There’s no doubt that you’ve seen the Gua Sha tool pop up on your newsfeed in recent times… after all it is the new skincare holy grail product! The increasingly popular Gua Sha is a sleek lymph-flushing device, generally made from gemstones.
Offered in a variety of shapes, there are numerous ways in which you can incorporate the device into your beauty regime to yield extensive health benefits! The Gua Sha is guaranteed to boost your skincare routine by helping you to unwind and create an at-home spa experience, all while promoting ongoing skin benefits.The history behind the Gua Sha
You may have only just seen the Gua Sha pop up in recent times, however this device has a longstanding history. Commonly used amongst Chinese medicine, the term ‘Gua Sha’ translates to ‘scrape petechiae’ in which the device was traditionally used as a full body treatment. Historical records date back to the Paleolithic Age, in which stones were used to rub parts of the body to alleviate symptoms of disease when people fell ill. The longstanding Chinese practise was written into medical history during the Ming Dynasty, between 1368-1644.According to Chinese medicine, qi refers to the energy that flows through the body, which must be balanced to ensure optimal health and wellbeing. It is commonly believed by health practitioners that stagnant qi results from inflammation. This has led to the increasing use of the Gua Sha in rubbing the skin's surface to break this energy, reducing the inflammation and overall promoting healthy outcomes.
How to use a Gua Sha
Learn how to incorporate the increasingly popular Gua Sha into your skincare routine and begin experiencing the many benefits of this holographic skin therapy tool on your natural skin!Step 1: Begin by washing your face and applying skincare to ensure a hydrated, fresh base. Generously apply a face oil or water-based serum before use and ensure there is enough product on to allow the Gua Sha to move effortlessly over the skin.
Step 2: Holding the Gua Sha, use light pressure to move the tool over your areas of concern. We suggest trying the following movements:
Try to complete all movements towards the drainage points around the face (towards the ear and down the neck)
- Sweep downwards towards your collarbones.
- Sculpt the jawline and neck.
- Glide outwards or upwards from the centre of the face.
- Sculpt the brows.
To enjoy the best results, we recommend using your Gua Sha lightly everyday for optimal outcomes. Alternatively, you can try using the tool two to three times a week.
The benefits of incorporating a Gua Sha into your daily skincare routine
Acting as a natural healing remedy, incorporating the Gua Sha device into your daily skincare routine can be extremely beneficial! Some of the many benefits associated with the use of a Gua Sha include:-
Promote Blood Circulation
The Gua Sha device is scraped in a fluid motion, which works to disperse stagnant blood, promoting circulation. In doing these practises you are sending signals to the body that the particular area needs more blood circulation.
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Improve Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Regular use of a Gua Sha device promotes collagen production which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen works to keep your skin strong and elastic, however each year our skin on average decreases 1% in natural collagen production. Introducing the Gua Sha tool into your daily beauty routine will boost collagen production and fight off those unwanted wrinkles.
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Detoxifying
The Gua Sha can be used to clear potential channels of blockages within our organs, in which the scraping movements work to stimulate our lymphatic system. This allows the body to break up stagnation, flowing debris and toxins from within the body, allowing organs to function optimally.
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Relieves Tension from Muscles
By applying pressure regularly through the use of a Gua Sha, users work to untangle knotted muscles and promote relaxation through reducing muscle stress.
What are the best products to use with my Gua Sha?
Before using your Gua Sha it is important to ensure that your skin is hydrated, allowing for the device to glide effortlessly. For an increased range of movement, we recommend pairing the Gua Sha with your favourite moisturisers and serums to further hydrate the skin and intensify the effects. Check out some of our favourite products to use with your Gua Sha device:-
Night Owl Rich Facial Oil
This lightweight facial oil includes intense hydrating properties that work to renew the skin as you sleep. Enriched with Moringa Oil, Olive Squalane and Rosehip Oil to rejuvenate your skin, the oil additionally reduces fine lines and pigmentation. Complete your nighttime skincare routine with the night Owl Rich Facial Oil for the ultimate TLC, by providing long lasting hydration and repairment.
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Dew Drop Hydrating Serum
This water based serum provides a dose of deep hydration, helping you say goodbye to dry and patchy skin. The lightweight formula helps to combat redness and promote healthy glowing skin. Enriched with WildBerry Harvest, Aloe Vera and Nori Extract, this serum works to heal and lock in all day hydration. Apply 2-3 drops of your serum to the face prior to using your Gua Sha for increased hydration.
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Activate-ME Face Moisturiser
Infused with Superfoods that work to hydrate, plump and protect the skin throughout the day, this all-purpose day cream will have you saying hello to fresh skin! The Wildberry Harvest concentrate allows for intense hydration, guaranteeing nourished skin everyday! Enriched with Kakadu Plum, this cream brightens and plumps the skin. Following your cleansing routine using the Purify-ME Gentle Cleanser, we suggest massaging the Activate-ME Face Moisturiser into the skin for ultimate hydration.