How to use a gua sha ? This is the question that everyone asks when starting out in the world of ancestral and natural skincare routines.
Discover with us how to use your gua sha step by step with our complete guide presented by a facialist. 🧘♀️
Before explaining how to use a gua sha, what is a gua sha?
Definition
A gua sha is a metal, stone or crystal tool used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve blood and lymphatic circulation, relieve muscle tension and firm the skin.
It is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits.
Why use a gua sha?
Using gua sha can help refresh and brighten skin by stimulating collagen production.
Improve the elasticity and tone of the dermis. It can help reduce wrinkles, spots and dark circles under the eyes, as well as signs of aging.
Gua sha can also help solve skin problems such as acne, inflammation and redness by improving blood and lymphatic circulation in the body. A small miracle tool to integrate into your daily beauty routine.
But be careful, you don't use a gua sha just any old way! Indeed, part of the benefits of gua sha is based on lymphatic drainage. A self-massage with this little beauty secret must therefore respect the sense of the lymph.
Understanding Lymphatic Drainage
The lymph
Lymph is a clear, colorless liquid that circulates in the body through a network of vessels. Lymph carries immune cells and waste products from the body to the lymph nodes so they can be filtered and eliminated.
It plays an important role in the immune system helping to fight infection and disease. The lymphatic network does not have a pump like the blood network with our heart. The lymph therefore circulates only by stimulation.
Lymphatic drainage using a gua sha
Lymphatic drainage using a crystal gua sha is the ideal solution to activate the circulation of your lymph and thus improve your health by promoting the elimination of toxins from your body.
It is important to note that gua sha is a basic skin treatment accessory. It is to be carried out in addition to a surface treatment carried out with a Massage Roller.
How to use a gua sha for the face explained step by step by a facialist
1. Choose the right gua sha
There are different forms of gua sha, each designed to target different areas of your e e.
For example, a gua sha face , that is to say flat, is ideal for the cheeks, the forehead and the oval of the face while a mushroom gua sha is more suitable for the different areas around the eyes.
There are also different stones used as materials for your gua sha.
The ideal would be to find a version of this little treasure made in a crystal that suits you! No worries, we have the guide for you 👉 Gua Sha: which stone to choose to maximize the benefits?
2. Prepare your skin
Before using a gua sha, it is important to thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove any excess oil, dirt or makeup:
- A face wash with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities
- A warm water rinse to remove any cleanser residue
- Dry with a clean, soft towel
Then apply an oil or moisturizer to help the gua sha glide over your skin. You can also use a serum containing anti-aging ingredients to maximize the benefits of your gua sha.
3. Start with the cheeks
Hold the gua sha at a 45 degree angle with the flat, curved part against your skin. Glide the tool from the inside of your face outward.
Start from the side of your nose and slide the gua sha towards the base of your ear.
You can then perform the same gesture lower from the side of your lips. Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times on each side using moderate to sustained pressure.
4. Continue with the forehead
Use the same part of your gua sha and the same angle of inclination to massage your forehead.
Glide the tool from the base of the frown line up and away from your face.
Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times on each side with sustained pressure.
5. Go to eyebrows
Place the smaller curve of the "love heart" below the eyebrow and the longer curve above the eyebrow. Use sweeping motions, following the shape of the eyes from the inside of your eyebrows to your hairline. Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times on each side with light pressure.
6. Massage the chin
Use the curves of the “heart of love” to massage the oval of your face. Glide the tool from your chin outward from your face while following your jawline. Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times on each side using moderate to sustained pressure. By the way, did you know that gua sha is the ultimate weapon to fight against the double chin? Do not hesitate to read our article 👉 Fight double chin with Gua Sha: before and after to find out more!
7. Finish with the neck
Always use a 45 degree angle with the flat, curved part of your gua sha. Use sweeping motions from your collarbones to your jawline. When you reach the jaw line, make short, sharp squeezing strokes. Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times with sustained pressure.
8. Finish with hydration
Once you have finished massaging your skin with the gua sha, it is important to rinse off your gua sha and if needed moisturize your skin to help maintain and repair your skin barrier.
You can place your gua sha in the refrigerator for a few minutes before use to accentuate its toning and decongestant effect. Conversely, you can leave your gua sha for a few seconds under hot water for a more soothing and relaxing effect.
And there you have it, you now have all the tools you need to set up the most effective skincare routine!
