Do you have a gua sha tool at home but you're not quite sure what to do with it? You've tried a couple of TikTok tricks but notice very little no benefit. The internet is flooded with information on gua sha, and I'm on a mission to provide you with the right tools to get the best results with gua sha at home.
Understanding Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an ancient technique involving the use of a flat tool, often made of jade or rose quartz, to scrape the skin gently. It's based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. This practice aims to promote blood circulation, release tension, open blockages and encourage lymphatic drainage. To get the best results, it's essential to understand the proper techniques to maximize the benefits without causing harm to your skin.
Before You Start Gua Sha Massage
Choose the Right Tool
Selecting the appropriate gua sha tool is crucial. The market offers a variety of materials, each with its unique properties. Jade and rose quartz are popular choices, known for their cooling effect on the skin. Ensure your tool is smooth, with rounded edges to prevent any damage. Gua sha stone is ideal for massage and sculpting while rollers work best on lymphatic drainage.
Cleanse Your Skin
Always begin with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or impurities. This step is essential to prevent bacteria from entering the skin during the gua sha process.
Apply a Quality Face Oil
Gua sha is most effective when performed on well-moisturized skin. Apply a high-quality facial oil or serum to create a smooth surface, reducing friction between the tool and your skin.
Gua Sha Techniques
Now, let's explore some effective gua sha techniques that you can incorporate into your skincare routine.
Basic Strokes
Start with basic, upward strokes on your neck, jawline, and cheeks. Use gentle but firm pressure, ensuring the tool is at a 15-45 degree angle to your skin. This helps stimulate blood flow and promotes a natural lifting effect. Always stroke outwards and upwards - and use gentle pressure.
Eye Area Technique
Be extra gentle when working around the delicate eye area. Use the smaller edges of your Gua Sha tool to perform extra light strokes or pulses, starting from the inner corner and moving outward. This technique can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Forehead Massage
Glide the gua sha tool across your forehead in horizontal strokes. This can help relax tension in the forehead muscles and reduce the appearance of fine lines. You can also stroke upwards starting just below the eyebrow and end with a saw-like movement just above the hairline. This helps to release tension on the whole forehead.
Jawline Sculpting
Define your jawline by using the curved edge of the gua sha tool. Start from the centre of your chin, moving towards your ears. This technique aids in lymphatic drainage and contouring.
Supporting Hand and Shoulder Movement
Incorporate a supporting hand when performing gua sha to provide stability and control. The supporting hand helps create tension between the skin and the tool. This is important for the best results and much more important than using extra pressure.
Ensure the movement originates from your shoulder rather than your wrist to avoid wrist pain. This technique not only protects your wrist joints but also allows for a more fluid and controlled motion.
Why Add Gua Sha to Your
Incorporating gua sha into your skincare routine can be a transformative experience when done correctly. At Jenny Nordic Skincare, we emphasize the importance of adopting holistic practices for optimal skin health.
Remember to be consistent in your approach and allow your skin to reap the benefits over time. If you're new to gua sha, start with a few minutes a day and gradually increase as your skin becomes accustomed to the technique. Please join our free 5 day gua sha challenge to learn more about gua sha. Here's to embracing the beauty of holistic skincare and achieving that radiant, healthy glow.
Are you new to Jenny Nordic Skincare?
We are a natural, minimal skincare brand all about that grown-up glow. Your skin is not the same as it was in your 20s - or even 30s! The skin is forever changing and you're approaching a new season. It might be showing more wrinkles and spots. You’re looking for minimal, high-performance skincare that will make you feel (and look) like a treat.
With Jenny Nordic minimal, high-performance skincare, you can take a few moments to yourself every day and care for your skin just with a few steps. I promise you'll fall in love with your skin and feel radiant.
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Love, Jenny
Founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare
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