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HOW TO GUA SHA

Improve circulation and reduce tension, revealing a more radiant complexion.  

Gua sha, a revered East Asian skincare technique, utilises a flat, smooth tool to gently scrape the skin, enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation. Rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, gua sha translates to ‘scrape away fever,’ a nod to its traditional use in alleviating inflammation and pain.  

This precise technique draws oxygen-rich blood to the skin, aiding in the removal of unwanted toxins. When performed correctly and consistently, this technique can help restore a glowing complexion, contour the face and even reduce headache and jaw pain. Discover the refined art of gua sha with these essential steps and maximise your results. 

The sequence

Gua sha works best as part of a short sequence: ten minutes, done properly, is enough.

  1. Cleanse. Start with our Balancing Cleansing Wash to remove the day (or night) from your skin, then pat dry.
  2. Oil. Apply a few drops of our Nurturing Face Oil. Gua sha needs slip to glide rather than drag - avoid serums, which tend to absorb too quickly and won't give the tool enough to work with.

  3. Scrape. While the oil is still sitting on the skin, work through the movements below with your gua sha, from neck to forehead.

Master the movements

Follow these steps to target specific areas and open up the lymphatic system. Complete on both sides of the face, aiming to repeat each movement 5-10 times, dependant on comfort.

Neck and Jaw

  • Start by using the long, curved side of your tool to make slow, smooth strokes from behind your ear, all the way down to the clavicle bone.  

  • Placing one hand on your check to support your face, position the smaller curve of your tool in the middle of your chin. Gently glide it along the jawline toward your earlobe. 

Cheekbones

  • Hold your tool flat against your upper lip, then gently move it outward under the cheekbone towards your ear, applying a steady pressure.

  • Keep your tool leaning flat and gently glide over the cheekbone, finishing with a small motion side to side once at the temple.

Forehead

  • Again, with the tool angled slightly flat, start at the top of the eyebrow, and move in sweeping motions upwards towards the hairline.

  • Next,  position your tool in the centre of the forehead and sweep outward toward the temple.

Keep it cold

If de-puffing is your goal, chill your gua sha in the fridge before use. Morning is the best time to use your tool cold, as our skin tends to be more inflamed after waking up. Start with your cleanser, using gentle massage movements to wake up the facial muscles. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key for optimal results, as regular use maintains improved blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports lymphatic drainage. You won’t see these results over night, but incorporating gua sha into your routine consistently, you can ensure that its benefits are enhanced over time. 

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