The name gua sha - pronounced “gwahshah” - comes from the Chinese word for scraping. It may also be called skin scraping, spooning, or coining.
While it has become popular in the USA only recently, this ancient beauty secret originated centuries ago in China. Gua sha is traditionally an intense body massage, where therapists use scraping motions to treat ailing skin and muscle conditions. No worries, the good news is that this practice is much more gentle on the face than it sounds, using a gentle gliding across the skin in lieu of "scraping" or "coining". This practice is meant to release muscle tension and result in a host of beauty benefits. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the various benefits of gua sha facials, the right techniques, and how to get the best results.
Benefits Of A Gua Sha Facial
Since it doesn’t take long, a gua sha facial can easily complement your regular skincare routine. While relaxing facial muscles is one of its main benefits, here are some other reasons to use gua sha facials regularly:
De-puffing
A gua sha facial can temporarily slim your face by reducing puffiness, especially in the eye and cheek area. This can result in a more contoured shape around cheeks, jawline, and other areas prone to puffiness.
Enhanced circulation
In the simplest terms, gua sha facial is essentially just a type of facial massage. Massages stimulate blood circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrition to the skin, which leads to a brighter, healthier complexion.
Softens scar tissue
Gua sha helps break up and soften scar tissue, especially when done consistently over long periods of time. Scar tissue can lead to lumpiness beneath the skin and an uneven texture, and this technique is often utilized for reversing these effects.
Helps reduce fine lines
While this practice isn’t a miracle cure, gua sha facials can help release tension in your face. Over time this tension can lead to furrowed brows and a clenched jaw – even when we think we’re relaxed. One of the main causes of wrinkles is repeated movements, like scrunching your eyebrows and frowning. Gua sha relaxes these movements and helps you maintain a relaxed facial posture on a day to day basis.
Muscle toning
Similar to scar tissue, gua sha facial techniques help break up fascia: connective tissue that can sometimes interfere with circulation. Breaking up that fascia more regularly leads to better circulation week to week. Loosening up your muscles and relaxing is never a bad thing either!
Should You Try A Gua Sha Facial?
While this practice can work for almost anyone, you may have to avoid or modify gua sha techniques depending on your skin type.
If you have an inflamed skin barrier, you might have to avoid gua sha because of potential irritation and redness. This includes people with active acne, rosacea, eczema, and sunburns. You should also avoid performing a gua sha facial with open pimples that are oozing or bleeding. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to use very gentle movements on your face to avoid irritation.
Also read a beginner’s guide to gua sha for firmer, more radiant skin.
Sara was born and raised in the Czech Republic. In 2012, she moved to the US and worked many jobs but never felt fulfilled, which lead her to share her story and her passion for fitness (former fitness professional), nutrition tips (vegan) and makeup. She is also a new mom. Sara and her husband welcomed their baby boy in June 2020.
Sara is a makeup junkie at heart and decided to start her own business to help women look and feel their best. She loves supporting other business moms feel beautiful inside and out as they work to create their own destinies. You could find out more about her HERE.
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