When to Use Gua Sha in Your Skin Care Routine?

Gua sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth flat stone to stimulate blood circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and release muscle tension. Gua sha can also improve your skin texture, tone, and appearance by reducing puffiness, smoothing fine lines, and brightening your complexion. But when should you use gua sha in your skin care routine? Here are some tips and recommendations on how to incorporate this beneficial practice into your daily regimen.

The Best Time to Use Gua Sha

The best time to use Gua Sha is in the morning, after cleansing and toning your skin, and before applying your moisturizer and sunscreen. This is because Gua Sha can help you wake up your skin, boost your blood flow, and remove any excess fluid that may have accumulated overnight. Gua sha can also prepare your skin for better absorption of your skin care products, enhancing their effectiveness and performance. Moreover, Gua Sha can give you a natural and healthy glow, making your skin look more radiant and refreshed throughout the day.

However, you can also use Gua Sha at night, after cleansing and toning your skin, and before applying your serum and moisturizer. This is because Gua Sha can help you relax your skin, calm your nervous system, and release any stress or tension that may have built up during the day. Gua sha can also stimulate your skin’s natural healing and regeneration process, which occurs at night, improving your skin’s elasticity, firmness, and resilience. Furthermore, Gua Sha can help you unwind and prepare for a good night’s sleep, which is essential for your skin health and beauty.

How Often to Use Gua Sha

The frequency of using Gua Sha depends on your skin type, condition, and goals. Generally, you can use Gua Sha once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance and response. However, you can also use Gua Sha more or less often, depending on your personal preference and needs. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to use Gua Sha more often to unclog your pores and prevent breakouts. On the other hand, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to use Gua Sha less often to avoid over-exfoliating or irritating your skin.

The key is to listen to your skin and observe how it reacts to Gua Sha. If your skin feels comfortable and looks healthy, you can continue using Gua Sha at your desired frequency. If your skin feels tight, dry, or inflamed, you may want to reduce the frequency or intensity of using Gua Sha. If your skin feels sore, bruised, or broken, you may want to stop using Gua Sha and consult your dermatologist or skin care specialist.

How to Use Gua Sha

To use Gua Sha effectively and safely, you need to follow some basic steps and tips:

1. Choose a Gua Sha tool that suits your skin type and preference. There are many types of Gua Sha stones, each with its own unique benefits and properties. For example, jade is a popular choice for beginners, as it is smooth, cool, and easy to use. Rose quartz is another common option, as it is soothing, calming, and associated with love and beauty. Other types of Gua Sha stones include amethyst, black obsidian, and Bian stone. You can also choose a Gua Sha tool that has a shape and size that fits your face and allows you to reach different areas and contours.

2. Apply a facial oil or serum to your skin before using Gua Sha. This is to provide lubrication and hydration to your skin, preventing friction and damage. You can choose a facial oil or serum that matches your skin type and concern, such as a hydrating, anti-aging, or brightening product. You can also use a natural oil, such as jojoba, almond, or coconut oil, as long as it is suitable for your skin. You should apply a generous amount of oil or serum to your entire face and neck, making sure that your skin is well-coated and slippery.

3. Hold your Gua Sha tool at a 15-degree angle to your skin, with the flat side facing down and the curved edge facing up. This is to ensure that the tool glides smoothly and gently over your skin, without digging or scraping. You should also hold your Gua Sha tool firmly, but not too tightly, to avoid dropping or breaking it.

4. Start from the center of your face and move outwards, following the natural direction of your lymphatic drainage. This is to help flush out any toxins, waste, or excess fluid from your skin, improving your skin health and appearance. You should also start from the bottom of your face and move upwards, following the natural direction of your muscle and skin lift. This is to help lift and sculpt your facial features, enhancing your facial contours and definition. You should use gentle but firm strokes, applying light to medium pressure, depending on your skin’s sensitivity and comfort. You should repeat each stroke 3 to 5 times, or more if needed, covering each area of your face and neck.

5. Use different parts of your Gua Sha tool to fit different parts of your face and neck. For example, you can use the long straight edge to stroke your forehead, cheeks, and jawline. You can use the short curved edge to stroke your nose, mouth, and chin. You can use the pointed tip to stroke your eyes, brows, and temples. You can use the notched edge to stroke your ears, neck, and collarbone. You can also experiment with different parts of your Gua Sha tool to find what works best for you and your face shape.

6. Finish your Gua Sha session by gently massaging your face and neck with your fingers, using circular motions. This is to further relax your skin, stimulate your blood flow, and enhance your skin glow. You can also apply a moisturizer or a sunscreen to your skin after using Gua Sha, to lock in the moisture and protect your skin from the sun.

Gua sha is a simple and effective way to improve your skin care routine and achieve a natural and healthy glow. By following these steps and tips, you can incorporate Gua Sha into your daily regimen and enjoy its many benefits. Remember, your skin is unique and beautiful, and it deserves your care and attention. 

Happy skin care!

Suggested Readings

• How can I prevent wrinkles and fine lines?
• Why is skin care important for all ages of woman?
• What is the Layer of Skin that is Exfoliated During Skin Care Services?
• How To Start A Skin Care Line?
• Where to Buy Environ Skin Care?
• When to Use Gua Sha in Your Skin Care Routine?
• What is the Best Skin Care Routine for 50-Year-Old Woman?
• What is BHA in Skin Care?
• How to Create a Skin Care Routine?