You’ve most likely already spotted your favourite celebrities and social media influencers raving about the new Gua Sha skincare tool online. You may be asking yourself… what is Gua Sha? And what does this pretty gemstone do? Well, the experts (a.k.a. Australian Skin Clinics) are here to tell you if this ancient, yet mainstream tool is much more than just a crazy trend.
Firstly, what is Gua Sha?
Would you be surprised if I told you that Gua Sha isn’t a new skincare tool and it actually dates back hundreds of years? Gua Sha is an ancient and traditional eastern ritual used for lymphatic drainage and has since become a skincare staple for consumers around the world. The white jade stone gently massages the face and neck to help release built up toxins and waste from under the skin. Regular use of this technique assists in improving skin health through the stimulation of blood circulation and oxygenation, resulting in a smooth, radiant glow.
What are the top benefits of using a Gua Sha?
Regular use of your Gua Sha skincare tool boasts a range of benefits.
- Helpful for lymphatic drainage
Our skin relies on healthy circulating blood to feed our skin cells vital nutrients and oxygen. Unlike our circulatory system that is moved by a pump – our heart, the lymphatic system relies on muscle movement to function so when using the gua sha in your skin care regimen, you are essentially moving the lymph - Tension relief
By gently massaging your face and neck with a Gua Sha, you can really get into those tough, knotted areas to release held muscular tension. - Smooth and glowing skin
By stimulating the microcirculation of blood and lymph, Gua Sha can help to improve skin health and reduce puffiness, particularly around the eye area.
How to use the Gua Sha?
To best use your Gua Sha, we recommend doing one side of your face at a time.
Step 1: To avoid irritation, ensure you have double cleansed your skin using appropriate cleansing products. We recommend using the Balense Gentle Cleanser with our Makeup Cleansing Pads.
Step 2: The next important step when using this technique is to apply your favourite serum to ensure there is enough moisture for slip. We recommend the Balense Antioxidant Lift FX Serum. Because this serum is antioxidant based, regular use can help improve skin tone and texture as well as provide a lifting and firming effect.
Step 3: To begin, starting at the back of your neck, hold the Gua Sha against your skin on an angle and with gentle pressure, sweep the Gua Sha in downward movements from the bottom of your skull towards the front of the neck.
Step 4: From the centre of your chin, sweep the Gua Sha tool across your jawline towards your ear using the curve that suits your face best.
Step 5: From your upper lip area, sweep the Gua Sha tool across your cheek out to the very side of your face towards the temple area.
Step 6: Work the Gua Sha tool upwards on the nose and outwards again below your eye towards the temple area. Using your gua sha tool with this technique will help reduce the puffiness below your eyes.
Step 7: Work the Gua Sha along your forehead from the centre of your brow towards the temple area.
Step 8: Once completed, repeat all the above steps on the other side of your face!
Watch our video below for complete step-by-step instructions on how to use your Gua Sha tool, guided by Donna our National Training Manager at Australian Skin Clinics.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/7Zi4JXs08V4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How often should I use my Gua Sha?
We recommend using your Gua Sha 2-3 times a week as part of your nighttime skincare routine. Not only will this help you feel more relaxed and release the tension built up through your day, but your skin will be reaping the benefits! I mean… who doesn’t want to unwind and nourish their skin at the same time?
The verdict.
In summary, our experts confirm that YES the Gua Sha skincare tool is much more than just a fad. Our new Australian Skin Clinics White Jade Gua Sha is available in clinics while stock lasts. Get started on your Gua Sha journey by visiting your local Australian Skin Clinics and talking to our dermal experts about how a Gua Sha tool can help you.