Gua sha ruined my face? I’m sorry to hear that you had a negative experience with gua sha. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote circulation, release muscle tension, and improve overall well-being. However, if performed improperly or with excessive force, it can potentially cause skin irritation or other unwanted effects.
Before looking at what causes gua sha to damage your face, we need to understand how gua sha works.
How Gua Sha Works?
The exact mechanism behind how gua sha works is not fully understood, but there are several theories:
- Increases blood circulation: Gua Sha is believed to stimulate blood flow in the treated area. The scraping action creates minimal trauma on the skin, which activates the body’s healing response. As a result, blood vessels dilate, and fresh blood carrying oxygen and nutrients is sent to the area, while waste and stagnant fluid are removed.
- Release muscle tension: Gua Sha helps to relax muscles and relieve muscle tension. The scraping action stimulates the skin and subcutaneous tissue, promoting the release of tension and tightness in the muscles.
- Stimulates the Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system plays a vital role in immune function and removal of waste from the body. Gua Sha is thought to help stimulate lymphatic flow, helping to remove toxins and waste from the treated area.
- Activate the body’s self-healing mechanism: Gua Sha is believed to trigger the body’s self-healing mechanism by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals. It also stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory substances that help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Qi Flow and Balance: According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gua Sha helps restore the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy that flows through the body’s meridians. By scraping the skin, Gua Sha aims to remove blockages and imbalances in the meridians and promote overall health.
It’s important to note that while Gua Sha has been used for centuries and many people find it beneficial, scientific research on its specific mechanisms and effectiveness is still limited. If you are considering trying gua sha, it is recommended that you consult a qualified practitioner who can guide you in its proper use and potential benefits.
Gua Sha Ruined My Face?
Why did Gua Sha not bring you the expected beauty effect, but also hurt your face? Or, it might just be an illusion.
Gua Sha Ruined My Face – Illusion
Based on the working principle of Gua Sha we mentioned earlier, the following are possible reasons for this false appearance:
- Blood circulation is accelerated. Increased blood circulation may make your face flush, giving the appearance of damage to your face. This phenomenon usually dissipates within an hour.
- Stimulate the lymphatic system. Gua Sha may stimulate your lymphatic system to detoxify, and to some extent may cause your lymph nodes to swell for a short time, which usually dissipates within a few hours.
So if you find that your face is red and swollen after using Gua Sha, but there are no obvious adverse reactions, such as pain, itching, etc. Please wait a few hours to see if symptoms subside.
Gua Sha Really Takes Its Toll on Your Face.
If you still find that the symptoms do not go away after waiting a few hours, you can basically judge that Gua Sha has caused damage to your face. There may be the following reasons:
- Excessive pressure: Applying excessive pressure while scratching can cause pain or discomfort. The skin on the face is delicate and sensitive, so it’s important to use gentle and controlled movements to avoid damaging the skin.
- Improper technique: Using incorrect scraping technique can lead to pain. It is imperative to use the proper tool and angle it correctly to ensure a smooth glide on the skin. Improper technique can result in excessive friction, irritation, and even minor injuries such as chafing.
- Pre-existing skin conditions: If you have pre-existing skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, or sensitive skin, scratching may aggravate these conditions and cause pain or irritation. It is recommended to avoid scratching active pimples or areas of inflamed or irritated skin.
- Skin Sensitivity: Some people are born with sensitive skin and are more prone to irritation. In this case, scratching may cause discomfort, redness, or irritation. It is important to understand the sensitivity of your skin and adjust pressure and technique accordingly.
- Broken or irritated skin: Scratching on broken or injured skin should be avoided as this will delay the healing process and may introduce bacteria or cause further damage. If you have a cut, wound, sunburn, or any other skin concern, it’s best to avoid scratching until the skin has fully healed.
- Overuse: Excessive or frequent facial scraping disrupts the skin’s natural barrier function and compromises its integrity. Overuse may cause dryness, increased sensitivity, inflammation, and even microcracks in the skin, which can lead to pain or discomfort.
So, for Gua Sha to bring you the best results, please use Gua Sha properly on your face.
How to Properly Use Gua Sha on Your Face
When using gua sha on the face, it is important to follow proper technique to be safe and effective. Here are some guidelines for using Gua Sha on your face:
- Choose the right tools: Choose Gua Sha tools made of smooth materials, such as jade, rose quartz, or ceramics with smooth edges. Make sure the edges are rounded and not sharp so as not to cause damage to the skin.
- Cleansing the face: First clean the face thoroughly to remove all makeup, dirt or oil. This ensures the tool glides smoothly over the skin and prevents transfer of impurities.
- Apply facial oil or serum: Put a few drops of facial oil or serum on the face to provide lubrication and allow the gua sha tool to glide smoothly on the skin. This also helps prevent unnecessary friction and irritation.
- Start with light pressure: Start with light pressure and gradually increase if needed. The pressure should be strong enough to feel the sensation, but not so strong that it causes pain or discomfort. Remember, gua sha should not be painful.
- Follow specific patterns: Use specific gua sha techniques and patterns on different areas of the face. You can apply from the center of the face outwards or follow the natural contours of the face. Common target areas include the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck.
- Using gentle sweeping motions: Hold the gua sha tool at a 15 to 30-degree angle to your skin. Use gentle, upward and outward sweeping motions. Avoid applying too much pressure or dragging the tool across your face.
- Focus on a few strokes per area: Spend a few strokes on each area, usually around 3-5, before moving on to the next section. This helps ensure even stimulation and prevents overexertion of specific areas.
- Be careful around sensitive areas: Avoid scratching areas with active acne, wounds, or inflamed skin. Be gentle around the eyes and avoid direct contact with delicate skin. Instead, use lighter pressure or skip these areas entirely.
- Rest and Rehydrate: Take breaks during training and drink water to rehydrate. This helps flush out toxins and supports overall skin health.
- Use skin care products at the end: After gua sha, apply your usual skin care products, such as moisturizer or night cream, to nourish and protect the skin.
Remember, it’s important to learn the proper gua sha technique from a qualified practitioner or refer to trusted sources for detailed instructions. If you’re unsure or have any concerns, it’s best to consult a skincare professional or dermatologist before incorporating gua sha into your skincare routine.
