Let's face it, you've been hearing about gua sha a lot over the past couple of years and it looks like the ancient practice is here to stay. Search “gua sha” on TikTok and you’ll be flooded with impressive before-and-after videos showing off the transformative results 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 the tension and stiffness that occur from prolonged use of technology (aka "tech neck")

What is Gua Sha?

Gua sha offers remarkable sculpting and tension-relieving outcomes at an affordable price. Although it may appear unfamiliar to some, gua sha has a long history dating back to the Paleolithic Age and has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Initially employed as a comprehensive treatment for various ailments, diseases, and acupuncture therapy, gua sha involved the use of a flat stone (or alternative tools such as a coin or spoon) to scrape the skin, promoting pain relief and reducing inflammation by enhancing blood circulation in the targeted area.

 Historically, the gua sha instrument was crafted from either jade or bian stone. However, due to its widespread usage, there are now a plethora of options available, including rose quartz and stainless steel. Byrdie suggests that when selecting a gua sha, one should take into account its shape, ensuring that it is easy to hold and complements the natural curves of the face. It is recommended to choose a tool with various angles and grooves to enable effortless movement along the neck, jawline, cheekbones, and under the eyes.

Does Gua Sha Actually Work?

Is the gua sha worth the buzz considering its rich history and current popularity? Our answer is a resounding yes. Apart from its ability to improve skin texture, it is also praised as a holistic approach that promotes relaxation, minimizes stress, and relieves bodily tension. Consistency is crucial in achieving optimal outcomes, as with any skincare routine. Experts suggest beginning with two to three gua sha sessions per week and gradually increasing to daily practice.

. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Science and Healing, gua sha has been found to increase microcirculation in the skin by up to 400%, resulting in a more youthful and healthy-looking complexion. Additionally, a clinical trial published by PubMed showed that combining facial massage with an anti-aging cream can have positive effects on wrinkles. In this trial, 22 women applied an anti-aging cream and used a massaging device daily for eight weeks, resulting in visibly smoother wrinkles and amplified benefits from the cream. Dr. Dray, a dermatologist and YouTuber, shares her professional opinion on gua sha and the clinical study, reminding viewers to have realistic expectations when starting a new skincare routine.

Benefits Of Gua Sha For The Face And Neck  

Sandra Lanshin Chiu, an acupuncturist and owner of Lanshin, a holistic healing studio in New York, states that gua sha offers numerous benefits for various skin types and concerns, including acne. Congested skin, characterized by sluggish fluid and blood circulation, can lead to swelling and inflammation. Facial gua sha not only aids in lymphatic circulation and drainage but also enhances the quality of blood circulation and energy (‵qi′) circulation.

Other benefits of gua sha include:

Sculpting and contouring the face
 Improving product absorption 
 Relaxing muscles and releasing tension
 Improving circulation
 Reducing puffiness 

 Lanshin's team of experts emphasizes the importance of including the neck in a gua sha routine, as it serves as a pathway for nutrients to reach the head and face while also removing waste. The strain caused by prolonged phone and computer use can affect the neck's functionality, but gua sha can alleviate muscle and tissue tension, promoting optimal bodily function. Improved circulation can also rejuvenate the skin and reduce signs of aging with consistent practice.

Gua Sha Techniques For The Face And Neck
 For a video demonstration of gua sha techniques, view 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 glide the tool upwards towards the jawline on both sides.
• Next, sweep outwards working from the middle of your chin towards the ear.
• After this, sweep across the cheeks finishing at the hairline.
• Sweep over your eyebrow and up towards your hairline.
• Sweep from between the eyebrows up to the hairline.
• Finally, sweep upwards from the middle of your forehead to the hairline.
• Repeat on the other side of your face.
• Sweep each area between 3 – 10 times before moving to the next part of the face.
• Finally, sweep the tool from the top of your jaw (under your ear) on each side down to the collarbone. This will allow the lymphatic fluid to drain. 

Products To Use For Gua Sha

 Prep 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 tugging at the skin, as this can cause unwanted redness and irritation. If you find that happening, add a few more drops of your desired product. 

 We recommend our beloved Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil