Image via Elly Fairytale/Pexels
As part of humankind’s eternal search for beauty, gua sha has become the latest trend in skincare, promising clearer complexion, and firmer and glowing skin. However, you probably already know that the practice of gua sha isn’t exactly new.
Gua sha, a Chinese phrase translated as ‘scraping redness of skin’, was first officially recorded during the Ming Dynasty—that’s more than 650 years ago!
Instead of a beauty treatment, gua sha started off as a traditional medicinal therapy usually done on the neck, shoulder and back. The therapist would use a scrapper—this can range from a coin to a spoon—to apply pressure and scrap the skin (which is oiled or lubricated), removing toxins, reducing muscle pain and promoting healing.
A ‘tamer’ version of what a back can look like after gua sha. (Image via Sidekick)
Of course, a facial gua sha is less dramatic. You apply a lighter pressure and, using a tool, scrape upwards and outwards (this is important). Make sure you apply facial oil first though—never do it on bare skin!
Facial gua sha reportedly helps to soothe flared skin, drain puffiness and sculpt your face. The repeated soft scraping feeling is similar to a massage too, giving off a calming effect. The benefits of facial gua sha has won over fans everywhere including celebrities such as Miranda Kerr and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Just gave myself an at home facial massage with my Gua Sha Rose Quartz Facial Sculptor KORA Organics 🥰 It helps ease tension, de-puffs and contours your face. The Rose Quartz is such a soothing, love-invoking crystal.💖 It can be used all over your body and is especially good for self massage on your pressure points to ease stress. What act of self-care can you do for yourself today? #selfcaresunday
Posted by Miranda Kerr on Sunday, 5 April 2020
There are many tools you can use for a facial gua sha with the popular ones being rose quartz stone and jade. Here are some options we found online:
Image via Shopee
Image via Shopee
Image via Zalora
Image via Shopee
Image via Shopee
Image via Shopee
Considering the cost of these tools—they are a lot cheaper than a facial massage too, it’s easy to adopt this skincare routine. Plus, the fact that people continue to practice gua sha many, many years since it was first started has to mean something good, right?
So, get gua sha-ing!