Good Lifestyle

Talk about Skin care routines is one of the favorite hobbies of social media. In recent years, we have seen things like microcurrent and hydra facials, as well as countless lotions and potions with endless promises. But a technique that has resisted the time test is Gua Sha - and therefore you may wonder how to use a Gua Sha stone. To find out, we turned to the experts. Continue to read to find out how Gua Sha works and the advantages he offers.

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What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a massage technique where you caress your skin with a stone to obtain a range of advantages, from the drop in pockets to a more lifted appearance. Gua Sha Face Massage is very popular on Tiktok, where beauty influencers share their treatment routines morning and evening which include the tool. According to Google Trends, requests for information on Gua Sha reached maximum popularity in 2021 and have been popular since. If you have an aficionado of skin care in your group of friends, then they probably have this tool - and are probably in rave.

Although the practice of Gua Sha has experienced a more recent increase in popularity, the methodology is old. "Gua Sha is a traditional technique of Chinese medicine that is used to treat and improve skin and body health," said Elizabeth Trattner , a doctor of Chinese and integrative medicine and acupuncturist who teaches Gua Sha. "It becomes very popular now due to the dramatic effects it has on lifting and shaping of the face."

What are the advantages of using a Gua Sha stone?

• Anti-aging: One of the biggest prints at Gua Sha is the anti-aging effects. "Some say that he can relax facial muscles and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles," said Christopher Chu , certified dermatologist and founder of Pure dermatology .
• Increased traffic: The repeated massage movement could stimulate your blood flow. "In published study , Gua Sha has improved blood circulation in the skin, which could help improve skin health, "adds CHU.
• Increase in collagen production: Some supporters say that practice can increase the creation of collagen, which is the protein that gives your skin its young and bouncing quality and tends to decrease as we age.
• Lymphatic drainage: "Improvement of lymphatic drainage reduces the pockets and promotes a more carved appearance - although this is very temporary," said Diley Banh , co -founder of the aesthetics clinic Juicy face .
• Loosen: Like any massage, a facial massage using the Gua Sha technique can facilitate tension in the areas where you use it. Some of the pros with which we have discussed said it could also improve ATM symptoms.
• Reduces the appearance of acne scars: The increase in blood flow due to stimulated traffic could help this process.
• Reduces the pockets: This is linked to lymphatic drainage. "In my opinion, Gua Sha can probably improve blood flow to the skin and help pockets temporarily, but more research must be published to confirm long -term advantages," said CHU.

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What kind of Gua Sha Stone should I buy?

Materials to consider

Enter your local beauty store and you will necessarily find dozens of Gua Sha stones. "The Gua Sha tools are available in all minerals like Jade, Rose Quartz, Bian Stone, Obsidian, Quartz, Agate and other news of news, and all the work because it is the type of massage that creates the Advantage ", explains Trattner. "The mineral used for massage is a bonus."

If you want to select one with additional properties, opt for Jade. "It is said that Jade has the same Hertz as the human body," said Trattner. Most traditional practitioners also use it.

Forms to consider

Again, Trattner says that the shape of your Gua Sha stone is not so important as long as your technique is about. However, she has a favorite: "I prefer the traditional form of H or the shape of the heart because they are easy to use," she said.

How can I give me a Gua Sha face?

Clean your face

The first step in your Gua Sha routine should be to wash your face with your usual soft cleaner to remove makeup, oil and dirt. "This helps the Gua Sha tool to slide smoothly and prevents impurities from being massaged in your skin," said CHU.

Apply an oil or a moisturizer

Then Trattner suggests misting your face, neck and chest with toner or water. "After that, apply a fatty serum, facial oil or a sliding lotion on the neck, face and chest," she said.

Perform your Gua Sha training

Now you are ready for massage.

Although you can see some influencers perform gua sha on their face only, Trattner says that it is imperative to start in the chest. This moves the lymphatic tissue and stimulates the appropriate acupuncture points. "It is impossible to sculpt the face if there is stagnation or congestion elsewhere," she said.

To start, keep the Gua Sha tool with your thumb on one side and four fingers on the other. Position it at an angle of 15 degrees compared to your chest and move it slowly from the center of your chest on the side and with a slight pressure. After three to seven strokes on each side, you can move to the neck.

Move the Gua Sha on the midline of your neck, mainly on your throat, and move it to the jaw. Then switch to the longer side of the tool and move it on the sides of the neck; Wiggle with jaw. Finally, go up to the back of the neck.

When you arrive in the face, Trattner suggests using the cut edge of the Gua Sha to move along the jaw to the ears. Continue the face from the center on the sides and upwards. You have to draw the eyebrow bone but do not use the Gua Sha in the orbing. "At the forehead, make a fan shape in the root of the hair - then, go mid -line," explains Trattner.

Repeat each stroke three to seven times, using gentle insurance pressure.

Rinse with lukewarm water

After your Gua Sha training, rinse your face with lukewarm water and continue your treatment routine as usual.

Clean your tool and store it safe

You can clean your Gua Sha tool with a soft facial cleaner or mild antibacterial soap. Keep it in a dry place protected from dirt and grime.

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Where can I use a Gua Sha stone?

The Gua Sha facial is the most popular, but many practitioners suggest using it on other body parts for more complete results.

• Neck: You can use the Gua Sha on the sides and the back of the neck and move the stone once you reach the jaw. Use a gentle touch, especially near the carotid artery.
• Back: A 2019 study revealed that People who used Gua Sha For lower back pain, a reduction in pain. To do this, you will have to visit a practitioner.
• Throat: You can slide the Gua Sha into the throat the same way as your neck.

Are there disadvantages of Gua Sha treatments?

According to Chu, Gua Sha is a mini-invasive technique, so there are not many drawbacks. However, there are a few things you might notice. "Some people may see bruises or pain if too much pressure is applied," he said. "There may also be temporary redness due to the increase in blood flow." If you notice it either, use a softer stroke the next time you Gua Sha.

Reasons to take a break from your gua sha routine

There are a few times when you should skip the Gua Sha. "It is not advisable for pregnancy, to be on anticoagulants, fever, cancer, sunburn, open wounds or acne on the face," explains Trattner.

You will also want to consider aesthetic procedures. "If you have undergone anti-wrinkle treatment such as Botox or dermal load treatment, you should avoid Gua Sha for two weeks," said Banh. "Gua Sha after injectable can lead to a high risk of infections."

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So, investing in a Gua Sha stone is worth it?

Most dermatologists agree that the long-term results of Gua Sha are sub-studied, but that there can be notable advantages in the short term. That said, many Gua Sha buyers seem satisfied with their purchase.

An examination of the Mount Lai Gua Sha Sha Facial Lifting Tool said: "Several people asked me if I got lost weight, but I certainly don't have it - my face is just less liquid and is much more defined." Another person commented: "It's great and is very relaxing. I couldn't say if it was anything for my skin or it was just in my head, but on a zoom call yesterday, someone 'One complimented my "pink glow"! "

Your initial investment will depend on whether you choose to do Gua Sha at home or do it by a professional. The Gua Shas house costs anything from hundreds to a few dollars (although experts agree that the differences between the two are minimal). If you go to an esthetician, the treatment will probably cost about $ 60 to $ 100, depending on what you have done else.

The greatest advantage of Gua Sha DIY is the frequency. If you incorporate the massage into your daily routine, you can do it more consistent than if you only do it in the office of an esthetician. This alone could make the difference between seeing the results and no.

Conclusion

After having evolved in an old Chinese practice, the Gua Sha that we practice today remains safe for most users and could be a welcome addition to your skin care routine, especially if you buy an affordable stone - know Just how you use the stone with some the medical conditions. For more beauty tips, visit Better life again soon.

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. If you have health questions or concerns, always consult your health care provider directly.