Let’s face it, you’ve heard a lot about gua sha over the past couple of years, and it looks like the ancient practice is here to stay. Search for “gua sha” on TikTok and you’ll be inundated with impressive before-and-after videos showing the transformative effects of this tiny tool. A gua sha routine is said to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce inflammation, and sculpt the face (hello, cheekbones). It can also help relieve tension and stiffness resulting from prolonged use of technology (aka “tech neck”). Read on to discover our face and neck gua sha guide and learn from our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar as it guides you in proper gua sha technique.
What is Gua Sha? | Does Gua Sha Work? | Benefits of Gua Sha for the face and neck | Gua Sha techniques | suggested products
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha offers impressive sculpting and tension relief results at an affordable price. Although it may seem new to many of us, gua sha dates back to Stone Age and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Now widely recognized for its beauty benefits, the practice of gua sha began as a full-body treatment for ailments, diseases, and acupuncture therapy, where a flat stone (or other tool such as a coin or spoon) was used to scrape the skin to relieve pain and inflammation by bringing blood flow to the area.
Traditionally, the gua sha tool was made of jade or bian stone, but given the tool’s immense popularity, there are now varieties ranging from rose quartz to stainless steel. According Birdie, it is important to consider the shape of the gua sha, as it should be comfortable to hold and complement the natural contours of the face. Look for one with multiple angles and cuts for a smooth glide along the neck, jawline, cheekbones and under the eyes.
Does Gua Sha Really Work?
With all this history and the current viral situation, does gua sha really live up to the hype? We certainly think so. In addition to its skin-smoothing benefits, it is lauded as a holistic practice that encourages relaxation, reduces stress and releases tension in the body. As with most skin care routines, consistency is the key to achieving the best results. Experts recommend starting your gua sha routine with two to three days a week and eventually working up to every day.
A study published in Journal of Science and Healing suggests that gua sha can increase microcirculation in the skin by up to 400%, which results in a healthy, youthful glow. Another clinical trial published by PubMed showed positive causality when combining facial massage and “anti-aging cream”. In this test, 22 women applied a commercial anti-aging cream, followed by daily use of a massage device. At the end of the eight-week period, wrinkles appeared visibly smoother and the beneficial effects of the cream were enhanced. Dermatologist (and YouTuber) Dr. Dre shares her professional view in gua sha and is detailed in the clinical study mentioned above. As always, it’s important to start any new skin care practice with realistic expectations!
Benefits of Gua Sha for the face and neck
What are the benefits of gua sha? According Sandra Lanshin Chiuacupuncturist and owner thereof Lanshin, a holistic healing studio in New York, gua sha is effective for all skin types and concerns, including acne. “Congested skin is stagnant – meaning fluid and blood circulation is slow, making the skin more susceptible to swelling and inflammation. Facial gua sha not only helps lymphatic circulation (and therefore drainage), but also improves the quality of blood circulation and the flow of energy (‵qi′).
Other benefits of gua sha include:
- Facial sculpting and contouring
- Improving the absorption of the product
- Relaxation of muscles and release of tension
- Traffic improvement
- Reduction of swelling
According to Lanshin’s team of experts, focusing on the neck is essential to any gua sha routine because it acts as “a pathway that carries vital nutrients to nourish your head and face, as well as circulates waste downwards and outside”. The hours we spend each day on our phones and computers can contribute to the strain that affects neck function. “Gua sha helps relieve muscle and tissue tension, allowing our bodies to return to optimal function. Increased blood circulation, vital fluids and life force energy can then be returned to your skin and tissues. When done correctly and regularly, this can reduce the appearance of signs of ‘aging’ so much dread.”
Gua Sha techniques for the face and neck
For a video demonstration of gua sha techniques, see this In The Mix video with Natalie:
Natalie shares a step-by-step guide on how to gua sha your face and neck for best results:
- Apply 4-10 drops of your preferred facial oil.
- Starting at the base of your neck, gently slide the tool upwards towards the jawline on both sides.
- Then sweep outwards working from the middle of your chin towards the ear.
- After that, wipe the cheeks ending at the hairline.
- Sweep over your eyebrow and up toward your hairline.
- Sweep from between the eyebrows to the hairline.
- Finally, sweep upwards from the middle of your forehead to your hairline.
- Repeat on the other side of your face.
- Wipe each area between 3 – 10 times before moving on to the next part of the face.
- Finally, sweep the tool from the top of your jaw (below your ear) on each side to your collarbone. This will allow the lymphatic fluid to drain.
Products to use for Gua Sha
Prepare the skin with either a serum, oil or moisturizer that provides enough slip for the gua sha tool to glide easily over the skin. You want to avoid pulling on the skin as this can cause unwanted redness and irritation. If you find this is the case, add a few more drops of your desired product. We recommend our favorite Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck for the gua sha routine.
Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is our ultra-hydrating facial oil that protects skin from drying environmental pollutants, improves the appearance of elasticity and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This award-winning product contains skin-loving ingredients such as sea buckthorn oil, rosehip oil and jojoba oil to improve the appearance of dryness and reveal a radiant, youthful appearance. If you feel the product is absorbing too quickly as you work on different areas of the face, try spritzing on one of our face mists to hydrate the skin.
Rosehip Oil & Gua Sha Gift Set
Surprise a loved one (or treat yourself) this holiday season with the Limited Edition Rosehip Oil & Gua Sha Gift Set, which includes a full-size bottle of Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and a gua sha tool. Made of natural aventurine, each Eminence Organics The gua sha tool has its own unique shade, markings and beauty. This duo is designed to provide a relaxing facial massage at home that leaves skin soft, firm and rejuvenated.
Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck
Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck is one of our richest moisturizers. This formula works best for drier skin types, as its deeply hydrating ingredients like evening primrose oil, shea butter, and Argan Stem Cell Complex. You can also combine the cream with one of our toners for extra hydration and glide when using gua sha.
We recommend Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist, a skin-plumping toner with formula Natural retinol alternative, Swiss green apple and coconut water, ideal for all skin types. This mist has a five star rating on our site and has even found its way around Olivia Culpo’s nighttime skin care routine featured on Harper’s Bazaar. Using the gua sha tool after applying the cream and toner will help the products’ active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum line-smoothing results.
Ready to improve your skin care routine? Our expertly trained estheticians can help you create a routine with products tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Book now at your nearest Eminence Organics Spa partner.
