Let’s be real, there are a lot of beauty tools out there that promise a lot. There are LED-powered masks that are supposed to zap acne and target wrinkles. People swear by microcurrent devices that tone and lift. And some gadgets unclog pores, exfoliate, and deep-clean the skin. So yeah, it’s a lot. And yes, it’s been proven that a lot of them work. But a lot of these finds can be pricey.
The thing about these tools is you’ll have to use them on the regular to see some results. It can be tough to justify a big gadget splurge if you don’t know if you’ll be able to commit to making it part of your routine and also if it will be effective for your skin needs.
If you’re on the fence, I’m about to tell you about one tool you can start with that promises most of the above (well, the sculpting, lifting, and firming part) and won’t cost you more than $35. In fact, there are some options on Amazon that are under $10. Meet the gua sha tool.
Gua sha tools have actually been around for centuries. “Gua sha tools come in various shapes and stones,” explains Lin Chen, founder and CEO of Pink Moon. “It’s a tool that dates back to the Paleolithic Ages and was used on the body to help increase circulation and release tension. In fact, the first texts documenting its use date back all the way to the Ming Dynasty in China.”
These tools have been used as a unique approach for holistic healing in China for 4,000 years, Chen adds. And the literal translation in Mandarin is “to scrape sand”—traditionally, it’s used all over the body to help aid in the movement of energy flow (Qi).
For the face, a gua sha tool can reduce puffiness, lift muscles and contour, and promote elasticity in the skin. And the best part? You might see these effects immediately after using it.
But there are also a myriad of other benefits the tool has as well. “Gua sha is excellent for lymphatic drainage, addressing stagnant energy, promoting blood flow, soothing headaches, reducing inflammation, shortening acute illnesses like colds and flus, and releasing tension—from head to toe,” Chen says.
Chen outlined some steps to take so you can make sure you’re using your tool effectively:
1. Always start with a clean face.
2. Before doing gua sha, you want to make sure to prep your skin with something emollient like a face oil or a balm. You also want to apply an oil that’s silky and doesn’t absorb right away or you might tug your skin, like our Over the Moon Gua Sha Facial Oil.
3. Keep the stone as flat and close to the skin as possible—15-degree angle so you don’t create unnecessary friction or tug your skin.
4. If you have an active acne breakout, just do gua sha on the chest and neck. This will help to increase circulation and decrease inflammation.
5. Always slow strokes on neck and face, and upward and outward strokes on the face.
Ready to give a try for yourself, see below for some options.
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