• 08/01/2024

Why Is Gua Sha Trending? 4 Editor-Approved Routines to Try Out

gua sha routine tools

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The skin care industry is constantly evolving. There’s skin slugging, dermaplaning, skin streaming and other practices that are making waves online. Among these slew of hacks, one of the most popular is gua sha. 

You might already know this if you’ve been scrolling through TikTok. Gen Z influencers didn’t invent it. In fact, it has been here for many years. What started the trend, and what routines do our editors love?

It All Started With Lizzo

In March, Lizzo announced via TikTok that she got herself a gua sha, an unassuming tool that is making waves on several platforms. It’s a flat, heart-shaped stone with two smooth sides and a curved edge. It has a distinct shape to mimic the face’s natural contours. Lizzo has been hyping up gua sha, to the point where fans are copying it. Soon enough, beauty influencers shared their gua sha routines on the platform.

Gu sha’s roots are believed to go as far as the Paleolithic period, but it’s commonly associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used to eliminate various symptoms.

When other TikTok trends like skin slugging, lost their appeal, people quickly dominated the gua sha trend for its affordability and simplicity. It’s a routine that feels like luxury without breaking the bank and promises amazing results. All you need are three things — a gua sha tool, face oil and a dose of patience. 

Things to Keep in Mind Before Trying Gua Sha

All of these gua sha talks prompted Revivalist’s editors, including me, to try it out. Again, all it takes are three things, so what’s there to lose?

But before starting our routine, we had to remember these things. 

  • Ensure you have a clean face.
  • Prep the skin with a balm or face oil that’s not easily absorbent to avoid dragging your skin.
  • Keep the stone as flat and close to the skin as possible to reduce unnecessary friction.
  • Apply gentle, outward strokes.

While generally safe, you might get bruising or skin discoloration after your routine. Soreness and tenderness are also common side effects. It takes three to four days before they go away on their own. You should avoid any gua sha routine if you:

  • Have diabetes
  • Are pregnant
  • Have circulation problems
  • Take blood thinners
  • Just had skin fillers, such as Botox
  • Have a present skin issue, like acne, rosacea or psoriasis

Gua Sha Routine for Double Chin 

Hear the thoughts of our editor-in-chief, Cora Gold.

Double chin is the bane of many women’s existence. I found this easy-to-follow video from Wilding Beauty and immediately bought their empress stone gua sha, which was featured on “Good Morning America.” The rugged edge that helps stimulate lymphatic drainage sets it apart from typical gua sha stones. Don’t expect massive changes after a few uses, though — what I love most is the relaxing feeling it immediately provides me.

Here’s what I did:

  • Stimulate the lymphatic drainage along the collarbone with quick “eraser” motions.
  • Slowly and lightly glide the stone from the outer jawline to your collarbone.
  • Use the pointed tip to stimulate underneath your chin.
  • Glide the gua sha tool from your chin to your jaw.
  • Do some wiggling motions where the jaw meets the ear before gliding the tool down the neck.

Chinese Medical Skin Care Professional’s Ritual for the Neck

Ava Roman, our managing editor, took a shot at the famous medical skin care professional’s gua sha ritual.

The gua sha trend has been on my feed for many weeks. I’m someone who doesn’t try a trend until someone accredited and professional swears by it. Sandra Lanshin Chiu is a professional acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in rejuvenating skin. She uses her gua sha techniques on herself and her clients and shares them with the public for free!

Neck tension has always been a problem for me, so it’s nice that I chanced upon this informative tutorial on YouTube. 

Here’s how to do it:

  • Place the stone flat below your nape, placing the notched edges at the sides of your spine.
  • Slowly stroke up your neck with light to medium pressure until you feel a dense surface. Massage it for a bit using the stone’s tip. Do it five times.
  • Place the long edge flat where your shoulder meets your arm.
  • Slide it upwards toward your shoulder and up to your neck with light to medium pressure. Once you hit your head’s dense surface, massage it using the stone’s tip. Repeat five times.
  • Follow the same step for the other side.
  • Just repeat the steps — from your collarbone to your side neck.
  • Place your hand on your sternum — between two collarbones. Meet the notched edges between your fingers.
  • Glide the stone up your neck until it hits your chin, then massage.

Routine for Puffy Eyes

Our contributing writer Brigid Weiss hopes gua sha can help reduce eye puffiness. Did it deliver?

I was amazed by this sculpting spoon tool and felt excited to try it out. This tool is used solely to depuff the eye area. I did it for two weeks and was happy about the results! Like any other routine, don’t expect to see significant results after a few days. Patience is really the key!

  • Mist your face generously with your favorite facial mist.
  • Add a few drops of facial oil.
  • Hold the tool at a 15-degree angle. Slowly roll the tip around the eye area using light to medium pressure.
  • Using the spoon area, slightly depuff your eyebags outward toward your temple. Do it for a couple of times.
  • Depuff the eyebrow area, dragging the tool toward the temple.

Gua Sha for Back Aches and Pains

I tried the most unconventional method of using gua sha stone. Pro tip: Have someone help you out — it’s going to be worth it!

When I heard gua sha can relieve muscle and joint pain, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of using this tool as an alternative massage gun. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to this gua sha routine for the back:

  • Apply oil or lotion across the back.
  • Gently move the gua sha tool outwards. Start from the spine and then do it five times. Do the same on the other side.
  • Repeat the same motion as you slowly move down the back. Remember to communicate to the other person some tender areas where lighter or harder pressure is required.

Try These Gua Sha Routines Today

Gua sha is an affordable and effective way to keep your skin and some parts of your body looking and feeling its best! All you need to do is invent in a good tool and face oil, then you’re ready to go. 

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