In the days of modern skincare, the resurgence of ancient practices like gua sha marks a significant turning point towards holistic and sustainable beauty routines.

You’ve heard of gua sha, but what exactly is it?

Gua sha, with its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, has evolved from an ancient healing technique to a cornerstone of modern skincare. This practice entails using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin, promoting circulation, aiding lymphatic drainage, and alleviating muscular tension. Historically, gua sha was used to address various ailments, but its application in skincare is very versatile and has recently become an important step in many people’s skincare routine.

Gua Sha Tools: From Stone to Stainless Steel

Traditional gua sha tools were commonly carved from jade or quartz, valued for both their healing properties and beauty. However, in our quest for sustainable beauty solutions, we've adopted stainless steel for its unparalleled attributes.

Stainless Steel For Sustainability

Stainless steel gua sha tools can be considered sustainable for several reasons:

1. Durability: Stainless steel is a highly durable material. Unlike gua sha tools made from stone or other materials that might chip or break, a stainless steel tool can last for many years, even with regular use.
2. Recyclability: Stainless steel is a recyclable material. At the end of its long life, a stainless steel gua sha tool can be recycled, reducing waste.
3. Hygiene and Longevity: Stainless steel's non-porous nature makes it resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. This hygienic quality extends the tool's life further, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
4. Reduced Chemical Exposure: Since stainless steel does not degrade easily, it doesn’t require the frequent application of protective coatings or cleaners that might contain harmful chemicals.

Key Benefits of Gua Sha:

1. Enhances Circulation: The gentle scraping action is designed to boost blood flow beneath the skin, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery, which in turn can improve skin health and radiance.
2. Promotes Lymphatic Drainage: Regular use helps in lymphatic drainage, aiding in the removal of toxins and reducing puffiness, particularly around the eyes and jawline.
3. Relieves Tension: Gua sha can be incredibly relaxing, helping to ease muscle tension in the face and neck. This relaxation not only feels good but can also help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Improves Product Absorption: When used as part of a skincare routine, gua sha can aid in the deeper absorption of oils (Szeeking JOY oils), serums and moisturizers, enhancing their efficacy.
5. Natural Contouring Effect: With consistent use, gua sha can help to naturally contour and sculpt the face, providing a more lifted and toned appearance.

How to Use Your Stainless Steel Gua Sha:

1. Cleanse: Start with a clean face and apply face oil, serum, or moisturizer to help the gua sha glide smoothly. Szeeking JOY serum and oils 
2. Glide Gently: Hold the gua sha tool with the curved side to your face and glide it gently upward and outwards.  Start from the center of the face and move towards the hairline.
3. Under-Eye Care: Use the narrower edge of the tool under the eyes, gently gliding from the inner corner outwards to reduce puffiness.
4. Jawline and Neck: Sweep the tool upwards along the jawline to the ears and then down the neck to promote lymphatic drainage.
5. Relax and Repeat: Repeat each motion 3-5 times on each part of the face for a relaxing and effective skincare ritual.

Frequency for Optimal Results: Incorporating this practice 2-3 times a week can lead to noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture.

It’s never too late to incorporate gua sha techniques into your daily or weekly self-care routine. 

You can purchase a stainless steel gua sha and an accompanying face oil at Szeeking JOY  - where self-care meets conscious living.