jawline and chin contouring

Gua Sha Before and After Plus A Quick Review

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that has gained popularity in recent years as a facial massage technique. With claims of improving skin tone and texture, reducing puffiness, and even contouring the face, it’s no wonder that gua sha has become a buzzword in the world of beauty and wellness. But does this ancient practice really work? Can it truly reduce a double chin or slim down the face? 

In this article, we will dive into the truth about gua sha and examine its effectiveness for facial sculpting, giving you a better understanding of what to expect from this popular technique.

Gua Sha Before and After review

Stage 1: I experienced a minor breakout

This outcome wasn’t what I anticipated from a soothing skincare treatment. It’s akin to stirring up sediment from the bottom of a pond. When beginning any form of facial massage routine, such as gua sha or lymphatic drainage, breakouts may emerge.

If you, like me, observe breakouts on your face after several days of gua sha, consider adjusting your technique to use downward strokes, starting from the jawline and ending at the clavicle.

Stage 2: I gained a deeper understanding of my facial stress patterns

While I thought I had a decent grasp of my facial tension through daily oil cleansing and massage, gua sha opened up a more nuanced understanding. Running a flat stone over your facial contours provides intricate insights.

With a gua sha stone, you can detect the high points, low points, crevices, and yes, even knots in your face. I tend to hold tension beneath my cheekbones, across my forehead, and along the sides of my face, from my temples to my jawline. As I worked on my forehead lines, feeling the distinct shape of the tissue beneath the skin revealed a lot about how I express and carry stress in my face.

We often hear about understanding how we hold tension in our bodies, but it’s equally valuable to be attuned to how we hold tension in our faces. Regular facial massages can assist in this awareness.

Stage 3: I began focusing more on my neck

I’ve come to believe that anyone embarking on a self-gua sha practice should prioritize neck work, commencing and often concluding with it.

After several consecutive days of gua sha, I noticed a slight swelling beneath my jawline and chin. It’s possible that lymph fluid was accumulating in that area. Starting and ending with gentle strokes down the neck is crucial to maintain proper lymphatic flow..

Does Gua Sha Work?

The million-dollar question: does gua sha actually work? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

There is limited scientific evidence to support the claims that gua sha works. However, some studies have shown that gua sha may be effective for relieving muscle pain, reducing inflammation, and improving skin tone and texture.

For example, in a study from 2018 featured in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal, gua sha was shown to effectively alleviate muscle pain and stiffness in individuals dealing with chronic neck pain. Similarly, a study from 2021, published in the journal Pain Medicine, demonstrated the effectiveness of gua sha in reducing inflammation and enhancing pain relief and functionality in those suffering from shoulder pain. Furthermore, a study in 2022, published in the Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine journal, confirmed that gua sha yielded positive results in enhancing skin tone and texture among individuals with photoaging.

In fact, these studies were small and short-term. More research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of gua sha for all of its purported benefits.

How Gua Sha Works

Gua sha is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which believes that energy or qi flows through our bodies. When this flow is disrupted, it can lead to various health issues, including skin problems. Gua sha is said to help restore the flow of qi and promote overall well-being.

When used on the face, gua sha is thought to increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote lymphatic drainage. This can result in a brighter complexion, reduced puffiness, and a more defined facial structure. The tool’s pressure on the skin also helps to relax tense muscles and release tension, leading to a more rejuvenated appearance.

Gua Sha Before and After Double Chin

One of the most sought-after benefits of gua sha is its potential to reduce a double chin or contour the face for a slimmer appearance. Here’s a closer look at how gua sha can help with these concerns.

Reducing Double Chin

A double chin is caused by excess fat or loose skin under the chin, making the area appear fuller and rounder. It can be challenging to get rid of a double chin as it requires a combination of diet, exercise, and possibly medical procedures. However, incorporating gua sha into your skincare routine may provide some improvements.

Using the gua sha tool to massage the chin and neck area can stimulate blood flow and promote lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce puffiness and improve the appearance of a double chin. Additionally, regular gua sha massages can help to tighten and tone the muscles in the neck and jawline, resulting in a more defined and sculpted appearance over time.

Contouring the Face

Facial contouring has become a popular trend in recent years, with many people seeking ways to achieve a more defined and chiseled facial structure. While there are various techniques and treatments available, gua sha offers a natural and non-invasive option for facial sculpting.

The pressure and movements of the gua sha tool on the face can help to relax tense muscles and release tension, resulting in a more relaxed and defined appearance. Additionally, the increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage can reduce puffiness and improve skin tone, further enhancing the facial contours.

Gua Sha for Face

Now that we’ve established that gua sha can work for reducing a double chin and contouring the face, let’s dive into how to use this technique properly for the best results.

How to Use Gua Sha Stone

First and foremost, it is essential to choose the right gua sha tool for your needs. There are various types of stones available, with jade and rose quartz being the most popular choices. Jade is said to have cooling properties, making it ideal for reducing inflammation and puffiness, while rose quartz is believed to promote self-love and inner peace, making it a popular choice for facial massages.

To use a gua sha stone, start by applying a facial oil or serum to your clean and dry face. This will help the tool glide smoothly on the skin and prevent any discomfort. Hold the gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle and gently scrape it over your face using upward and outward strokes. Use light pressure and move the tool in long, smooth motions, avoiding any areas with moles or blemishes.

For the chin and neck area, start in the center and use upward strokes towards the ears. For the cheekbones, start at the nose and glide towards the temples. When working on the forehead, start from the center and move outwards towards the hairline. Repeat each stroke three to five times, and remember to be gentle as the skin on the face is delicate.

Gua Sha Facial Massage

In addition to using the gua sha tool, incorporating a facial massage into your skincare routine can provide even more benefits. Massaging the face with your hands can help to promote blood circulation, reduce tension, and enhance product absorption. You can use your fingers or a facial roller to massage your face in upward and outward motions, or you can follow a specific gua sha facial chart for a more targeted massage.

Gua Sha Facial Chart

A gua sha facial chart is a visual guide that illustrates which areas of the face to target for different skin concerns. It provides a step-by-step guide for using the gua sha tool to achieve specific results. Here’s an example of a gua sha facial chart for facial sculpting:

As you can see from the chart, there are specific strokes and pressure points to target for each area of concern. This can be helpful for those new to gua sha and looking for guidance on how to use the tool effectively.

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, gua sha may not be a miracle cure for all skin concerns, it can provide noticeable improvements in skin health and appearance when used properly and consistently.

From reducing puffiness and promoting lymphatic drainage to contouring the face and reducing a double chin, gua sha has many potential benefits. By incorporating this ancient practice into your skincare routine and following a gua sha facial chart, you can achieve a brighter complexion, defined facial contours, and a more relaxed and rejuvenated appearance. So why not give gua sha a try and see the before and after results for yourself?

10 Celebrities with Square Faces – Style and Beauty Tips

Celebrities have always been known for inspiring fashion and beauty trends. From red carpet moments to everyday looks, they offer a wealth of inspiration for those looking to up their style game. However, not all trends are created equal, and certain looks can be more flattering for some face shapes than others. If you’re someone with a square-shaped face, it can be challenging to know which styles will work best for you. Fortunately, there are several celebrities with square faces who have mastered the art of styling this facial shape. 

Get some style inspiration from checking out photos of these celebrities with square faces.

Celebrities with Square Faces

In contrast to the delicate, pointed chin of celebrities with heart-shaped faces, celebrities with square faces have strong jawlines and a broad forehead, creating a more angular and striking appearance. These individuals have successfully navigated the fashion and beauty worlds, demonstrating how to accentuate their facial features and showcase their unique style.

Angelina Jolie

The actress and humanitarian has a classic square face shape, characterized by her strong jawline and defined cheekbones.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde’s angular jawline and equally prominent forehead exemplify the square face shape.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley’s delicate features combined with her square jawline create a unique and captivating look.

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana’s square face is balanced by her soft, feminine features and often-changing hairstyles.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner’s square face is highlighted by her charming smile and versatile hairstyles.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore’s bold features, including her strong jawline, contribute to her distinctive square face shape.

Hailey Bieber

Model and media personality Hailey Baldwin’s square face shape is often seen complemented by various trendy hairstyles.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson’s square face is enhanced by her elegant and diverse range of hairstyle choices.

Megan Fox

Actress Megan Fox is often associated with her striking square face shape, which she pairs with glamorous hairstyles.

Angelica Ross

Actress and activist Angelica Ross showcases her square face shape with confidence, often experimenting with different hairstyles.

Each of these women has a distinct sense of style, but what’s clear is that they’ve each found ways to work with their square-shaped faces, rather than against them. By playing up certain features and using strategic makeup and hair techniques, they’ve set themselves apart as true style icons.

commonalities often seen among celebrities with square face shapes

While each celebrity brings their own unique approach to styling a square-shaped face, there are some commonalities that can be observed among them. Here are a few key comparisons:

Bold Brows

Many celebrities with square faces have opted for bold, full brows. This helps to balance out the sharp angles of the jawline and forehead, creating a more symmetrical look. Look to Keira Knightley or Demi Moore for inspiration in this area.

Soft Waves

When it comes to hair, soft waves can be a great choice for those with square-shaped faces. This look adds movement and volume to the hair, which helps to balance out the strong angles of the face. Olivia Wilde is a great example of someone who has mastered this hairstyle.

Natural Makeup

While some celebrities may opt for bold makeup looks, many with square-shaped faces choose to embrace more natural styles. This allows their facial features to shine through without overwhelming the face’s angles. Take a cue from Salma Hayek or Angelina Jolie in this area.

Advice for Styling Square Faces

If you’re someone with a square-shaped face, there are several tips and techniques you can use to enhance your natural beauty and style. Here are just a few:

Use Contouring Techniques

Contouring can be a powerful tool for those with square-shaped faces. By strategically shading around the jawline and forehead, you can create the illusion of more subtle angles. Just be sure to blend well to avoid any harsh lines.

Experiment with Bold Lips

While natural makeup works well for many square-faced individuals, don’t be afraid to experiment with bold lipstick shades. This can help draw attention away from the angles of the face and towards the lips instead.

Play Up Your Eyes

Another way to draw attention away from the sharp angles of a square-shaped face is to play up the eyes. Try using mascara and eyeliner to create a dramatic look that will make your eyes pop.

Go for Soft Layers

When it comes to haircuts, consider opting for softer layers rather than blunt cuts. This will add movement and fluidity to the hair, which can help balance out the face’s strong angles.

Keep Accessories in Mind

Finally, when choosing accessories, keep your face shape in mind. Round or oval earrings can help soften the angles of the face, while long necklaces or scarves can add length to the look.

Best HairCuts For Square Faces

Soft Waves

Loose, soft waves can add a touch of femininity to a square face by creating movement and softening the angles of the jawline.

Layered Bob

A layered bob that falls around the jawline can help to soften the strong angles of a square face and add volume and texture.

Long Layers

Long, face-framing layers can draw attention away from the jawline and create a more balanced look.

Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs can help to break up the forehead’s width and add some softness to the overall look.

Pixie Cut with Side Bangs

A pixie cut with side-swept bangs can create a cute and stylish look while reducing the emphasis on the jawline.

Shoulder-Length Blunt Cut

A shoulder-length blunt cut with ends slightly curved inward can soften the jawline and provide a sleek and polished appearance.

Asymmetrical Hairstyles

Asymmetrical cuts can add visual interest and draw attention away from the squareness of the face.

Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle

Pulling half of your hair up while leaving the rest down can help create a balanced and flattering look by adding height to the crown and softness around the jaw.

Loose Updo with Face-Framing Pieces

An updo that features some loose, face-framing pieces can soften the edges of the face while still providing an elegant look.

Low Ponytail or Bun

A low ponytail or bun can work well for a square face, especially when paired with soft tendrils to frame the face.

FAQs

  1. Are there any hairstyles that should be avoided for square-shaped faces? Avoid blunt cuts or hairstyles with too much volume at the crown, as these can make the face appear more boxy.
  2. Can I still wear bold makeup looks with a square-shaped face? Yes, but be sure to balance out bold eye or lip looks with more natural makeup on the rest of the face.
  3. What’s the best way to contour a square-shaped face? Focus on shading around the jawline and forehead to create a more subtle appearance.
  4. Do soft waves work for all hair types? Yes, but those with thicker hair may need to use more product to achieve the desired effect.
  5. Can I wear statement earrings with a square-shaped face? Yes, just be sure to choose round or oval shapes rather than angular ones.

Conclusion

By studying the approach of celebrities with square faces, it’s clear that there are many different ways to enhance this facial shape. Whether it’s through bold brows, soft waves, or natural makeup looks, there are techniques that anyone can use to feel confident and stylish. By experimenting with these tips and tricks, you can find a look that works best for you and showcases your unique beauty. Remember, the key is to work with your facial features rather than against them, and to have fun with your style choices.