The Importance of Gua Sha

design: Revati Mahurkar

A natural face-lift.

by julia karasu ★ AUGuST 11, 2024

Gua Sha is one of the most effective ways to naturally lift and contour your face. When adding this to your morning or night routine regularly, you can begin seeing results such as better circulation, less puffiness, and a sculpted facial complexion. Not to mention: this basic facial massage can add relaxation to your day. Here is a guide to how a Gua Sha can improve your skin and life. 

First, your Gua Sha tool. Some of UGirl’s favorites are the L’OCCITANE, Skin Gym stainless steel, or the Mount Lai stone. In addition to these, you can find others online with different price ranges and shapes. You’re going to want to moisturize and hydrate your face before beginning the massage, so that the Gua Sha feels smoother on the skin. This can be your daily moisturizer, because you already know what’s best for your skin. However, if you want to try out another, the Cera Ve Moisturizing Lotion with drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid mixed in is what works for me.  

For the best results, you want to begin by opening your lymph nodes, as this is a drainage massage technique. Start at your collarbone and gently press two fingers along 5-10 times. You want to repeat this under your jaw and cheekbones as close to your ears as possible. 

Now, the massage. Begin with your jawline and neck. You want to work your Gua Sha from your chin to ear, massaging upward along your jawline. Then, bring it down your neck slowly. Sculpting your cheeks, using the same technique, run the Gua Sha across the cheekbones to the ear and down your neck. This is important because you want to eliminate the inflammation from your face. For a lift in your eyebrows, start from the inner corner of your eye and glide the Gua Sha under your eyes and upwards, as if you are using eyeliner. You can also start from the inner corner of your eye and follow your eyebrow line. 

Here are some important things to remember; stay hydrated by drinking water and moisturizing your face; be gentle, holding the Gua Sha with light to medium pressure; repeat each movement 5-10 times on each side of your face; and move slowly with intention. Trust me, adding this to your morning or night routine will go a long way.