Not only does a gua sha help you firm and lift your skin but it also helps you to loosen up and relax at your own at-home spa, helping to banish negative energy and thoughts to bring peace and calm. Known as 'the botox of the far east' it is a centuries-old technique which encourages lymphatic drainage, enhances the absorption of skincare products, relieves tension from muscles, improves blood circulation as well as minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How does it work? Well, the movement helps to stimulate blood circulation which helps to increase the level of oxygen and nutrients your skin is receiving giving it that healthy, youthful glow and brightening effect. It also relieves tension in areas such as your jaw which allows the drainage of lymphatic fluid-carrying waste which may be stuck and blocked. This helps firm, lift and sculpt, leaving you with a visibly tighter complexion. Additionally it reduces puffiness and smooths uneven textures.
Threebs' top tip is to keep it cool in the fridge for a little extra soothing effect to reduce inflammation before use. Below is a quick method which can be used any time of the day- either before bed to unwind or when you wake up to energise yourself and prep your skin for your makeup:
- Gently use upward sweeping motions on the longest side of your gua sha to glide upwards from just above your eyebrows to the top of your forehead. Repeat and move to the opposite side. This will help to smooth wrinkles, lift and release tension.
- Use the smaller curve on the rounded top part of the gua sha which looks like a love heart in sweeping motions underneath your eyebrow whilst using the longer curve above your eyebrow.
- Continue to use the longer curve on the rounded top part which looks like a love heart to massage your under-eye contours, placing it flat against your inner corner and sweeping outwards toward the hair line. This will reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles as well as depuff.
- Gently stroke upwards and outwards from the centre of each side of your face (mimicking something like a facelift) with the inward part of the gua sha, following the contours of your cheek. Start from the corner of your mouth/side of your nose and work your way toward your hairline. Repeat and move to the opposite side.
- Turn the gua sha on its side and use the rounded top part which looks like a love heart to gently make sweeping motions across the jawline starting at your chin and working your way up toward your ear. Repeat and move to the opposite side. This will lift your complexion and firm your skin.
- Gently sweep upwards from the collarbone toward the jawline with the inward curved side of the gua sha. Repeat and slowly make your way across to the other side. This will increase circulation and drainage as well as lift and tone.
Ensure your strokes are between 5-8 per area and never use your gua sha on bare or dirty skin, ensure you have some sort of moisturising skincare product on. It should not be used over broken skin or breakout areas. If you have rosacea or sensitive skin it is not recommended to use your gua sha too often as it can worsen inflammation if done incorrectly.
In terms of the stone of the gua sha used, rose quartz and jade are the two most common. Rose quartz is associated with good circulation, self love and beauty, used more for calming and soothing. It is recommended to use rose quartz if you have more sensitive skin. Jade is associated with healing, restoring and purifying qualities, used more for toning and defining. A general rule of thumb is that blue and purple stones are more cooling, reds and oranges are more warming, and greens and dark stones are more grounding.
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