The Art of Gua Sha
Gua sha, although commonly thought of as a beauty tool, is actually an ancient Chinese body treatment that stimulates lymphatic drainage and blood flow.
Using a tool that’s typically made of either jade or rose quartz, gua sha practitioners methodically scrape different parts of their bodies, which, in turn, reduces tension, puffiness, and inflammation in those areas. While the practice originated as a full-body treatment many centuries ago, it has recently been popularized as a facial technique and is used to obtain what some call a “non-surgical face lift.”
Last month, when I stumbled across a TikTok of a woman who said that her daily gua sha routine had transformed her face so dramatically that her boyfriend of five years asked her if she had recently had jaw surgery, I knew I had to try the popular practice out for myself.
Normally a skeptic of beauty tools and practices that might stretch the skin and eventually cause wrinkles, I researched proper gua sha methods. What I found is that using gua sha to sculpt your face is an art, not a science.
To begin, it’s essential to apply a facial oil. This will ensure that the tool you use will glide across your skin so as not to stretch it. I’m generous with the amount of oil I apply – especially in the winter when my skin is drier than normal. The African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil is a great product to use because of its hydrating properties.
Neroli is an essential oil that gives the skin a healthy glow and regenerates the skin, leaving your face looking more youthful. Neroli oil also has antiseptic properties which work against the bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Marula oil has an equally-impressive list of benefits, as it softens skin, locks in hydration, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
As for the proper gua sha technique, there are a variety of ways that you can use the tool to achieve your desired results. For a detailed tutorial, see TikTok’s top-liked gua sha routine. If you’re looking for a quick and simple method that you know you’ll be able to commit to every day, I recommend just using the tool along your jawline and cheeks.
Be sure to complete at least a few sets of swipes on each side of your face every night for maximal results. You can also use a facial steamer throughout this process to further help reduce inflammation in your face. It’s also important to clean your tool after every use so that bacteria do not accumulate.
Since introducing gua sha into my nightly beauty routine one month ago, I’ve seen noticeable results: my jawline is more defined, and my face looks and feels less puffy. I’ve also increased the amount of water I drink every day to maximize the health and glow of my skin.
In the end, mastering the art of gua sha is not difficult. Armed with your facial oil and sculpting tool, you have the ability to make your jawline look more defined and to attain the “snatched” look of your dreams.
