain away in English. Furthermore, this technique has evolved from a full-body, aggressively detoxing therapy to a face, neck, and decolletage beautifying routine.

The Benefits Of Using A Gua Sha

Gives a natural lifting effect

These elegant yet strong Gua Sha tools can aid in the removal of toxins and the rejuvenation of the skin. Gua Sha stones have distinct edges that lift and shape the skin on your face, neck, and décolletage. As a result, sagging, dull, and wrinkled skin can be avoided with regular usage. Additionally, Gua Sha helps to enhance the complexion, tone, and texture of your skin by stimulating circulation. They stimulate circulation, which oxygenates and transports nutrients to the skin cells. With that, increases blood flow, giving you a more vibrant, plumped-up, and youthful appearance.

Detoxifies the skin

The Gua Sha tool is a two-sided scraping instrument used to remove meridian channel obstructions. It may be used to treat a broad range of ailments, including physical pain and joint difficulties, as well as skin problems and mental problems. Determine which part of the body needs to be treated and which side of the Gua Sha instrument should be utilised based on your pattern of imbalance. Then, using slow strokes down one side of your body’s meridian pathways, allow it to calm and relax you.

Relieves muscle tension

Gua Sha is a manual method that includes applying pressure to the face and neck with a smooth, flat stone. This is very beneficial for clearing a clogged or restricted energy flow. Headaches, sinus issues, sleep disruptions and body aches and pains can all be caused by chronic stress in the face and neck. As a result, Gua Sha works by opening acupressure points in the face and neck, which helps to alleviate these symptoms.

Improves blood circulation

Gua Sha gives you a glow without needing any cosmetic surgery and is one of the most efficient ways to smooth out the texture of your face. This is a centuries-old Chinese method for reducing stress and anxiety. It enhances lymphatic function and promotes circulation, resulting in a naturally dewy, radiant face with smaller pores. Moreover, the gentle scraping motion of the tool across the skin improves skincare products penetration. As a result, those hydrating phytonutrients penetrate deeper into the epidermis layers, providing us with an increase in hydration.

Lowers stress and anxiety levels

Gua Sha is a strong, traditional Chinese healing method that has been used for over 5,000 years in China. Acupressure points are stimulated by the gradual movement and soft touch, which helps the body better handle pain and stress-related illnesses. The holistic healing technique promotes balance and equilibrium in the body by releasing imprisoned energy.

With that, this simultaneous balance of both physical and energetic systems has long-term effects that are felt on several levels. As a result, our parasympathetic (relaxed) nervous system is instantaneously activated by the moderate speed of movement and soft touch.

How To Use A Gua Sha?

When using a Gua Sha tool for your face, there’s no straightforward method on how to use it. It mostly depends on how it flows against your skin and just figuring out what works. However, there is a fundamental rule of thumb that could assist beginners.

To start, hold the gua sha tool gently in your palm and lightly draw a circle on your face in the direction of lymphatic movement. Because a gua sha tool is already sharp, practice applying pressure gently. Additionally, some people find it helpful to practise on a different region of their body to obtain a feeling of how much pressure is appropriate for the face.

We suggest that you apply gentle pressure and even strokes on your skin to start. Moreover, you should focus on gliding it in the direction of the natural lymphatic flow. When focusing on your cheek and jawline area, apply short, gentle strokes which is the most effective. This technique promotes lymphatic flow and drainage, allowing extra fluids to be released, which can make the skin appear puffy.

Something to take note of is that you should not use a Gua Sha tool on bare skin. Always apply a moisturising product such as a face oil or moisturiser to help with easier gliding. Also, a pro tip: store your Gua Sha in the fridge and use it in the morning for a cool morning wake-up call that also reduces puffiness!

How Often Should You Get A Gua Sha Facial

Besides doing a gua sha facial at home, there are actually beauty salons and spas that offer gua sha facial as well. But the real question is, how often should you get a gua sha facial? Our skin is very delicate and sensitive. So, over applying products or face masks can lead to nasty side effects. Thus, it is important to regulate how often you use a gua sha on your face. Of course, if you have a gua sha tool at home, you can definitely do a gua sha facial every day for a few minutes. 

But if lead a busy lifestyle, you might consider doing it 2 to 3 times a week. When thinking about getting a gua sha facial, the time of day matters too. If you need help with reducing puffiness or energising your skin, get one in the morning. But if you want to relax and release some tension, a gua sha facial at night will do the trick. So, if you are looking for a professional to perform a gua sha facial for you, you already know what times to book an appointment. 

Results After Using Gua Sha

So what happens after you use a gua sha tool regularly? Well if you perform gua sha on your face almost every day, you are most likely to see quite the results. Many have praised the work of gua sha as it shows results of sharper cheekbones and jawlines. Some have also mentioned that their eyes are also less puffy than before too! What’s more, is that these results are attainable quickly. Using it three times a week can also help with improving your acne, wrinkles and skin dryness. Results that we all love to see! 

Gua Sha Recommendations

1. Root Remedies Rose Quartz Gua Sha Stone

The Root Remedies Rose Quartz Gua Sha Stone is made from rose quartz, known as the stone of unconditional love. This highly crafted massage stone is intended to gently rub and encourage collagen production- resulting in a smoother, younger appearance. Additionally, these stones may also be used on the rest of your body to have the same effect. Therefore, to help tighten sagging muscles and minimise wrinkles, use daily or as required.

Why we love it:

• Affordable
• Comes with a cute pouch

Price: RM69.00

Where to buy: Root Remedies

2. Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool

Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool encourages skin lifting and smoothing. This effective technique helps the skin regain its firmness and elasticity, making it more elastic and better able to absorb moisture. At the same time, it assists in the reduction of wrinkles, sunburn damage, and scarring. I personally love using this one as it feels nice and easy to control.

Why we love it:

• Easy to glide around the skin
• Helps products to absorb better

Price: RM125.00

Where to buy: Sephora