Gua Sha is a centuries-old beauty technique that started in China and it boasts a ton of health benefits: reduced inflammation, a more “sculpted and lifted” appearance, better blood flow, to name a few. Lately it seems like everyone is hopping on the Gua Sha wagon, and that includes Selena Gomez.
Gomez was recently featured on makeup artist Hung Vanngo’s Instagram getting the Gua Sha treatment.
Gomez asked, “Alright, what is this thing you’re using?”
“It’s a jade stone that de-puffs the face,” Vanngo said. “It’s from Kora Organic,” Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr’s skincare line.
“Kora Organic, we love you Miranda,” Gomez chirps at the end.
You may be asking: but how does Gua Sha work?
Gua Sha is a type of facial massage. The idea behind its efficacy is that it promotes lymphatic drainage by clearing blockages in the bloodstream, which de-puffs the face and body. Most people do it with a special heart-shaped tool and a lubricant (like oil or lotion).
There’s not a lot of clinical research that supports its beneficial claims, but look at Selena Gomez’s face (and anyone else’s who’s tried it) for proof. Or try it yourself, just be careful.
Which brings us to the side effects of Gua Sha…
Gua Sha is generally pretty safe. A lot of people who get it done on their backs compare it to cupping. You should be fine, but if someone’s using too much pressure, you might leave with some bruising. It should clear up within a few weeks though.
Does it need to be done by a professional?
You should, but if you’re not a high roller like Selena Gomez, then you can also DIY. Take a look at YouTube for tutorials on how to implement this practice into your everyday beauty routine. Make sure to go easy on your facial skin, though, to avoid any longterm bruising or damage.
What are the tools of the trade?
Ideally, you should use a Gua Sha scraping tool made of jade or rose quartz. Both stones have become popular in mainstream beauty regimens for their healing properties.
You’ll also want some kind of a lube. One of our favorite facial oils is Herbivore’s “Pheonix” facial oil. You’ll literally glow after using this stuff.
Don’t have a crystal Gua Sha sculpting tool?
In Western culture, Gua Sha has also been called “spooning,” because it can be done with spoon. On a budget? Use a (clean) metal spoon, and spoon to your heart’s content.
Want to try Gua Sha at home? Shop our editor’s picks.
