“Whereas gua sha is working to rev all those things up, so it makes zero sense to do opposite actions.” Anything to look out for?Īccording to Plug, anyone with cosmetic injectables like Botox or filler should sit this skin treatment out: “Botox puts your skin to sleep, and the nerve function and the microcirculation is shut down,” she explains. Afterwards, go ahead with your usual skincare routine. Otherwise, the oil just sits on top, and you feel greasy but not moisturized,” advises Plug (she likes using a hydrating tonic to prep skin). “However, before you apply oil to the skin, hydrate it first.

Should I use skincare products during gua sha?įor the stone to easily glide over skin, it’s important to use an oil beforehand. Do three to 10 strokes (anything over 10 could overdo it) on each section of the face, applying light to medium pressure. Plug recommends practicing gua sha for a minimum of 10 minutes a day, three times a week. What’s the best technique?Īs you can see in Plug’s Instagram below, hold the gua sha tool so you’re getting as much contact as possible with its widest flat edge before you begin scraping the skin. According to Plug, her clients are amazed at how after fifteen minutes, one side of their face will be drastically tighter than the other. Regular gua sha sessions can also improve firmness. Once you clear that murk out, you can see that light finally shining through.” “Think of it as if your skin was made of glass and there's all this murky stuff beneath it. We see a reduction in hyperpigmentation too,” continues Plug. “By increasing the circulation every day, we start to move those waste products out of the skin, which helps to clear out things like blackheads or breakouts. The result is a brighter, clearer complexion.

This friction releases facial muscle tension and improves lymph drainage. It's like riding a bicycle versus driving a BMW.” Gua sha works deeper in the skin since it creates friction. Similar to jade rolling, gua sha activates your face’s different meridians, but as Plug explains: “The results don't even compare. The Xiyuan jade that makes up this V-shaped gua sha has balancing and cooling properties, leading to peak relaxation and ultimate skin soothing.

How to use a gua sha