"Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time!"
The coveted toy in skincare which you may have seen popping up on Instagram stories and feeds, stone rollers and Gua Sha tools are a must-have for anyone keen on holistic skincare. Facial massages have been around for years and so had been expensive massage gadgets. However, as people are now more inclined towards practises that have been around for centuries, jade rollers and gua sha tools have made a reappearance on the beauty scene.
So what are these tools and do they actually help to improve the skin?
Gua Sha:
Use of this tool has been practised in china for centuries. "‘Gua’ means to press-stroke, whilst ‘sha’ describes the temporary red flush that results. Using the tool is one of the most effective technique for transforming your skin. Facial gua sha stimulates the dermis to support collagen and elastin production and releases tension to relax your facial muscles. It has been shown in studies to exponentially increase circulation and aid lymphatic flow, release congestion and soothe sore eyes and skin, to brighten your complexion and leave you with a radiant glow. It is also known to reduce inflammation, acne scarring and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Using the tool correctly to maximise benefits requires some practise.
Jade Roller: This is a similar to the Gua sha but relatively easier to use. It helps to relax facial muscles, helps to contour your face and flush out toxins.
Both tools are made of stone, traditionally using jade but modern tools can be made from kinds of stone: jade, rose quartz, amethyst, obsidian, etc. While they are all good, I personally find jade to be a versatile one that ticks all boxes.
How do we use these tools?
After cleansing and toning the skin, apply facial oil. If you don’t have lubrication, the tool can pull the skin which may actually contribute to wrinkles. Begin your massage using the tools.
Using the Gua Sha:
Always move in the direction of your lymph nodes:
scrape from the inside of your face to the outsides
scrape down the neck
scrape to the outsides of the forehead
Try 8 sweeps on each direction. Apply light pressure but do not overexert. The lymphatic system is stimulated through light stroking so you do not need to push the tool with too much pressure into the face. Use the divet side to scrape alongside the chin.
Using a roller:
Start at the neck and roll upward. For best results, roll up, not back and forth.
Roll from the jawline to the ear on both sides using gentle pressure. You can continue this motion all the way from the jaw to the cheekbone.
Roll from the forehead up toward the temples, only in the upward direction.
Roll flat over your eyebrows horizontally, which may feel especially relieving if you have a headache.
Jade is a naturally cool stone and hence there is no need to store in the refrigerator like other stones. Chinese medicine refers to jade as "the stone of heaven". Jade has been known to relax the nervous system and aid in the elimination of toxibs from the skin. The cool touch of the stone can help decrease redness.
Clean your tools after use to prevent bacteria build-up.
How often can we use them?
Both tools can be used daily and as much as needed. Gua sha is a more severe tool and may leave the skin flushed. Just ensure that any redness has subsided before re-treating. This usually disappears within an hour on the face.
So if you are looking for a holistic way to improve your skin, look no further. Grab yourself a pair of these and get rolling.