It’s the question the internet has been asking: what is a gua sha? The ancient Chinese tradition has taken social media by storm, with claims that the skin-scraping technique could help to depuff and contour the face.
But if you are now wondering how to use a gua sha tool, we’ve got the perfect tips for you to see if they really can help you to achieve cheekbones that even supermodels would be envious of.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese healing tradition that uses a flat, smoothed-edged tool to create a gentle scraping motion against the skin. Adapted by modern skincare, the technique is believed to promote microcirculation, which may reduce inflammation on the face and body.
When to Use a Gua Sha Tool
Once you have cleansed, exfoliated and toned your complexion, reach for your gua sha to work your favorite serum or oil into the skin.
Simply apply a generous amount of product to lubricate the skin to prevent any pulling or tugging. The massage can be performed in the morning or evening, depending on your preference.
In the morning, using your gua sha tool may help to reduce puffiness, as well as priming your skin for makeup application with potential smoothing and plumping benefits.
Alternatively, use the tool as part of your nighttime skincare routine to wind down at the end of a long day. Simply light that candle you’ve been saving, stick on your favorite series and settle down with a relaxing facial massage before bed.
How Often Should You Use Gua Sha
The key to using a gua sha tool is consistency. The optimum frequency will depend on your individual skin type, but experts generally recommend practicing this massage technique from once a day to three times a week.
Like any skincare ritual, the technique is not an overnight fix, and you need to keep it up to reap the benefits.
How to Use Gua Sha on the Face and Neck
When using the gua sha tool on the face and neck, there are a number of steps to follow to get the most out of your tool, including:
- Prepare the Skin: Cleanse the skin and then layer with a generous amount of your favorite serum, oil or balm to minimize tugging.
- Contour Those Cheekbones: Starting at the center of the face near the nose, glide the tool across the cheekbones and towards the ears. Repeat each motion three to five times on each side.
- Target the Jawline: Next, we want to perform a similar action along the jawline, scraping from the chin towards the ear.
- Puffy Eyes No More: Using a lifting motion, gently glide the gua sha tool from the inner corner of the undereye up to the hairline
- Don’t Forget the Forehead: For the forehead and brows, using small horizontal strokes, glide over the brow bone and towards the hairline.
- Finish with the Neck: Using the curved contoured edges, start from underneath the jawline and slide down the neck towards the collar bones applying gentle pressure.
Expert Tip: Wondering how to use a gua sha on your body? Apply a generous amount of body moisturizer or serum to the skin and, using the same techniques, glide the tool along the contours of your hands, arms, legs, torso and feet for a soothing massage (remember to clean it after using on each area).
What Serum to Use with a Gua Sha Tool
The answer to this question does depend on your skin type and individual preferences. Some of our favorites include:
Revolution Skincare Extra 15% Niacinamide Serum: This moisturising formula could help to reduce the appearance of blemishes on the skin while helping to lock in hydration for a softer-feeling finish.
Collagen Boost Serum: Seeking to achieve firmer-looking skin? Try this triple action formula, infused with tremella mushroom and olive stem cells.
Revolution Skincare 12.5% Vitamin C Serum: Powered by natural extracts, this facial oil seeks to enhance radiance for dull skin.
How to Clean a Gua Sha Tool
Just like other beauty tools, gua sha tools can harbor dirt and bacteria, so it’s important to keep them clean by following a few simple steps:
- Rinse and wash the tool using water and your favorite facial cleanser.
- Dry with a microfiber towel.
- We recommend storing the tool in an airtight bag in the fridge to protect against bacteria and impurities.
Expert Tip: When on the go or travelling, use rubbing alcohol for a quick clean.
The effectiveness of the tool relies on your technique. Perfecting your gua sha massage can be difficult at first, but remember, practice makes perfect!
Shop our range of skincare tools today to elevate your routine.