Social Media’s Latest Obsession: Retinol and Gua Sha

Social Media’s Latest Obsession: Retinol and Gua Sha

The newest trend in skincare has been met with mixed reviews—gua sha, a Chinese healing technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to massage your face. It’s become popular on social media for its anti-aging and depuffing effects, and one user even claimed it rivaled her face filler (though she later removed the video after backlash).

Social Media’s Latest Obsession: Retinol and Gua Sha a nutshell, gua sha is said to promote blood flow, release any tight niggles in the muscles, and stimulate your skin’s natural elasticity. The tool is also believed to target acupuncture points, which are pressure points where Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe vital energy known as qi flows.

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But before you get started, make sure to use a good face oil. “A well-oiled face will help the gua sha tool slip across the skin and not rub irritably,” says Chinese medicine practitioner and Hayo’u Beauty Restorer Gua Sha founder Katie Brindle. She recommends a light to medium face oil like ours, which strengthens the skin barrier and promotes elasticity.

To start, use the curved side of your gua sha on your jawline with light to medium pressure. Then, move to the cheeks, chin and forehead. Finally, finish on your nose and temples. The key is to not push too hard, as it could hurt and cause red marks. If you’re new to the routine, try doing it 2-3 times a week.