how often should you use your gua sha tool? (Updated June 2022)

I know what you're probably thinking, those results (pictured) are insane. Is that even possible? Yea, as crazy as it seems, it happened. I did a 10-minute gua sha routine every day (I *think* I took one day off) for 21 days. I present to you the power of consistency…and a before and after photo, because I didn’t even realize the transformation until I saw the photos. 

Gua sha is a great tool to have in your at-home natural skincare toolbox! Yet, what good is a tool if you don’t know the best practices for using it?

Are you wondering how to get the results you want without it just becoming another beauty-tool casualty sitting in your bathroom drawer? Read on to remedy!

This is the tool and facial oil I used. The Dresden Body + Wellness Gua Sha Glow Set with the Quartz Gua Sha Stone. It's the perfect combo of a light, refreshing facial oil and the perfect sized gua sha stone. 

You always want to apply some form of "slip" to the skin (facial oil is ideal) prior to doing your gua sha routine to protect the skin from any friction created by the tool. 

Like any new practice, it can take a little bit of practice to get comfortable with. It during this critical time of learning that you don't give up. Hop on over to my Instagram page for videos with simple routines and a quick google search will yield lots of examples as well.

Remember, for best results, consistency is key. Make it a habit! Your body will thank you every time and you may begin to crave a few minutes of gua sha or facial rolling. It's that relaxing.

Here's some incentive to consistency though! The laundry list of benefits associated with gua sha and facial massage is long and very exciting!

I am an Acupuncturist, which means I regularly use gua sha and see its amazing powers in action. So naturally as an acupuncturist I look to gua sha and massage as a regular remedy and I've become accustomed to reach for it.

But here are some things you may not know. The power of gua sha goes way beyond just facial rejuvenation or dull looking skin. Gua sha is my go-to remedy when I feel a cold coming on, have a cough, stiff neck or headache.

Here's what you can do at-home to get a great gua sha routine and see R E S U L T S:

• Get in the habit of using for your tool. Gua sha yields the best results with consistent use. It’s not going to be an injection of botox, but it can yield amazing benefits when used regularly for skincare and facial rejuvenation. 

• Best done daily for even just a few minutes. Or use at least 3 times a week. 

• Do it at anytime you have time! Keep in mind that your skin could appear a little flushed for a few minutes after gua sha, so take that into account when you are deciding when to do your routine. It is really a personal preference when you incorporate it in your daily routine. I
  
  either do it in the morning after I shower or in evening when I am washing my face with my cleansing oil. 

• Keep your gua sha tool in a convenient place. I keep mine on my bathroom counter right next to my facial oil. Out of sight, out of mind, so keep it handy! Think counter-top, purse, glove compartment...

• Always use a facial oil with your gua sha tool (and a facial roller). I apply a few spritzes of a plant hydrosol to nourish the skin followed by my favorite oil to lock in that moisture, then do my gua sha routine.

• Apply gentle pressure moving the tool from the midline of the face outward to the jaw. The lymph in our face responds to gentle pressure, so less is more when focusing on de-puffing and sculpting. Less is more, more often.

• Wipe your skin clean after your routine. After completing your routine try wiping your face with a warm towel to cleanse the skin. Gua sha and facial massage invigorates the skin and can hep pull-out toxins. I suggest cleansing the skin after your routine and before re-applying hydrosol, facial oil (or moisturizer), make-up and sunscreen for the day. 

• Facial massage works too! If you don't have a gua sha tool or it's not convenient, try using your hands and fingers to mimic the movements you do in your gua sha routine. Massage has been a healing modality for thousands of years. If I am having a particularly tiring or trying day I will do a few moments of facial massage to help me relax and reinvigorate. Our bodies love movement, like exercise and massage, and they help us access health at any moment. 

I hope you enjoy my tips for getting into a gua sha routine that yields the best results. Gua sha has been such a powerful tool for my skincare and overall body health.

For more information about gua sha stay in the loop by signing-up for newsletters or watch tutorials on IG here.

If you're curious about finding a routine to address particular needs or how to use gua sha beyond facial care I also offer personal gua sha consultations. I have helped many people address lymphatic drainage, puffy or sagging skin, Bell's Palsy, eye fatigue, colds and coughs, allergies, the list goes in!

Thanks for reading!