The Gua Sha stone beauty tool arrived along with the jade roller trend. But what is it actually for and how does it differ from the jade roller?
Here I explain exactly what a Gua Sha scraper is, its benefits, how to choose the right Gua Sha Stone, and how to use it correctly.
The most important facts in brief
Gua Sha massage helps to minimize swelling in the face
It helps to relieve tension and knots in the face
Improves the complexion and gives the skin a beautiful glow
The Best Gua Sha Stones
Rena Chris Gua Sha Facial Tools
This stainless steel version is not only ideal for those who have damaged a stone gua sha tool (or two) but it is also reported to have fewer bacteria than crystal competitors.
Positive feedback: “This product has completely improved my skincare routine. It’s versatile, simple to use, and produces excellent results. My skin has never looked better after using this gadget. A must-have for glowing skin!
Rosenice Gua Sha Facial Tool
Use this jade stone to reduce puffiness by swiping it across your cheekbones and jaw. The stone’s coldness will awaken your skin and give it a glow. Use it to relieve stress in your neck and shoulders as well.
Positive feedback: “Easy to use and feels good on the face. I can sit and watch television while utilizing it. I’ve seen some improvements so far and will continue to use it.
Wildling Empress Stone
“Wilding has a variety of shapes and sizes with distinct edges to try,” Ross explains. “Once you feel like you have the hang of it, you can play around with different edges to gain further benefits.” This instrument, in particular, is comprised of pure and authentic medicinal crystals that can be applied to your jaw, cheeks, brow bone, and the back of your neck. Use it to sculpt, massage, and relax tight muscles.
Positive feedback: “The weight of this stone is incredible. I adore the exquisite curves and ridges on this stone. Feels fantastic. Not to mention the energy it contains, which contributes to even better results.”
Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
With just a slight upward movement, this tool can be used to elevate the skin around the jaw and cheeks. It works best when applied immediately after applying your preferred serum.
Positive feedback: “I noticed a difference the first time I used it. I’ve been using it on a regular basis and can certainly tell a difference in my jawline and neck.”
How can one effectively select the ideal Gua Sha stone? What factors should be considered in making this decision? Here’s a list of the best-selling Gua Sha tools currently available on Amazon.
What is a Gua Sha stone?
Its origins
Gua Sha scrapers have been used to massage the body for centuries. They are used to scrape away tension and knots on the body.
The Chinese character for gua sha is 刮痧 (guāshā), which translates as “scraping away acute illnesses”. This technique is still often used for cholera. In the traditional application of Gua Sha on the body, a lot of pressure is applied, which leads to severe bruising.
Gua Sha for facial massage
Nowadays, Gua Sha scrapers are also used for the face. Instead of scraping out intense tension in the face, it is used for a gentle massage and acupuncture points.
What is the difference between Gua Sha and facial rollers?
Even if a face roller made of jade or rose quartz seems very similar to the Gua Sha stone, they have different purposes and effects on the skin and its tissue:
Using a face roller is very simple: you use it to roll over the skin and apply light pressure to the tissue. The Gua Sha scraper also applies pressure to the skin, but it also has other effects:
Firstly, the skin is stretched when scraping and secondly, there is a slight friction between the skin and the tissue. Due to the shape of the Gua Sha scraper, it adapts much better to the facial structure and this results in a better contouring effect.
The light friction naturally also generates heat, which stimulates blood circulation. In addition, the circulation of the lymphatic system and the energy flow in the face are better stimulated.
In contrast to the jade or rose quartz face roller, a Gua Sha scraper can also hit the acupuncture points on the face and thus relieve tension in the face and head! A relaxed face immediately appears much softer.
What you should look out for in a Gua Sha stone
If you want to use a Gua Sha scraper yourself, you should pay attention to the following:
You will find suppliers everywhere offering Gua Sha scrapers or jade rollers made of jade, but they are usually not made of valuable imperial jade or imperial jade, but mostly of agency quartz or serpentine, also known as “China jade” or “new jade”.
If they were made from real jade, the tools would simply be very expensive and it would be a waste to make such small tools from it.
So don’t be fooled and don’t think it’s the precious jade. The scrapers are still the same and just as effective!
Gua Sha stone shapes
There are different shapes of Gua Sha scrapers, which look very different but all serve the same purpose. Only the slight differences in shape make them more suitable for certain purposes.
The Y shape, with its curves and groove, is perfect for the face and can fit well around the bones and chin area.
The rectangular shape is perfect for the spine due to the symmetrical groove. You can also use the Gua Sha massage there and many people often have tension in the area between the spine and the beginning of the skull.
The special thing about the fish shape is its elongated form, as this gives you a better grip in your hand. This also allows you to scrape deeper into the muscles, which is useful for other areas of the body, such as the thigh. The groove in the fish shape is perfect for the finger area.
The Rosental Gua Sha scraper is made of 100 % rose quartz, which is said to have calming properties.
What is the effect of Gua Sha on the face?
A massage with a Gua Sha stone has the following effects:
- Relieves (muscle) tension in the face
- Improves blood circulation in the face
- Reduces swelling in the face
- A radiant and healthier complexion
- Has a cooling effect on the skin
Gua Sha application
Preparation: Scraper and face
Before using your Gua Sha scraper, you should make sure that your scraper is clean and disinfected. You can rub the scraper with alcohol.
Not only the scraper but also your face should be cleaned before use. After you have thoroughly washed your face, it is recommended that you moisturize your skin.
For the application itself, you need an oil so that you can glide the scraper gently over your face. You can use your favorite oil or – if you don’t already have one – the Rosehip oil from Trilogy, which I can highly recommend.
For the massage, use a little more of the oil than you would normally use for skin care. This will ensure a good glide and prevent you from accidentally pulling on the skin and irritating it.
Tip: If you want to enhance the cooling effect of the Gua Sha, you can place the scraper in ice-cold water shortly before use.
Gua Sha: The right massage technique
The most important part of the Gua Sha massage is the technique because this is where you can make some mistakes.
Angle
First of all, you mustn’t hold the scraper at a 90-degree angle to the face, but at an angle, almost flat. Otherwise, you will be too harsh on your skin and this can be noticeable in the following days.
Work from the center outwards
You apply the Gua Sha tool from the bottom to the top, both on the neck and on the face. In the same way, the movements always go from the center outwards. There are usually acupuncture points at the outermost points, which you can stimulate by gently wiggling the scraper.
Here you can see all the movements you can use with the Gua Sha scraper:
Work with light pressure
When using the Gua Sha scraper, you should apply light pressure to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, but still be gentle on the skin and not apply too much pressure. You will notice that your skin becomes slightly reddish during application, and this is how you know that the Gua Sha is working.
Frequency of the movements
Scrape each area you want to use the scraper on up to five times, or more if you like. While scraping, you may also discover some lumps on your face or neck. You can scrape longer on these.
Gua Sha massage video
You can see the correct technique and application of the massage with the Gua Sha scraper visually here in the video by the lovely Renée on her YouTube channel Gothamista:
FAQ
When should I use the Gua Sha massage?
You can either use the Gua Sha scraper in the morning to minimize the facial puffiness that we typically have at this time, or you can use it in the evening to get down with the massage and remove all the pressure and tension from your face.
Whether you use the Gua Sha stone in the morning or the evening, you should always make sure that you do this after cleansing your face and moisturizing your skin before use. You should use an oil for the application to ensure that there is enough “slip” on the skin and that you do not pull on it with the scraper.
How often should I use the Gua Sha massage?
You can perform the massage with the Gua Sha scraper several times a week or even daily. However, I would advise you to pay attention to how your skin reacts to the massage. If the daily application is too much for you, simply reduce it to two or three times a week.
Then you should not use a Gua Sha scraper
You should avoid a massage with the Gua Sha if …
- You have pimples or acne breakouts in the area
- You have rosacea or eczema on your face
- Your skin suffers from rashes or sunburn
- Your skin is otherwise irritated
Conclusion
Using a Gua Sha stone is actually simple and you only need a good Gua Sha scraper and your favorite facial oil. I can recommend the Gua Sha scraper from ARI ANWA, as it is of very high quality and also looks very nice! As I am a big fan of rosehip oil, I also recommend the Trilogy Rosehip Oil for the massage.
