If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, Instagram, or wherever you get your beauty inspiration, chances are you’ve seen the glowing results of Gua sha. But what you might not know is that this ancient skincare ritual has roots going back over 2,000 years in Chinese medicine. WebMD breaks down this history and explains how studies are learning about the benefits of Gua sha in skin healing.
Originally known as “skin scraping,” “coining,” or “spooning,” Gua sha involves a smooth-edged tool gently massaged along the skin to promote circulation, reduce tension, and give your complexion a healthy, radiant boost. But it’s not the only beauty tool making waves—jade rollers have also become a must-have in skincare routines, offering a cooling, refreshing way to depuff and smooth the skin.
So, how do you choose between these two timeless tools? Or should you be using both? Let’s break down the benefits and techniques, and how to make the most of them in your skincare routine.
For centuries, the gemstone jade has been used in skincare for its unique properties and benefits to the skin. The smoothness and coolness of jade work to soothe the skin. Its non-porous surface also means it doesn’t absorb bacteria or oils from your skin, keeping the tool clean and sanitary so you don’t have to worry about your skin showing opposite effects.
Use your jade roller as a gentle, facial massage.
Medicinally, jade rollers:
When using your jade roller, you should first apply an oil, moisturizer, or face mask to your skin to smooth it and create a nice glide for the tool. Then, take your jade roller and start at the base of your face, gently rolling it in upward strokes. Focus on areas that might need a little more attention, like the under-eye area or jawline. The jade roller’s cooling sensation will leave your skin feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Tip: For an extra cooling effect, place your jade roller in your refrigerator before using it. Much like a cold compress reduces swelling, the coldness of the stone will reduce inflammation in your face, and puffiness around your eyes.
While similar to the jade roller, a Gua sha works with more pressure and precision to provide a more intense massage, targeting tight muscles and areas of tension. Gua sha tools are typically crafted from rose quartz or jade. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of shapes:
Shape matters because each one fits a specific area of your body, and the needs you want to target. For example, the heart-shaped tool works wonderfully around delicate areas like the eyes and mouth, while the square shape allows for smooth, controlled movements to work around broader areas of your forehead and neck regions.
Use your Gua sha as a deeper, muscle release.
Medicinally, Gua shas:
When using your Gua sha, apply light to medium pressure while gently scraping the tool along the contours of your face, meaning your cheekbones, jawline, neckline, or even body. The smooth stone massages facial fascia and encourages lymph nodes to drain by stimulating blood vessels.
Tip: Gua sha should never be painful. Consult a professional about massage techniques if you are unsure. During a professional facial, always communicate with your aesthetician if you feel that too much pressure is being applied. The experience should always be about providing a relaxing, healing, and rejuvenating feeling.
Will a gua sha break my skin? No! Gua sha uses a rounded, smooth-edged tool that promotes blood flow beneath your skin. The technique should always be applied with oil, moisturizer, or face creams to help the tool glide easily and avoid skin irritation.
Both a jade roller and Gua sha can be used separately and together. For information on how these items work best separately, please refer to their individual sections above.
Together, the jade roller and Gua sha can take a targeted approach to refining your face and showing improvements in ways that you want to see. Since jade rollers act as a gentle massage tool, some users say the rollers alone do not penetrate the skin as well as a Gua sha. This could be due to the Gua sha’s curved and defined nature versus the circular smooth shape of the rollers. We encourage you to try both and see what works best for your skincare routine.
Treat yourself to Gua sha when you book our Pure Botanical Deluxe Facial. In this 65-minute facial, we will unveil your natural radiance. Using our Pure Skincare line, we can transform your skincare experience with all-natural, botanical-based ingredients. Each step of your facial will exfoliate, extract, and gift you a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. Your aesthetician will use a Gua sha tool to promote lymphatic drainage and toning along your face and neck.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits and power of Gut sha, take the next step and book a Pure Botanical Deluxe Facial with one of our aestheticians today!
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