Your Guide to Gua Sha

From your first face wash as a pre-teen that has probably been black-listed by TikTok skincare gurus, to the trendiest celebrity-endorsed serums and creams, skincare innovations are everywhere. Treating your skin with care and hydration is vital, especially as a busy student who walks around campus in the blazing NC heat daily. But with so many product options and suggested routines, it can be overwhelming to know which plan is best for you and your skin. 

Rejoice, worry-free, as gua sha is the perfect remedy for all skin types and is an easy, calming step to add to your skincare routine. A gua sha tool is a smooth, flat slab of stone designed to soothe and cure. Derived from traditional Chinese medicine, the process of gua sha is believed to relieve body pain by brushing the skin rapidly in a semi-abrasive manner. This method has been altered to make using the gua sha on your face more gentle and effective. A full gua sha session takes approximately fifteen minutes and includes all facial surface areas, including the neck.

Starting at the base of the neck and moving upward, this process is great for improving circulation, lifting and firming the skin, and over time, revealing more defined facial features. The overall “depuffing” result is more immediate due to work within the lymphatic system, as the use of the gua sha ​​removes stagnant lymph from the tissue. While this practice is great for the skin and can really deliver a restorative glow, the routine can also become really therapeutic and is a great way to relax and indulge in self-care that doubles in benefits for both the body and mind. 

Ready to get your hands on a Gua Sha? Check out this fan favorite from Sephora. 

Tag @theedgemag on Instagram in your gua sha routine and results!