Yet another Gua Sha post… because boy does it deserve it.
If you’ve spent any amount of time scrolling through any social media platform, it’s quite likely that you’ve stumbled upon an influencer practising Gua Sha.
This ancient beauty technique has become quite the hot topic throughout the past few years as us mere mortals continue on the quest for healthier skin, naturally chiselled cheekbones and well-defined jawlines.
While some beauty fads might not survive beyond the realms of TikTok, Gua Sha is actually instilled in a deep medical tradition. What’s more, a growing number of beauty lovers are adding this semi-precious stone to their beauty kits. And - speaking from experience here - it really seems to work.
When it comes to tailoring your skincare routine for 2022, Gua Sha might be the ultimate remedy for post-party puffiness while encouraging a healthy glow. What’s more, this relaxing beauty hack doesn’t need to cost you much - and you can do it while watching a movie or soaking in the bath.
So what actually is Gua Sha and why should you give it a try?
WHAT IS Gua Sha?
The term gua sha actually translates into the words “scrape” and “sand” and refers to the gentle technique of scraping a smooth, curved stone in an upwards motion around your face. In short, this soothing ancient technique is said to encourage that sculpted, glowing look without the need for contouring or fillers.
Many beauty experts claim that the upward movements of these semi-precious stones (usually either jade or rose quartz) promote the drainage of fluids in your skin. The stones themselves help to cool your skin and are thought to possess balancing, detoxifying properties. While both stones are considered excellent gua sha tools, the main difference is that Rose Quartz is typically harder, stays cold for longer and might be slightly more expensive.
Overall, both jade and rose quartz gua sha tools release tension and encourage less puffiness, and come with an affordable price tag.
What’s more, there’s even been scientific studies that concluded this relaxing technique really did work when it came to increased circulation. The research also added that there was an “unidentified pain-relieving” factor associated with gua sha. This pain-free, natural sculpting remedy - that you can do in the comfort of your own home - really does sound like a win-win.
Ancient healing benefits used by beauty lovers today
Before we get into the actual practice of gua sha, it’s handy to know where this beauty sorcery originated.
According to the history books, this ancient Chinese technique was first documented around 700 years ago in the centuries around the Ming Dynasty (the 1300s to the 1600s). However, the tradition stretched back way further. If anything, gua sha quickly became one of the original self-care remedies thanks to its centuries-old history.
At that time, gua sha was a medical practice used to help people who were ill or became unconscious. They would use stones to massage their skin to alleviate the side effects of illness. And, it wasn’t until later that gua sha’s holistic properties trickled into beauty and the skincare world.
A lot has certainly changed since the benefits of gua sha were first discovered. Now, beauty lovers are fully embracing this wonderfully-affordable wellness tool… and so should you.
How do I prep my skin for Gua Sha?
There are plenty of gua sha stones that you can easily get your hands on in the majority of cosmetics shops. The flat stones are usually made of jade or rose quartz and feature aesthetically-pleasing curves that might match the groves of your facial structure.
There’s no right answer when it comes to deciding what gua sha tool is right for you, however, there are plenty of useful reviews that can help you pick.
Before going in with the gua sha, you want to make sure you have a clean face to work with. So, the first step is to remove any make-up with a gentle cleanser. Next, you will need to hydrate and lubricate your skin to make sure that the stone flows easily and doesn’t irritate your skin. Facial oil or hydrating mist will do the trick if you are focusing on a gua sha facial. Gently massage into your skin, but make sure it is lubricated enough so you can easily glide the stone over your skin without causing any irritation.
OUR FAVORITE gua sha oils
There are plenty of great lubricating oils available that can help to make your gua sha experience extra relaxing. Our favourites include:
The INKEY List
This brand’s Rosehip oil is brimming with antioxidant properties that alleviate dry skin. Made of 100% rosehip oil, it's a soothing solution that will work wonders during your gua sha routine. Similarly, INKEY’s Squalene Oil supports oil control in your skin while adding extra hydration. Just a few drops massaged into your face will work wonders for gua sha.
The Ordinary.
This is another awesome brand that has an affordable price range while brimming with the best quality ingredients. The Ordinary’s cold-pressed Moroccan Argan Oil is perfect for packing your skin full of hydration, as well as promoting smooth skin.
The Jojoba Company
Another oil comes from an Australian brand, the Jojoba Company. Their Jojoba Oil helps to balance the skin’s sebum production while reducing the chance of a breakout.
GETTING GOOD AT GUA SHA
When applying gua sha to your face, you need to keep the pressure light and use a gentle upward motion to glide the stone outwards. You can also focus on different parts of your face and use two fingers to keep your skin tight while using the stone. What’s more, you can even apply gua sha to different parts of your body for extra relieving effects. For example, Scrape downward on your neck and shoulders to help relieve any tension in those areas.
Good to know: Like with any beauty tool, gua sha should be handled carefully. While it has been reported that there aren’t any major health risks, you might encounter some tenderness or even bruise from using this tool. What’s more, it has also been advised against using Gua Sha alongside blood clot medicines - and you should consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
AN ETERNAL TOP TREND?
Considering it's been trending for 2000 years(?), we're convinced it's going to stick around. By encouraging circulation, simply practising gua sha once a week, you can maintain healthy skin. Go on, give yourself some gua sha time.
WHATS UP NEXT…
