Have you heard of a technique called gua sha?
Facial gua sha claims to give you clear skin, fewer wrinkles and a more sculpted appearance.
But does it actually work? Before we go scraping our faces with rocks in the name of self-care, we dive in a little deeper to see if it measures up to the hype.
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese practice often used in conjunction with acupuncture to reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body, reduce the severity of perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia, help with migraine pain and more.
A gentler form of this massage is used to reduce puffiness in the face or around the eyes, tighten facial muscles, increase circulation and collagen production and brighten the complexion.
Gua sha does this by stimulating the lymphatic system to drain fluids, clear congested areas and increase circulation to the skin and deeper tissues.
Facial gua sha is performed with a small tool called a gua sha stone.
Small, smooth and curved with a variety of different angles, the gua sha stone is used along with an oil to glide along the skin, pushing fluids toward exit routes in the lymphatic system.
Clinical studies back up gua sha’s effectiveness in decreasing pain, increasing circulation and reducing swelling in the body and many practitioners agree that facial gua sha creates the appearance of tighter, brighter skin, reduces under-eye puffiness and improves skin elasticity.
How To Use A Gua Sha Stone
With Your Boom
STEP 1: Wash your face with Boom Clean® to remove dirt, oil and makeup.
STEP 2: Apply a few drops of Boom Gold™ to your face and neck to help the tool glide easily and press nourishing moisture and nutrients into your skin.
Our organic facial oil is packed with vitamins A and E, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to help reduce redness, brighten the skin and stimulate collagen production.
STEP 3: Gently glide the gua sha stone up the neck towards the face and from the center of the face and nose towards the hairline, moving fluids upwards and/or outwards.
For a contouring effect, use the stone angles on the cheekbones and jawline.
Remember to be extremely gentle to avoid marking or damaging your skin. You should press firmly without causing pain or discomfort.
STEP 4: Rinse your skin with warm (not hot) water.
STEP 5: Moisturize with Boomsilk® or your favorite facial moisturizer.
STEP 6: Enjoy your depuffed, sculpted skin!
Tell us… Have you or will you try gua sha facial massage? If you’ve tried it, what do you think?
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