If you start to notice a little swelling after using your gua sha, it could be that the lymph might be pooling in that area. Neck work can help keep the lymph moving.
Using the tool incorrectly can lead to wear and tear of your facial muscles. For the basic Gua Sha stroke, hold the stone so it creates an acute angle with the surface of the skin, somewhere between 15 to 45 degrees.
Potential Risks. Typically, gua sha is considered safe. However, you may have some bruising or discoloration of your skin. You could also be sore and tender for a short while after you have your treatment.
Q: Can gua sha massage cause breakouts? If you are not used to facial massage and/or using face oils or facebalms, you can experience a few breakouts for the first 2-3 weeks of doing gua sha. It's perfectly normal and it will subside again as long as you continue the gua sha massage at least 3-4 times a week.
Gua sha is a method that promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to alleviate puffiness caused by excess fluid retention. This technique utilizes a flat stone (usually jade or rose quartz) to scrape the skin, which promotes circulation of blood flow.
Not only does gua sha help lift and tone the face, it also aids in lymphatic drainage and reduces inflammation. Originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial gua sha can be found all over TikTok and social media, thanks to its transformative abilities.
While gua sha's benefits haven't been clinically studied, practitioners say patients often notice skin looks more lifted after just one session.
I understand that cupping/gua sha modalities should not be combined with aggressive exfoliation, after getting a sunburn or when I'm hungry or thirsty. I understand that I should avoid exposure to cold/wet/windy weather conditions, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 4-6 hours.
Sometimes starting a gua sha practice can aggravate the skin and cause a breakout — this happens and you should know it's a totally normal, common response. It's like you're stirring up debris that's settled at the bottom of a lake, the debris needs somewhere to go.
Gua sha works by releasing toxins from the skin and loosening knots and tension in concentrated areas. This isn't just anecdotal evidence, either. Recent clinical research has proven the benefits of gua sha as an anti-inflammatory treatment and immune system boost.
SMH: Yes, you can incorporate your gua sha into your daily routine. Either in the morning or the evening works fine as long as you take the appropriate time to do it. I always do my facial gua sha in the morning, as it is a fantastic way to reduce puffiness and wake up your facial muscles at the beginning of the day.
Gua sha therapy can soften long-held patterns of facial tension, a.k.a deep grooves and wrinkles, when done long-term. Slowly, you may notice your brow looking less furrowed, softer nasolabial folds (the “parenthesis” around your mouth), and faded crow's feet.
This is supposed to relax stiff muscles and promote tissue drainage. But a word of caution: gua sha is not for everyone. “You should not be doing any form of gua sha if you are taking anticoagulants (medicine that prevents or reduces blood clotting ability).
I go for at least 2 glasses of water right after my gua sha ritual. This is essential to promote healthy lymphatic drainage which is what your gua sha facial is all about. Hydrating your body will help it flush any toxins away efficiently via your lymphatic system.
No, you do not have to wash your face after gua sha. Having gua sha is actually better than cleansing your face because cleansing your face will remove the natural oils on our skin and make it more oily.
Remember, you always need some type of a lubricant, typically an oil or moisturizer to allow the Gua Sha tool to effortlessly glide across the skin. Without it, it's possible to cause bruising, tugging, or broken capillaries.
How often to Gua Sha? It is recommended to follow the practice of facial Gua Sha at least thrice a week to maintain results. You can choose to do it in the morning to reduce puffiness or at night, just before sleeping, to relax your facial muscles.
Broadly speaking, Jade rollers are more beneficial for slightly younger age groups such as 30-45 years whereas Gua-Shas are more beneficial for older age groups such as those above 45-50 years.
The takeaway.
Don't be afraid: Your gua sha stone isn't giving you wrinkles, if you're doing it right, that is. Just be mindful not to apply too much pressure, use oil, and always move upward. Glowing skin awaits.
'To achieve the best results, using a gua sha tool once or twice a day is recommended,' says Ooi. 'Regular use is best for maintaining the benefits long term within the face as stagnated fluid will be removed regularly and the build up over time will be minimal. '
Skincare: Before, During and After
"Gua sha is best done after both cleansing the face and applying a moisturizer or facial oil," says Lam, "as the gua massage not only gives your skin a 'workout,' but also helps products' nutrients absorb better into skin."
Start with one side of the face, apply 3-5 strokes per area before moving to the other side of your face. The tool should be used at a flat angle - approximately one finger width between the Gua Sha and your skin - and with a light pressure.
A roller is a more sensitive treatment that you can opt for. However, if you're someone who wants to target fine lines and loose skin, gua sha will offer better benefits, stimulating blood flow and reducing puffiness. However, you can always use both the tools for the best benefits!
For best results, our experts recommend performing gua sha three to four times a week for about three to five minutes each time.