How to use Gua Sha for radiant skin
Ready for a journey of well-being through Asia? Discover Gua Sha, an ancient massage technique using a cut stone, often made of rose quartz or jade. This practice promotes lymphatic drainage and blood circulation in the face and neck, offering a firming and lifting effect. With just a few simple gestures, your skin will regain its radiance and glow. Follow the guide to learn how to use Gua Sha and reveal your skin's natural beauty.
Understanding the Gua Sha technique
The Gua Sha technique, which originated in traditional Chinese medicine, is based on the use of a smooth, polished tool, usually made of jade or rose quartz. This stone, adapted to the contours of the face, is used to perform specific massage movements on clean, moisturized skin.
Gua Sha stimulates the muscular fascia and lymphatic system, helping to evacuate toxins and improve blood circulation. In addition, this facial massage activates collagen production, helping to improve dermal elasticity and tone.
We recommend that you incorporate this practice into your daily skincare routine, using the Gua Sha 2-3 times a week, to reap the full benefits of its effects.
The benefits of Gua Sha massage for the face
Gua Sha massage offers numerous benefits for facial skin. By stimulating blood and lymph circulation, this technique decongests the face, eliminates toxins and refreshes the skin.
Gua Sha massage can also refine and tone the face, smoothing features and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It contributes to skin firmness by toning muscles and reducing muscular contractions.
In addition, Gua Sha can improve skin radiance by helping to eliminate waste and stagnant fluids. It also helps to detoxify the skin by promoting the elimination of toxins.
Finally, Gua Sha is effective in reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, thanks to improved blood and lymph circulation.
In short, Gua Sha massage offers numerous benefits for visibly healthier, younger-looking skin.
Choosing your Gua Sha stone: Jade or Rose Quartz?
The choice of stone is a crucial step in adopting the Gua Sha technique. Two options are generally preferred: Jade and Rose Quartz.
Jade is traditionally used in Gua Sha. This stone is reputed to promote regeneration and circulation, which can help firm the skin and reduce wrinkles.
Rose Quartz, on the other hand, is particularly appreciated for its soothing and relaxing properties. It is ideal for sensitive skin and can help fend off wrinkles and preserve the face's youthful appearance.
Each of these stones has unique properties that can benefit your skin. The choice therefore depends on your specific needs and personal preferences.
Lymphatic drainage with Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a powerful tool for lymphatic drainage of the face. It helps eliminate toxins, stimulates blood and lymph circulation and decongests the face.
For effective drainage, start by applying an oil or serum to your face to enable the Gua Sha to glide more easily. Next, use the tool to perform repetitive pressure movements on certain areas of the face:
- Start at the center of the face and work outwards, following the contours of the face.
- Then gently work around the eyes to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
- Finally, work around the oval of the face and neck to promote drainage of the lymph nodes under the jaw and around the ears.
These regular, precise movements will help evacuate stagnant lymphatic fluids and eliminate toxins, leaving your skin fresh and radiant.
How to use Gua Sha properly ?
To use the Gua Sha correctly, start by cleansing your skin. Then apply your usual cream to help the Gua Sha glide over your face. You can also use a specific oil for greater comfort.
Once you've prepared your skin, place the Gua Sha at a 45-degree angle against your skin, using gentle, fluid movements. Always start from the center of your face and work outwards.
- For the eye contour area, use the rounded edge and make a gentle inward-outward movement.
- For the earlobe, use the Gua Sha in circular movements.
- Finally, for in-depth skin care, repeat each movement 3 to 5 times.
Light pressure is recommended, especially on the delicate skin around the eyes.
If you notice excessive redness, soften your movements. Gua Sha should not be used directly on skin inflammations such as acne.
Finally, don't forget to clean your Gua Sha after each use to maintain its effectiveness and avoid infection.
The importance of oil when using Gua Sha
Oil plays an essential role when using the Gua Sha. It helps reduce friction between the tool and the skin, allowing the tool to glide more easily, making the massage more pleasant. Oil also nourishes and moisturizes the skin, enhancing the benefits of massage.
The choice of oil depends on your skin type and the specific problems you wish to target. Oils rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, such as gua sha oil, are particularly appreciated for their soothing and relaxing properties.
It is advisable to apply the oil before each use of the gua sha. As well as facilitating the gliding of the tool, the oil helps increase blood circulation in the treated area, promoting better oxygenation of skin tissue and healthier skin.
Incorporating Gua Sha into your skincare routine
To incorporate Gua Sha into your routine, start by incorporating it gradually. At first, you can use it once a week. Once you're used to it, increase the frequency of use. You could even use it every day, depending on your skin's needs.
You can alternate effects by preparing the stone differently. For example, placing your Gua Sha in the fridge for a few minutes before use will accentuate its toning and decongesting effect. Conversely, you can leave your Gua Sha under warm water for a few seconds for a more soothing, relaxing effect.
Finally, if you have sensitive skin, it's best to perform your Gua Sha routine in the evening, as it may leave your face a little red.
Opinions on the efficacy of Gua Sha massage
Opinions on the effectiveness of Gua Sha massage are generally positive. Many users report firmer, plumper skin after regular use of this technique. In particular, they point to the evacuation of toxins and stimulation of blood circulation as notable benefits.
The relaxing aspect of the practice is also highly appreciated, with sensations of deep relaxation and general well-being often reported.
What's more, some users note positive effects on specific skin problems, such as acne and combination skin, thanks to the detoxifying action of massage.
Buying a Gua Sha: criteria and pricing
When buying a Gua Sha, there are several criteria to consider in order to make the best choice.
Material is an important factor. Jade Gua Sha are very popular, but their price can be high. Less expensive options, such as rose quartz or porcelain, are also available.
The shape of your Gua Sha should allow a good grip and be adapted to the areas you wish to massage.
The authenticity of the stone is also an important criterion for guaranteeing the tool's effectiveness.