Haven’t tried Gua Sha yet? Here’s five reasons why you should add it to your routine

Build that collagen, baby!

We speak to Healthy Care partner and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine on the benefits of this face-workout tool. 

Do you Gua Sha? Well if you don’t, this is something you want to tune in for.

As a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and a cosmetic acupuncturist, I am a self-confessed Glow Sha Kween (yes, that’s my way of saying Gua Sha facial, because the result is pure glow).

Gua Sha is an ancient practice which predates acupuncture as a method of healing and repairing. It is now used as a non-invasive facial technique that promotes collagen production, increases lifts in your facial muscles, improves lymphatic drainage and toxin release and creates a fresh, youthful glow in your skin.

If you’re like me, and you want to love your skin from within, then a daily routine of Gua Sha, coupled with a healthy diet and collagen supplementation (yes, I believe this is critical to really see results), is something your future self will thank you for.

Gua Sha can be an at-home practice that can provide you with a boost that could be even better than botox and complement chosen cosmetic treatments.

Here are my top reasons for why you should be adding Gua Sha to your beauty routine right now:

1. It builds collagen

Collagen is the hero of the show when it comes to glowing skin. Did you know that by the time you’re in your 20s your body’s ability to produce collagen naturally starts to deplete.

Collagen is the glue that holds our skin, hair and ligaments together, so it’s really important to help your body to boost collagen production naturally in any way possible.

When you Gua Sha properly it creates micro traumas (that are not painful!) and encourages new collagen to be stimulated. Couple this with a good diet and ingestible collagen, and your body is being primed for improved collagen production. I’m a big believer in doing your research when it comes to collagen supplementation.

As a Healthy Care partner who uses their new Beauty Collagen range, I believe it has an incredible formulation of bioactive marine collagen peptides and powerful actives like resveratrol and grape seed that when combined, work their magic to get right down to the dermis layer of your skin (which topical creams won’t get to) to stimulate collagen formation.

Always read the label, use only as directed . Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, supplement or exercise program.

2. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Let’s be honest, everyone wishes those fine lines and wrinkles were a little less prominent. When Gua Sha is done properly, it is a secret weapon against aging skin and is supercharged when paired with using Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians and techniques.

3. It improved lymphatic drainage

Glow Sha promotes lymphatic circulation which helps to clear out debris, toxins and sluggish qi, essentially leaving a clear landscape for collagen production, allowing skin fibres to anchor and rebuild structure, improving skin strength and elasticity.

Like a workout for your body, a workout for your skin needs to be a commitment.

4. Reduce facial puffiness

Glow Sha reduces puffiness for the ‘I woke up like this look’. We all want that defined jawline and smooth face for less makeup, less product and flawless finish.

5. Improve circulation

Getting the blood circulating helps to clear out debris and toxins, flushing the tissue with fresh blood and nutrients to improve skin health.

Collagen encourages tensibility and strength of the blood vessels and fine capillaries that help carry blood and collagen around the face for a glowing complexion. Gua Sha ultimately brightens and tightens, giving the appearance of radiance, luminosity and youthfulness.

6. Reduce jaw & muscle tension

Stress often causes us to clench our jaw and using the Glow Sha can relieve this tension whilst giving you a nice massage. This can help slim down the appearance of the jaw, reduce tension headaches, and improve bodily functions according to face mapping. This is also a great way to check in with any tension that we hold within our face and a really gentle way of wiping away stress and overthinking from your hectic life.

When it comes to Gua Sha, you need to know what you’re doing, have the right tools and commit to it regularly but once you’ve got the hang of it, it will be a simple at home practice that will become part of your daily routine.