If you’re new to gua sha, here are 5 mistakes you must avoid
Gua sha is the perfect tool for when you want a soothing and rejuvenating facial massage but don't have the budget to go to a salon. The practice of gua sha dates back to the Palaeolithic period. It has recently grown in popularity among skincare devotees due to its incredible anti-ageing and micro-circulation benefits. But using the tool properly is essential if you want to get the most out of it. A massage with a gua sha is only effective when you use it gently and stick to the rules.
For those beginning to tap into the benefits of gua sha, we have shared some basic mistakes you must avoid so your routine does not get hampered.
#1 Using on dry face
To use a gua sha or any other face tool properly, your skin must be sufficiently hydrated. The key is to use a good face serum or moisturiser before you get into the massage routine. Also, finish your cleansing, toning, and moisturising before starting a facial massage with the tool. The Dr G Face oil is an ideal choice to use a gua sha without resistance. It's not your typical, single-ingredient face oil; instead, it's a beautiful concoction of plant-based extracts and oils that brightens and even tones the complexion.
#2 Using in the wrong direction
The gua sha tool is designed specifically to match the contours of your facial muscle. To reap maximum benefit, you must correctly use it while massaging. The last thing you want is to irritate your skin by rubbing it in an erroneous direction. The gua sha must be pulled upwards from your jawline to the temple of the forehead. Similarly, it should be pulled outward from the bridge of the nose to the cheeks and then the forehead temple.
These motions and directions must be repeated on both sides of the face. Do not press it too hard against the skin. For the neck, pull it downwards from the jawline to the collarbone. All the steps must not be repeated more than 3-4 times.
#3 Not using both hands
One of the most common gua sha mistakes many people make is they tend to hold the gua sha in one hand while freeing the other hand. This fails the purpose of the tool dismally. To get that sculpted look, the right method is holding the gua sha tool with one hand and using the other hand to hold and tighten the skin. This helps to give the right push on the skin for proper sculpting.
#4 Putting too much pressure
While using the gua sha, being gentle is the key. For this purpose, you must be mindful of every stroke you make. Be very careful to use gentle and light strokes wherever you use the gua sha tool. One must be especially mindful while using around the eyes and lips.
#5 Not using a good quality gua sha
Another one of the major gua sha mistakes people make without realising is using the wrong gua sha tool itself. The design, finish, and material of the gua sha make a lot of difference in the result you get. Whether you invest in a stone or metal gua sha, make sure it has a smooth edge and is highly polished. In the case of stone gua sha, shop from reputed brands only to get authentic products. The Dr G Butterfly Gua Sha Stone is one such product made from authentic rose quartz stone and is ideal for depuffing the face.
Skincare remains incomplete without attention to blood circulation and lymphatic tissues. With tools like gua sha, you can enjoy the benefits of a massage right at your home.