How To Layer Skincare Products with Facial Gua Sha
What is Facial Gua Sha?
The use of a gua sha board or tool on the face. Gua sha is a scraping technique that is used to treat cold, flu, fever, respiratory conditions, pain and other illnesses in Chinese Medicine. Scraping or coining techniques also show up in many other cultures in Asia (kerokan, cao gio). When using a gua sha tool on the face, you are not trying to achieve the red pettechia that arises when performing gua sha, coining or other scraping techniques on the body. Facial gua sha is done with very light pressure and should not cause any redness.
What Are The Benefits of Facial Gua Sha?
Facial gua sha, when done properly, can have many benefits to your overall well being. It can relax tense muscles around the forehead and eyes that one might experience from eye strain. It can calm an overly tight jaw for those that clench or grind their teeth. With proper facial gua sha direction you can reduce puffiness and bring healthy circulation to the eyes and sinuses for those who experience allergies and chronic sinus issues. A regular facial gua sha practice as a part of your skincare routine will also show improved skin texture, brighter complexion, lift sagging skin and sculpt and define features of your already beautiful face. For those who experience acne, during a break out, affected areas should be avoided but regular practice will decrease acne over time. I suggest for everyone to seek proper instruction for safety!
When To Use Facial Gua Sha In Your Skincare Routine
Below is my suggestion for how to use facial gua sha and layering your products. Though I suggest products here for those who are interested in exploring something new, if you are someone who does well with your current skincare routine, please stick with what you already have.
Begin with an Oil Cleanser, I use EVER skin LUMINOUS while you do your facial gua sha routine.
You can either choose to remove the oil with a warm, damp towel or double cleanse using something like EVER skin REBALANCE for a gentle cleanse or EVER skin REFRESH for a deeper cleanse.
After cleansing you can choose to exfoliate with something like EVER skin REVEAL biometric peel pads or skip exfoliation all together if that doesn’t suite you. I exfoliate about every 2-3 weeks.
Hydrate the skin with hydrosol facial spray and/or your a hyaluronic acid containing product like EVER skin YOUTHFUL. Use a stone roller during this step for better absorption. Because facia gua sha was already performed, this will also allow for better absorption of the hydrating products. Facial acupuncture and microneedling patients at my clinic receive a customized serum when they make regular visits. Customized serums and flower hydrosols are also available for purchase if you come to my clinic in person.
Seal in the moisture with a protective layer of your favorite moisturizer. EVER skin Daylight for SPF or my favorite oil-free hydra lift moisturizer.
I find this routine to be ideal for hydration and serum absorption.
Another Option
If you do not use an oil cleanser but instead use a facial oil, here is the recommended layering and skin care routine:
Cleanse
Hydrate
Moisturize
Facial oil + gua sha
Use the routine that makes the most sense for you!
For those that prefer a more natural route I suggest getting some pure jojoba oil and adding a drop or two of your favorite essential oil.
You might also be interested in reading Your Guide To Crystal Facial Tools
Sign up for my next Facial Gua Sha Workshop
Written by Dr. Emily Grace Siy, DACM, L.Ac. on April 18, 2022