Facial Gua Sha: Before and After
It's estimated that skin conditions affect roughly 900 million people throughout the world at any given time. The problem with treating skin conditions is that each skin type is unique. As such, what works for one person might not work for another.
That's why many people are turning toward more traditional skin care practices that have been used for centuries. Gua sha is one of these ancient treatments that has been gaining traction in recent years.
But precisely what is gua sha? And what can you expect from a gua sha before and after? Those who want to discover the answer to these questions and more are in the perfect place. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about this traditional healing method.
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha refers to an ancient face-scraping technique used in classical Chinese healing medicine. This practice uses a smooth, heart-shaped stone through gentle but firm gliding movements. This scraping motion encourages the skins to turn red.
This, it's believed, brings blood and nutrients to the surface of the skin, which allows it to heal damage. That's actually where the name comes from. Sha in Chinese refers to this healing redness that comes to the skin after scraping.
In the past, gua sha was only used for body treatments. However, in modern times, it's been adapted for use in facial treatments. There are a lot of reasons why gua sha has become popular in recent years, which we'll go into in the next section.
However, the main one is that the scraping technique helps with lymphatic drainage. It causes interstitial fluid found under your skin to drain into your lymph system. This, in turn, helps reduce bloating around the skin.
It's essential to recognize that gua sha isn't just a beauty practice. In Chinese culture, many people believe that if energy is stagnant, it can cause health problems. Gua sha is said to help stimulate this energy, also known as Chi.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua sha has been used for thousands of years to promote healing. But what does modern science say about this ancient medicine? While scholarship is still analyzing the practice, the early findings are promising.
One study notes that the scraping therapy interacts with the nervous system, skin, and immune system to produce a cascade of physiological responses. It then notes that these responses can provide a measure of therapeutic benefits.
So what are the benefits? Well, for starters, the increased blood flow from scraping leads to improved circulation. This helps bring nutrients to the area, which can decrease the appearance of cellulite.
Gua sha is also believed to help produce more collagen. This can aid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles while softening any fine lines. It's also great for decreasing puffiness levels and reducing the dark circles found around the eyes.
If certain parts of your body or face are inflamed, gua sha can loosen the tightness in these areas. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that claims the technique can help you sculpt your face.
However, usually, this is just because it reduces puffiness. Lastly, some people report that gua sha can help improve the appearance of acne-prone skin by improving circulation.
Gua Sha Before and After
Keep in mind that some people break out more acne when they start the technique. This is usually normal with any new skincare routine. Many people believe it's because you're stirring up the muck found under your skin.
Remember that every skin type is different. However, most people tend to notice results within seven days of starting the skincare technique. After you use a face roller or a gua sha tool, you'll start to notice a clearer skin completion, a more even skin tone, and overall a firmer, brighter and glowing skin.
Many people report that after using gua sha, their face has a more sculpted look. The skin looks plumper, buoyant, and lifted.
How to Use Gua Sha
Before you start scraping away at your face with a gua sha tool, you're going to want to clean your face and then apply facial oil. Otherwise, the stone will pull at your skin and cause discomfort.
You can use your preferred type of facial oil or a favorite face serum. We recommend trying natural lightweight oils such as grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil. Next, you're going to begin to apply gentle pressure with strokes of the tool. Most people like to start around their jaw.
Make sure you're stroking in the typical direction of the lymphatic flow (toward your chin and neck). When you start to use the gua sha, you'll be forced to pay a lot more attention to where you keep tension in your face. As you're applying the stroking technique, you'll likely come across areas that feel swollen or tender.
These tend to be the areas that need it the most. Make sure you alternate between long and short strokes. Keep in mind that at the end of each session, it's normal for the skin to be red and pink.
In some cases, some bruising might form. However, this is usually a sign that you're doing it too hard.
How Often Should You Use Your Gua Sha Tool?
When you're first starting, it's recommended that you use gua sha once per week. However, ultimately, the frequency with which you use it will depend on both your skin type and preferences. Once you get into a comfortable routine, you can begin using gua sha two or three times per week.
Eventually, if you keep up with it, you'll be able to transition it into a daily activity. Consider turning this skincare practice into a wellness routine or even an act of self-love. It will allow you to pause and relax. That way, it can become something you crave and look forward to at the end of the day.
Is There Any Time You Shouldn't Use Gua Sha?
Yes, there are some circumstances where this form of skin care isn't appropriate. If you have a rash, hives, or sunburn, avoid gua sha.
It will be a painful experience. The same goes for people with blood coagulation problems. In these cases, the technique can be potentially dangerous
Professional or DIY?
Gua sha is something that you can do at home by yourself. As long as you have the right tools, it shouldn't be a problem. That being said, there are some benefits to seeing a professional first.
For starters, it just feels good. However, it can also be a valuable learning experience. You can get a sense of how it's supposed to feel. Many professionals will even be willing to teach you the proper technique.
Consider finding a facial massage therapist who specializes in gua sha skin scraping techniques. Alternatively, if you can't afford a massage therapist, there are plenty of valuable resources for gua sha found on both YouTube and TikTok.
If you're diving into the healing technique, consider consulting some tutorials first. That way, you know you're doing things correctly.
Does Gua Sha Hurt?
But the reality is that when done right, gua sha is perfect for all skin types. So, consider doing more research into the technique. Or, apply less pressure with your strokes. You want it to be a gentle, soothing activity.
How to Choose Your Gua Sha Tool
While the heart-shaped tool is the best universal option, it can help to invest in different-shaped tools for different massaging angles. You also need to consider the stone that the tool is made out of.
Ideally, you want a stone that comes with antimicrobial properties. Jade and Amethyst are both great options for this. What's more, they're also naturally cooling, which can help prevent heat building from the stroke friction.
Lastly, you need to make sure that the tool is well-made. If the tool is made from genuine stone, like the kind found at Earth Ahead, it will feel slightly heavy.
If you don't have access to holding the stone tool before buying it, then check out online reviews. This will help ensure that you don't get a knockoff.
Elevate Your Skincare with Earth Ahead Gua Sha Collection
We hope this guide helped you learn more about gua sha technique, its benefits, and what to expect before and after. At Earth Ahead, we're passionate about wellness and clean beaty.
We firmly believe that we don't need to compromise our values to live a healthy lifestyle. That's why all the products we offer, including our gua sha massage tools, are sustainable for the environment and come in plastic-free packaging.
Visit our shop to discover your new favorite gua sha tool and feel free reach out to us with any questions.
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