Gua Sha For Firmer Skin

Have you heard of “facial gua sha”?  It’s a technique that has roots in China and Southeast Asia.

It’s getting a LOT of attention lately because of the great results it delivers on the face.  From magazine articles to the internet to celebrities… everyone is talking about gua sha.

It’s also been called the “Eastern Facelift”.  That name alone makes you want to give this a try!

You can have gua sha done on the body or face.  Today though we’re going to be talking how you can do this simple quick technique at home and get fabulous results!

What to use for gua sha

It’s typically done with a jade stone.  Not a jade roller.  Those are different and we will be talking about those in an upcoming post.  For facial gua sha, you will be using a jade stone that has a unique shape.

If you were getting a professional salon treatment, they may use two stones.  For at home use you will be using just one piece of jade.   There are many shapes and sizes of jade stones.  Look for one that is not too big because you want it comfortable in your hand when using it.  Some have a smaller edge that is great for around the eye area, and sometimes you will see a piece with a v-shape that works great around the jawline.

You can find them on Amazon, T.J.Maxx, Sephora, etc. They really aren’t that expensive either, but look for quality.

Time for the technique!

• Your skin needs to be clean.  Apply a serum or lotion so your tool will glide easily on the skin.  You don’t want any pulling or tugging.  We’re gliding here!
• Pull the skin taut with your other hand.  It makes it easy to glide the tool.
• Upward strokes.
• Gentle, gentle, gentle. Firm pressure is not needed.  All moves can be done with 3-4 strokes or up to 10.
• You’re going to be doing one side of the face at a time.
• There are also may you-tubes you can watch if you feel like you need a visual.

Let’s start!

• Start between the brows, and glide across the forehead to the temples. You’re going right on top of the brow. Nice long strokes. Make sure you do the whole forehead.
• Move under the eye.  Start at the side of the nose and GENTLY stroke under the eye out towards the temple.  The eye area responds quickly!  You may see a fast change to darkness and puffiness.  Yes!
• Starting at the side of the nose and move down and do the cheek area to the middle of the ear.
• Place the jade stone at the corner of the mouth and glide towards the ear.
• Move the stone to the middle of the chin and glide towards earlobe.
• Place the jade stone at the jawline and glide towards the bottom of your ear.
• You’re getting the hang of it, aren’t you?!
• The last part is draining.  Glide the jade from your jaw to earlobe down to the middle of your collarbone.
• This is a downward motion as you are flushing the lymph system.  Repeat several times.
• Glide from the center of your forehead to your temple, down to your ear until you come to the base of your neck.
• REPEAT ALL THE MOVES ON OTHERSIDE.

It may seem like a lot, but I promise it isn’t.  It takes only about 5 minutes.  Simple, and quick!  The more you do it, the better you will get at it.

OK, you love it, now what are the results?

• Your skin will look fresh and revived.  Goodbye tired skin!
• Plumping effect.  Yes!  Collagen declines every year, so this really helps with giving you a younger appearance.
• Releases tension in the face.  Stress can show up on the face.  This helps to take that away.
• Tightens and firms.  Now, this is what I’m after!
• Blurs the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Win! Win!
• Reduces dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.  This is always a good thing!
• Brightens your face.  Hello glow, I’ve missed you!

How often should you do gua sha?

• 2 to 3 times a week.

When should you NOT do gua sha?

• If your skin is inflamed or you have open lesions on the skin.

I hope you give gua sha a try on your face!  I really think you will love it and will want to make it a regular part of your routine.

It’s so quick and easy and makes such a difference.  At home and only about 5 minutes!  How can you beat that?!

If you try it let me know!  I always love hearing your results!

Until next time,

~pat