real gua sha stone

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?

12 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair

If there is one common experience with curly hair, it is putting off the wash day. We’ve all done it: Removed our hair from a messy bun on a regular basis and promptly put it back up, rationalizing, “Yeah, this can wait another day or two.” It doesn’t have to be such a miserable experience to have a wash day. Reduce the amount of time you spend detangling and styling your hair by choosing the correct shampoo, which may wash and moisturize your hair even before you apply conditioner. If you haven’t found the right product for your hair, here is our list of 12 best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair.

Best Budget – Pantene Nutrient Blends Unbreakable Lengths Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Looking for a sulfate-free, nutrient-infused shampoo for thinning hair? The strong rice water, Vitamin B5, and antioxidants used in Pantene Pro-V Blends Rice Water Shampoo are designed to prevent breakage and minimize hair loss while also promoting healthy hair development. This nourishing, sulfate-free bond protection provided by this strengthening solution keeps hair appearing full and volumized with each wash. Enjoy this sulfate-free shampoo’s protective clean every time you take a shower. 

The sulfate-free product, which uses rice as its major component to strengthen the hair and make it smoother and stronger, is incredibly popular and effective. It may, however, do a better job of moisturizing the hair afterward.  Together with the conditioner, this set offers sufficient moisture to soothe dry, wavy hair.

Best Drugstore – Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo

Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo is intended to provide coiled, curly, or wavy hair with intense moisture amplification. Dove’s specially formulated natural ingredients for textured hair give optimum hydration and leave hair feeling clean, healthy, and full of body and bounce. Dove employs coconut oil for hair, shea butter, glycerin, and their trademarked Fiber Actives in their moisture-amplifying combination to offer substantial hydration, nurture, and repair your curly or textured hair. This moisturizing shampoo, which has aloe as an ingredient, gently removes product buildup to restore shine and body for clean, healthy-looking hair. This Dove shampoo was carefully created to wash and preserve coily, curly, or wavy hair. It is paraben-free, dye-free, and safe to use on colored hair.

The in question shampoo offers a mild and nourishing washing experience for dry scalps by utilizing natural, plant-based ingredients like aloe vera. The time it takes to get up a lather, though, might not be as appealing. The advantages of employing plant-based products to nurture and soothe the scalp without irritating it may exceed the additional time needed to create a lather despite this possible drawback.

Best Splurge – Oribe Moisture & Control Shampoo

Oribe products frequently attract our attention, and not only because they are packaged in alluring, gem-colored bottles. A combination of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower is used by the high-end hair brand’s unique compound once more to make your hair so silky that you could skip a stone across it.

This specific recipe features an amino acid complex that will help better define the waves into an S-shaped pattern, which is what makes it so great for wavy hair. And to assist increase hydration and brightness, it contains several of our favorite moisturizing ingredients, including glycerin, amber seed extract, and sunflower seed extract. However, if your hair has poor porosity, we advise using the shampoo around twice a week.

Best for Frizzy – HairVirtue Smooth Shampoo

It is obvious why we noticed silkier, stronger hair after only one wash thanks to elements like pink pomelo (also known as grapefruit), which is rich in vitamins A, B1, and zinc, and nourishing phospholipids. But when it comes to taming frizz, keratin, the naturally occurring protein that maintains our hair and nails very strong, is the real star of the show.

While we set the incredible advantages aside for a second, we must also mention that its aroma is a delectable blend of energizing essential oils. Although lovely, it’s a little bit intense, so be careful what perfumes and body lotions you use to avoid having clashing fragrances. 

Best for Deep Cleansing – John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo and Conditioner

This set’s nourishing crambe seed oil is used in its grease-fighting shampoo to revive wavy, looser curls, and its conditioner (same price) softens, smooths, and moisturizes hair. They both have a refreshing citrus scent and come in pretty purple squeeze containers.

Although they provide respectable color protection, they include sulfates and silicones, which may be excessively drying for coily hair. They froth up beautifully and rinse out quickly, leaving curls appearing larger and improving the hair satisfaction of most customers.

Best for Detangling – Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Exactly in that order: Proven to Moisturize, Soften Hair, & Smooth the Cuticle! Our Almond and Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner is a light, moisturizing conditioner that rapidly replaces the moisture your strands frequently lose as a result of regular style procedures, harsh weather, or environmental variables like humidity and hard water, to mention a few. Expect this indispensable treatment, which is formulated with nourishing herbs and Vitamin E, to soften your mane and smooth the hair cuticle, giving it a lovely radiant sheen.

The moisturizing nature of this hair product efficiently nourishes and hydrates the hair, giving it a radiant, healthy look. Additionally, while washing, it is kind to the hair and does not remove any of its natural oils. For those with finer hair, it might not be the best option because it could make the hair feel heavy and weigh it down.

Best for Volume – Briogeo Curl Charisma Shampoo

You may use this shampoo whether your hair is straight, curly, kinky, or coiled. The sulfate-free solution washes gently while tomato fruit ferment, which breaks down into the amino acid cysteine, seals the hair cuticle to guarantee that hair dries uniformly, which is essential for preserving a regular curl shape. But when it comes to volume, adding moisturizing shea butter and avocado oil gives the hair more body and volume without weighing it down.

This hair product’s purpose is to assist define curls and give the hair more body and volume. For people with curly or wavy hair who wish to emphasize their natural texture, it might be a fantastic alternative. However. remember that if you have dry hair, you might need to use this product in conjunction with additional hydration. Although this product can assist define and volumize curls, it might not be adequate to moisturize dry or damaged hair types.

Best Cleansing Conditioner – Bounce Curl Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner

Cleansing conditioners are exactly what they sound like—super-hydrating solutions that clean without robbing your hair of its natural oils the way certain conventional shampoos may. This is one of the greatest solutions we’ve found, and many people with curly hair rely on them. Not only is the ingredient list spotless, but it is also crammed with substances that hydrate and moisturize. The first is aloe vera, followed by several other natural oils. You can be sure that you’re receiving a ton of moisture because there is just one component in the mixture specifically for washing.

The hydrating nature of Bounce Curl Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner aids in moisturizing and nourishing the hair, leaving it feeling smooth and healthy. Additionally, it has a fragrance that is organically generated and can give your hair a pleasing aroma. If you’re used to using conventional shampoos, it may take some getting used to the fact that this product doesn’t lather or foam at all. While there may not be as much lather, this may not result in the product cleansing your hair as thoroughly or leaving you feeling as refreshed.

Best Sulfate-Free – L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo

The paraben-free, nourishing formulations in Elvive Dream Lengths Curls make it easier to produce dreamy, moisturized, defined, bouncy, soft curly hair without weighing down. Elvive Dream Lengths Curls curly hair regimen aids locks in long-lasting hydration for fully hydrated curly hair from scalp to tip and defines curly hair by shaping and preserving structure. It is made with a mixture of hyaluronic acid and fine castor oil. also aids in reducing humidity While Moisture Seal Conditioner helps to completely detangle without compromising the definition of curly hair.

Using this hair product may be a distinctive and delightful experience because of its novel water-to-foam structure. It’s also reasonably priced, making it a fantastic choice for individuals on a tight budget. The scalp and hair are thoroughly cleaned by this treatment, leaving them feeling renewed and clean. However, some people might find the aroma of L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo to be too overbearing. While some people may find the perfume to be pleasing, others could find it to be overpowering or excessively powerful. 

Best for Dry Hair – Redken All Soft Mega Curls Conditioner

Anyone with hair that has high porosity or hair that quickly absorbs moisture and releases it,you should look no further than this Redken product. Aloe, shea butter, and coconut oil are among the ingredients in this nutritious product that will moisturize curls and lessen frizz. The sulfate- and silicone-free vegan solution hydrates each strand from root to tip for all-day moisture. It is also appropriate for hair types with color treatment.

This nourishing conditioner is made to give high-porosity hair, which is vulnerable to damage and drying out, the most moisture possible. In order to hydrate and feed the hair and leave it feeling smooth and healthy, the recipe was carefully created. People with oily scalps might not be able to use this product. It might be irritating or even cause blocked hair follicles and breakouts when the scalp feels oily and heavy due to the rich and moisturizing recipe. 

Best for Oily Hair – L’oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Conditioner

Friends with curly hair and greasy scalps, meet your ideal conditioner mate. What makes this product desirable to purchase? Three distinct types of clay are combined in it, and they help to remove greasy roots so you can go longer between washes. This mixture is also suitable for everyday use if you like to wash your hair more frequently and is a good option if you also have dandruff. It provides moisturized ends and fresh roots for up to 48 hours.

The clay in this product helps the scalp feel clean and fresh by absorbing extra oil and pollutants. Keep in mind that there is a chance that this product can dry out your hair excessively as it has a strong abrasive quality that might strip the hair of its natural oils, causing breakage and dryness.

Best for Thick Hair – Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner

Especially if you color or chemically treat your thick hair, it probably needs a lot of water. With ingredients including coconut oil, papaya butter, and plumeria extract, this curl-defining conditioner offers a profoundly nourishing hair treatment ideal for thick texture. For silky, supple curls that are full of body, use this conditioner in your shower routine. It works well for medium to high porosity. Additionally, its ingredients are responsibly produced and offered at an unbeatable price. 

This fruity-scented conditioner is an ideal choice for people who want to improve the health and texture of their hair because it is made to repair damage and enhance tight curls. It’s crucial to remember that this product might not be appropriate for persons with scalp sensitivity. Ingredients in the composition have the ability to aggravate the scalp and bring on pain or irritation. Consider using a conditioner that is specially created for sensitive skin or one that has mild, non-irritating chemicals if you have a sensitive scalp. 

Wash day is the cornerstone of a healthy curly hair regimen, regardless of the type of curls you have, whether they are spiraling curls, S-shaped waves, kinks, or coils. This is because the products you use in the shower determine how well your curls will hold up during the week. That’s why you should check out our list as it will definitely help you make the best purchase for you and your hair.