Does Gua Sha Help with Wrinkles at 50
Gua sha comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and was originally used as a medical treatment for pain relief and improving the lymphatic system.
The gua sha tool is similar to, but not the same as, using a jade roller. Both have benefits for beauty, however, they work in different ways. Gua Sha works on the fascia, which is primarily collagen, just beneath the skin. Fascia separates muscles and skin. It is a form of connective tissue that stabilizes and encloses muscles and other internal organs. There are multiple layers of fascia.
Gua Sha improves the fascia and helps it regain elasticity. Just like massaging your legs with a foam roller or a fascia blaster can reduce the appearance of cellulite, gua sha helps to move lymph and smooth the skin on your face.
The Benefits of Gua Sha
So does Gua Sha help with wrinkles? Facial Gua Sha as part of your skincare routine has been compared as a natural form of botox. Not surprisingly, it can also be part of your wellness routine, as it is better for your facial muscles in the long run. Whereas botox can atrophy the facial muscles over time, a facial massage with a gua sha tool will improve the muscles as well as blood circulation.
Other benefits of consistent gua sha practice include:
- minimizing fine lines
- increasing collagen production
- reducing puffiness (especially under-eye bags)
- stimulating blood flow
- powerful anti-aging
- improved lymphatic drainage
- an excellent form of self-care
- releases muscle tension in the face
- contours and sculpts the jawline
- clearer complexion
One of the most profound before and after comparisons I’ve seen is in the jawline. You can do a search for “gua sha jawline before and after” and see the numerous results yourself.
Choosing a Gua Sha Tool
There are multiple different shapes of gua sha stone, as well as a wide variety of materials. Any high quality gua sha stone will increase circulation, reduce breakouts, and have a de-puffing effect on the face. However, some stones are associated with specific results. So you can take those into consideration when choosing your stone, or even have multiple, like I do.
Rose Quartz Gua Sha
Rose Quartz is the best choice for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and getting rid of toxins. In addition, this pink stone is said to eliminate negativity and is associated with positive emotions such as compassion, and love.
Jade Gua Sha Stone
Choose a Jade Gua Sha stone if your primary need is to reduce puffiness and promote lymphatic drainage.
Performing Gua Sha
It’s best to learn from a certified Gua Sha Expert so you can be assured that you are performing it properly to receive the most benefit. You can join us for a webinar tutorial on August 5, 2021. Register for the event before July 22nd, so you will have time to receive the pink quartz gua sha tool and revitalize facial oil from NakedPoppy.
Additionally, when performing gua sha, it is important to hold the gua sha tool at an angle, almost flat to your skin; not at a 90-degree angle.
- Start with a clean face, and a clean gua sha tool.
- Apply moisturizer, oils work well and you can choose one based on your skin type. Recommendations are listed below.
- From the eyebrows, move up towards the hairline to reduce forehead wrinkles.
- Working from the inner to the outer eye area, sweep up toward your hairline making a c-shape to reduce under-eye puffiness.
- Moving from the chin up towards the earlobe, sculpt your jawline.
- Beginning at the collar bone, smooth your neck up toward your chin.
- Always clean your gua sha tool after use and store it where it will stay clean until the next use.
Gua Sha Treatment
Another way to learn to how to do Gua Sha is to visit an acupuncture doctor or an esthetician who can perform body gua sha. After you see how it is done, you can then practice it on your own.
Gua Sha can improve most skin conditions, although it is best not to perform on inflamed skin, sunburn, cystic acne or rashes. I’ve been using the technique and I believe it has helped reduce the redness that comes from rosacea. My dermatologist said it couldn’t hurt, as long as I used a non-comedogenic oil and didn’t introduce bacteria (keep the tool clean) so I’ve been using it at night while I watch Korean Dramas!
If you like this post, you may also want to check out my post on face yoga, Does Face Yoga Work At 50?.
