What a Gua Sha is?
An angled stone—usually made out of crystal, bone or horn—the tool is used to firmly scrape the skin on the face to promote blood flow and energy redirection. Boasting claims of bright, improved skin, as well as a ‘natural facelift,' the tool has been plucked out of the history books and onto the top shelves of beauty obsessives everywhere.But before we go scraping our faces with rocks in the name of self-care, we thought we'd dive in a little deeper to see if it's really all that.
Does Gua Sha actually work?
Like all beauty treatments, there is a certain level of scepticism involved with Gua sha. We mean, why spend minutes every day rubbing a rock on your face if it isn't actually going to help at all?Luckily, there are studies out there that speak to its results. Most of them agree that consistent use of the tool helps improve microcirculation (some studies suggest an increase of up to 400%), and blood flow to the face.
How often should I use Gua Sha?
Facial gua sha should be practiced regularly to get the best result. Once or twice a week is ideal.
What oil should I use and how to use it?
To use any oil with a gua sha tool, dispense a few drops into your hand and rub the oil onto your face or body, depending on where you're using your tool.
Almond oil hydrates, reduces skin irritation, and can even help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
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Known to help reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, vitamin E oil helps with hydration and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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A popular oil used in many facial skin care products, jojoba oil works to hydrate skin, balance natural oil production, reduce acne, and much more. Jojoba oil has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial properties.
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Argan oil has many anti-aging properties. Trusted Source, including adding moisture back into the skin and helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, it helps to brighten skin and fade dark spots.
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Which Gua Sha tool is right for me?
One of the most common stones used in gua sha, rose quartz is light pink in color. It's considered by some to be a healing crystal and the stone of unconditional love.
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Jade is another common material used for gua sha tools. Jade is said to promote calm, balance, and positivity, as well as protect against negative energy.
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Amethyst is believed to help relieve stress and reduce negative energy. The dark purple stone is also said to promote clarity and relaxation.
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Some stone gua sha tools can potentially trap and harbor bacteria due to their porosity. Stainless steel gua sha tools are non-porous and cooling, so you don't have to worry about cleaning your tool as often.
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Traditional gua sha tools were once made from animal bones, but this is less common today. Most gua sha tools are now made with stone materials.
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Bian stone has been used in TCM for thousands of years. It's a stone containing trace minerals that are believed to benefit overall health. Evidence suggests bian stone may be helpful in regulating blood pressure and reducing lower back painTrusted Source.
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