If the gua sha tool has made its way to your Instagram explore page and piqued your curiosity, then this guide is for you. So, if you are clueless about this skincare tool, reading this will help you get started.
What Is A Gua Sha Stone?
A gua sha stone is a face massage tool made from semi-precious stone. An ancient Chinese technique that has recently gone mainstream, a gua sha facial tool is used to scrape or massage your face. It promotes lymphatic drainage, increases blood circulation and relaxes your muscles. A gua sha massage isn’t limited to your face and neck. This facial tool can be used to massage other parts of your body as well. There are a variety of gua sha stones available in different shapes and materials.
Benefits Of A Gua Sha Stone
There are many benefits of a gua sha stone:
1. Lymphatic Drainage
A gua sha face massage is an effective way of draining excess lymphatic fluid, which can help reduce puffiness and inflammation on your face.
2. Blood Circulation
Giving your face a gua sha massage helps increase blood circulation, which is important for healthy and radiant skin.
3. Muscle Relief
Repeatedly applying pressure with a gua sha tool can ease and relax the facial muscles.
4. Facial Definition
In the long run, gua sha is used for slimming the face. Regular gua sha facials can add definition to your face by naturally contouring your jawline and cheekbones.
5. Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Improved blood circulation and relaxed facial muscles can reduce signs of ageing and keep the skin looking youthful and radiant.
How To Use A Gua Sha Stone
Follow these steps for an effective gua sha facial:
Step 1: Cleanse
Always use a clean gua sha stone on your face. Clean the tool with water and soap. You can even refrigerate it for a cool and soothing effect. You could use The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser to cleanse your face and follow it up with a toner.
Step 2: Apply Facial Oil
For the perfect gua sha facial experience, your skin should be slippery to avoid irritation so that the tool glides smoothly. Apply the Nykaa Naturals Skin Potion Anti- Pollution Skincare Face Oil evenly on your face and neck. You can also use a face serum or moisturizer.
Step 3: Start Gliding
Begin your gua sha facial by placing the tool correctly against your skin and moving it in an upwards direction. Do not move it back and forth.
Step 4: Neck
Place the long, curved edge of the gua sha stone at the base of your neck and stroke it upwards in the direction of your jaw. Do the same on the other side and center of your neck. Stroke multiple times on each side.
Step 5: Jaw
Next, use the heart-shaped indent part of the gua sha stone to stroke the jawline. Start from the chin and move it along the jawline to the base of your ear. Do this on both sides.
Step 6: Cheeks
Once again, use the longer edge to stroke your cheeks with the tool. Start from the base of your nose and slowly proceed to the cheek and cheekbones, in the direction of your ears. Make sure to follow this step on both sides.
Step 7: Under Eyes
Use the small, rounded corner to massage under your eyes. Start from the inner corner of the eye and pull it towards your temples.
Step 8: Nose And Forehead
Use the indented part of the gua sha stone to massage the nose and mid-forehead. Start from the tip of your nose and follow the bridge of your nose towards the forehead. Then use the shorter edge to massage the rest of the forehead. Start from the center and pull outwards.
Step 9: Finish Up
Continue with your skincare routine as usual.
Different Gua Sha Stones Based On Material
Now that you know how to use a gua sha stone, let’s look at the different kinds of tools available:
1. Rose Quartz Gua Sha
A rose quartz gua sha is ideal for people with sensitive or reactive skin. One of the most popular materials for a relaxing at-home gua sha facial, it has calming properties.
Nykaa Recommends:
2. Jade Gua Sha
One of the best gua sha stone materials, jade has natural cooling properties and soothes the skin.
Nykaa Recommends:
3. Black Obsidian Gua Sha
A black obsidian gua sha for your face can provide muscle relief and relaxation. It also repairs and strengthens muscle tissue over time.
Nykaa Recommends:
Getmecraft Black Obsidian Gua Sha Stone For Face Neak And Under Eye
4. Amethyst Gua Sha
An amethyst gua sha stone helps cool the skin, tighten pores, and reduce inflammation.
Nykaa Recommends:
Different Gua Sha Stones Based On Shape
Just as it’s important to pick a material that suits your skin, it’s also important to pick a shape that meets your needs.
Following are the different types of gua sha facial tools based on their shape:
1. Dolphin Shaped Gua Sha Stone
One of the most popular gua sha tool shapes, it provides better grip and can be used to massage different parts of your body like your shoulders and back. It is perfect for a deep muscle massage.
2. S-Shaped Gua Sha Stone
The S-shaped gua sha stone increases blood circulation on your face, your legs and arms. Use the shorter, curved edge to massage under your eyes, and the longer edge for other body parts.
3. Wing Shaped Gua Sha Stone
The wing shaped gua sha stone can be used for your face and other body parts. The smallest edge is used for acupressure around the eyes. The dented part is great for massaging your chin, lips, and bridge of the nose.
4. Fish Shaped
The fish shaped gua sha stone is used to massage and relax smaller areas of your body like your nose, chin and fingers.
