Achieving optimal results with facial Gua Sha involves regular practice, making it an excellent routine to integrate into your life. If you prefer incorporating it before heading out or as a relaxing evening or weekend ritual, please find a schedule that works best for you.
Depending on your skin type and desired outcome, you can use hot or cold to enhance your experience. If you’re experiencing inflammation, acne, or lethargy, putting your stone in the fridge can be beneficial; or if you want to promote blood flow and product absorption using a hot towel (out of the dryer), post massage can be just the thing. Be sure to prep this ahead of time for a more tailored experience.
Start with clean hands and a freshly washed Gua Sha tool, using hot soapy water before and after each use. Using a facial oil with high antioxidant content, such as the Superfruit Gel-to-Milk, is ideal; apply it to the neck, face, and décolleté for a smooth glide and nourishment for the skin.
Perform the massage using the Gua Sha tool at a 15-degree angle to your skin. Glide the tool over your skin using light to medium pressure, being mindful of the delicate facial skin. Use long strokes with upward motions and sideswipes toward your ears.
Start with a few gentle strokes up the neck, working towards the hairline, then working your way up the face. Key areas for Gua Sha include the neck, jawline, cheekbones, under the eyes, browline and forehead. Repeat each stroke several times, around 5 to 10 repetitions, while avoiding excessive repetition in one area to prevent skin irritation.
Try out different strokes, like using small circular movements in areas where you feel tension and adjusting the curves of the stone to match the contours of your face. Pay a little extra attention to areas with tension or puffiness. The increase of blood flow to the area, increases oxygen to the skin as well as vital nutrients, which stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
One of the primary goals to promote lymphatic drainage during gua sha, is to target the lymph nodes under the ears and neck. When they become blocked, drainage becomes sluggish, which can lead to a dull gray complexion and puffiness. Promote lymphatic drainage by gently swiping from temples and ears down your neck into your armpits. Conclude the routine with a final upward stroke along the neck to encourage lymphatic drainage away from the face.
Gua sha’s gentle scraping over the skin, creates friction and stimulates the lymphatic vessels, promoting better fluid circulation and eliminating bloating caused by interstitial fluid (fluid trapped under the skin that needs to be released to the lymph system). This fluid can accumulate overnight as we lay flat, so performing this ritual in the morning may be beneficial.
Incorporate facial Gua Sha into your daily or weekly skincare routine. When done regularly and with proper technique, facial Gua Sha can enhance blood circulation, reduce puffiness, release muscle tension, and improve skin radiance by delivering more nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
By embracing this age-old tradition and using the Bian stone across your face, you are not only treating your skin to a rejuvenating experience but also tapping into its profound benefits for circulation, relaxation, and overall radiance.
If you're new to Gua Sha, please consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to figure out the best approach for your specific skin type and concerns. For a customized routine, look for an esthetician who specializes in gua sha.
Watch a step-by-step Video on How to Give yourself a Gua Sha Facial
Learn more about the benefits of facial gua sha and why the material its made from matters.
Check out another blog for additional information:
Ancient Wisdom: The Natural benefits of using Black Bian Stone
Megan Houde
Certified Organic Formulator
Certified in Gua Sha Facial Massage
CEO
