It’s 2023 and all I see on social media these days are influencers boasting about Botox and how it can keep their skin looking young and perfect. But Botox is expensive, needs regular upkeep, and isn't natural. A more natural approach to better skin with similar effects is facial gua sha. Here you can read about the benefits of facial gua sha and how to incorporate it into your nightly skincare routine. 

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha, meaning scraping, is a traditional Eastern healing technique in which a smooth flat tool is used to “scrape” the skin in short back and forth motions, working the fascia beneath the skin. Gua Sha can be used on various areas of the body for beneficial healing effects, similar to cupping. 

Facial Gua Sha is a bit different. Facial gua sha is used with a flat stone, often in Jade or Rose Quartz, and is pressed along the skin in upwards and outwards motions with lighter pressure. The light pressure is said to release facial and muscular tension and can move lymph fluid to tone the face. 

Benefits of Gua Sha

• Promotes Lymphatic Drainage- When facial gua sha is done properly, it can stimulate the lymphatic system of the face to decrease puffiness, congestion and inflammation of the face. 
• Decrease inflammation- Lymphatic drainage will promote the release of toxins and excess fluids, resulting in decrease of inflammation.
• Stimulates circulation- Using short upward strokes (against gravity) will stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue to increase blood flow, giving the skin a brighter look and feel.
• Helps with collagen production
• Sculpting facial muscles- With the improved collagen and elastin production, Gua Sha can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by tightening the skin and sculpting the facial muscles. 

How to use a Gua Sha tool

Gua Sha is very simple. You will need a gua sha stone, often sold in jade or rose quartz. You can find them easily on amazon! Following your skincare routine, after you’ve moisturized:

1. Start at the lower part of the face, the chin. Work outward and upward, it is important to go against gravity as we want the skin to tighten upwards rather than loosen downwards. 
2. Work the jaw line well to loosen tension and diminish symptoms of TMJ.
3. Slowly work your way up the face, continuing in outward and upward motions. Work the cheek bones and gently under the eye to diminish dark circles and bags.
4. Work the brow, this will decrease tension in the sinus chambers (also above the cheek bones under the eyes) and can help to relieve headaches.
5. Finish with the forehead, starting in the middle and working outwards. 
6. Work the neck as well, still moving in upward motions, to tighten the skin and sculpt the neck and under chin. 

You should be repeating each stroke 5 or so times before moving up. Facial Gua Sha is most optimal when practiced 3-5 times per week. After a few weeks of a consistent routine, you should start to notice positive changes in your skin tone and appearance. 

I also offer facial Gua Sha and Cupping as an add-on to my massage services. This includes a lengthened face massage followed by cupping or gua sha. Facial cupping is essentially the same as facial gua sha, only used with smaller suction cups as opposed to a gua sha tool. Add facial cupping or gua sha to your next massage session!