GUA SHA
THE ONLY SKINCARE TOOL YOU WILL EVER NEED
‘OKAY, a lot of you have been asking about my skincare routine so..’
I am SO kidding.
I have really been a skincare fanatic and my ‘routine’ has always been basic and as natural as possible. Last year I was forced to start learning more about skincare because it was the first time in my life that I struggled with skin issues. After a year of skin rehab (this is a whole other story, but LeeLou Salon™ and their monthly facials and the amazing BETSY saved my skin) I started looking for other natural ways to stay glowing as I age.
Enter TikTok™.
Tiktok™ has quickly become my favourite platform (Follow me: tiktok.com/jessburns06).
I know. I know. A lot of people do NOT get the new TikTok™ trend (hint: no one is too old to be on there) and vow they will never give it a try. But honestly, it has been one of the most informative apps I have ever used. Ever. 
And this is where I was introduced to the holy grail….
AKA: the Gua Sha.
It is very different than a roller and much more effective. I call it the pocket-knife of skincare as it is small, easy to carry, and has so many different uses when used effectively.
Once I saw it on TikTok™ I found the Gua Sha tool (this one) on Amazon™ for only $12, so I had nothing to lose. I have been using it consistently for about two weeks. I use it for a few minutes in the morning after I wake up and wash my face, and I do a full routine at night.
In two weeks, I am BLOWN away by this little miracle stone. My skin is brighter, the pores are smaller, facial scars that have been there forever have started to fade, my jawline/contour line is ON point! My FAVORITE (and most noticeable) result is on the prominent muscle between my brows. It is something that has always bothered me for a few years and no amount of Botox™ helped. But in just two weeks of using the Gua Sha, its appearance has greatly minimized. It is basically gone and I couldn’t be happier.
The results are instant and undeniable, so no one really needs to be sold on this thing. When have ancient Chinese skincare secrets ever steered us wrong, anyway?
THE GUA SHA IS A GAME-CHANGER.
Now let us get into the good stuff…
WHAT THE HELL IS A GUA SHA?
Gua means “scraping”. Sha means “redness of the skin”.
The literal goal of Gua Sha is to “scrape away the illness”.
Gua Sha aims to move energy, known as “qi” or “chi”, around the body. The treatment involves using a jade, rose quartz or other polished stone tools to rub the skin in consistent strokes, applying enough pressure to create minor bruising.
Before being used to boost beauty, it was actually used historically as a medical tool.
Gua Sha has been around since primitive times when it was used to treat pain. It was later adapted and shaped into what it is today by way of Chinese medicine. Chinese medical practitioners use the Gua Sha to treat pain caused by inflammation. Traditional East Asian medicine views blood stasis or stagnation as a cause of pain and illness. Just as it moves the chi, Gua Sha moves pooled or stagnated blood to relieve symptoms.
It became popular in the US around the 1970s and was used as an alternative to acupuncture. Gua Sha offered the same results- without the needles.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
SKINCARE BENEFITS
BETTER THEN BOTOX: THE INSTANT FACELIFE AT HOME
Overall
Gua Sha’s very basic benefits include better circulation, fascial toxin release, and enhanced natural hydration and improved healing.
Within 5 minutes after using the tool, you will see a difference. Although your skin will look red, it will also appear more sculpted, tight, and lifted.
Facial Massage
I learned about the importance of facial massages a few years ago and I have been doing them ever since. By massaging your skin (with or without the Gua Sha) you tighten your skin, strengthen facial muscles and slow the signs of aging. The Gua Sha takes facial massage to another level. If you want to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging, start doing facial massages and add the Gua Sha technique today.
It is an instant facelift!
Lymphatic drainage
Instagram influencers have long been promoting lymphatic drainage massages and its benefits, but I had NO idea the benefits extend to the face as well.
The Gua Sha stimulates lymphatic drainage in your face which detoxifies your skins and can help treat acne and congested, puffy skin. The Gua Sha massage strengthens facial muscles, boosts oxygen flow, and releases endorphins, which offsets the negative effects of stress and adrenaline.
Dark Circles:
Everybody in the world has struggled with this one. But did you know one of the things that cause dark circles can be the buildup of deoxygenated blood and slow circulation, and just gets worse as time goes on? My dark circles were one of the first things I noticed improved with the Gua Sha technique.
Anything else?
• Rosacea 
• Sunburns
• Acne
• Bone structure
• Contour lines (trust me, honey, the contour line is POPPINGGG)
• Improves efficiency of your skincare products
• The flawless application of makeup (if used cold of course, more on this trick HERE)
BODY & HEALTH BENEFITS
MOST COMMON GUA SHA USES
• To treat muscle and joint pain, back pain, carpal tunnel pain
• To increase micro-circulation by 400%, clear inflammation and increase immunity
• To assist the immune system to combat fevers, cold symptoms, allergies and migraines
• To treat lung issues and chronic cough
• To relieve symptoms of menstruation, menopause, and breast engorgement (for all those new mamas)
• To ease anxiety and improve sleep
IF YOU’RE NOT CONVINCED TO TRY THIS THING BY NOW, YOU MUST BE PERFECT.
Just kidding.
oh and just in case you think this is a sponsored or paid post, it’s not.
HOW TO USE GUA SHA TOOLS
There are many different tips and tricks depending on the desired result. It is not painful, but because it involves rubbing or scraping skin with the polished stone tool, tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin, known as capillaries, can burst. This can result in temporary skin bruising and minor bleeding that usually resolves quickly and disappears within a couple of days. I personally have not experienced any of side effects.
HOW OFTEN TO USE GUA SHA TECHNIQUE
As a natural healing remedy, Gua Sha is safe to use frequently. I use mine gently every morning and then I do a more thorough massage in the evening. The evening massage does cause redness, but I wake up GLOWING HONEEEYY.
WHERE TO BUY GUA SHA
Gua Sha tools are everywhere! I got mine on Amazon™ (THIS ONE) but you can find them at Sephora™ or other major retailers. Or you can use a chilled tin lid like they did in the olden days.
Gua Sha isn’t the only skincare trick I’ve learned from TikTok™, and I am so excited to share the others I’ve tested out with you!
In the meantime – Happy Gua Sha-ing!!!
Jessica Burns
I’m going to order one right now. Thanks for this information!!
Melanie
How interesting!! We use these in recovery for sore muscles in triathlon training! I’m ordering mine now for the face. Makes total sense AND is perfect price! Thanks for explaining it!