Ah, the Gua Sha! You've probably heard of this powerful beauty tool, but if you haven't tried it yet, get ready, because it's going to change your life. In this post we'll tell you everything you need to know about Gua Sha and how to make the most of this incredible beauty enhancer.
What is Gua Sha
O Gua Sha is an ancient shaping tool used for millennia in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Initially, Gua Sha was used for body treatments, but given its benefits, it was quickly adapted to the face, for a facial massage that is as gentle as it is energizing, equivalent to a natural facelift. With the help of this tool and the technique (super simple, we'll get to that) you'll promote your well-being, activate blood circulation and remove unwanted toxins from your body in a delicious massage that is a true test of self-love!
What does Gua Sha do?
It's amazing how such a small and simple tool can have such a visible and profound effect, acting on the surface of the skin, but also on the organs of our body. The word "Sha" means the healthy flush that appears when the skin "wakes up", heals itself and regenerates, thanks to the action of Gua Sha. Shall we see how it works?
Used with an oil (like our wonderful Sculpt) that facilitates the movements of the Gua Sha while nourishing the skin, the Gua Sha will sculpt and tone the skin of the face, allowing inflammation to drain and muscles to release tension. It also helps to make the skin firmer and more radiant by stimulating collagen production and activating circulation so that nutrients reach all parts of the face, without exception.
This is what happens on the surface, but there's a lot going on under the skin. As with acupuncture, the gentle pressure of Gua Sha will activate the meridian lines, bringing benefits to organs such as the stomach, liver, spleen, heart and kidneys.
By massaging the face, we are simultaneously sending messages to different parts of the body via the meridians, so that they are free of toxins and function better!
So it's easy to see why Gua Sha has won over more and more enthusiasts all over the world, creating a wave of natural, non-invasive beauty that glides across the skin!
Benefits of Gua Sha
There are many, and all together they create that wonderful lift we're looking for, leaving the skin rested, toned, radiant and healthy! Some of Gua Sha's strong points:
- Stimulates circulation and activates blood oxygenation, transporting nutrients to various tissues
- Drains the lymphatic fluid (and with it toxins) and fights inflammation, reducing puffiness, eye bags and dark circles.
- Stimulates collagen production, which helps to eliminate wrinkles considerably and to treat and prevent sagging skin (it lifts and tightens the skin).
- Promotes even skin tone: helping the skin to get rid of dark spots and hyperpigmentation and speeding up the healing time of pimples
- Brightens the skin
- Helps relieve rosacea
- Helps penetrate skincare products
How to use Gua Sha
One of the wonders of Gua Sha is that it it's a technique that we can easily do at home, in a very simple way, with incredible results (and visible after the first massage). Remember: the consistency is super importantso once you've chosen your Gua Sha, repeat the ritual every day.
A good reference is fdo your Gua Sha massage every morning for five minutes. First, apply a facial oil or serum and then gently slide the stone down the neck, "sweeping" the skin, always from bottom to top and towards the hairline, concentrating on the cheekbones and jawline. Always massage from the center of the face to the hairline, in upward movements, passing through the lines around the lips, the cheeks and cheekbones, the eye contour, the area around and between the eyebrows, and the forehead. These movements should be slow and deliberate, but without overdoing it. This will help drain fluids and promote circulation. The key word is gently - you don't need to apply a lot of pressure to reap the benefits. You can start on the left side of the face, linked to your more feminine and receptive side, making the Gua Sha glide from bottom to top and from the center outwards, and then move on to the right side, which will be more receptive.
A Gua Sha for every skin type
No two Gua Sha are exactly alikeEach one has its own specific angles and contours, to adapt to different parts of the face and give a memorable massage. The earliest Gua Sha were made of bone, then stones and crystals, in many shapes and sizes. Nowadays, the best Gua Sha are made of crystals, which are as beautiful to look at and touch as the sensation they create when you pass them over your skin.
The stone it is made of has a huge influence on the effect of the Gua Sha! O Gua Sha Amethystfor example, is perfect for mature skin: in addition to its calming effect, this crystal is known for its anti-aging properties. To enhance the youthfulness and freshness of the skin, the ideal is the Gua Sha Rose Quartzwhich will help you nurture your most loving side, as it activates self-esteem. O Gua Sha Jade, an oriental symbol of protection and serenity, is indicated to support detox and skin regeneration. And if your skin is more sensitive, or prone to acne or rosacea, then the Gua Sha White Quartzwhich channels a gentle, purifying and protective energy, is the ideal choice. We recommend using Gua Sha with a styling oil such as Sculpt, or one of our serums, which is why we have prepared the Gua Sha Rose Quartz Kit (with the energizing Serum Puro Sol) and the Gua Sha Jade Kit (with Detox Serum).
How does Gua Sha feel?
A deep relaxation and pleasurable, to the point where you can't believe your face could be so tense! The right amount of pressure - not too much, not too little - is key to getting the most out of it. The movements should be gentle, but not slack. They should be intentional, as if you were running the Gua Sha over a baby's soft, smooth skin.
When the massage is done correctly, in addition to super-pleasant relaxation, you may feel the subcutaneous fluids moving, which is a great sign! What you'll feel for sure is your skin waking up, coming to life, as if you were waking up again.
When to avoid Gua Sha?
If used correctly (i.e. gently), Gua Sha has no unwanted effects because it is a non-invasive technique. However, it is not recommended for irritated skin, skin with sunburn or coagulation problems. It is natural that, after the Gua Sha, some areas of your skin will become redder, but this is due to the gentle pressure of the tool.
How often should I use the Gua Sha?
Once a week is fine, but every day is wonderful! Once you've familiarized yourself with the technique, and chosen the right Gua Sha for you, you'll realize that it really is amazing, and you'll want to incorporate it into your daily life, every day, naturally!
