Does Gua Sha Cause Acne?

I Get Acne After Gua Sha Scraping, Should I Be Worried?

Holistic facial treatments are all the rage right now, and Gua Sha recently made headlines. Countless influencers and celebrities are trying it out. But, since it only recently became popular, there are a lot of questions about it. Plenty of people are asking does gua sha causes acne?

If you experience breakouts after treatment, you’ve come to the right place. Here we will answer this question in detail and show you how to avoid the problem.

Does Gua Sha Cause Acne?

Since Gua Sha works with the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin, it could clear out the breakouts, blackheads, hormonal acne, and whiteheads. But, at other times, the treatment could aggravate the skin and result in a breakout.

If you are experiencing acne right after trying Gua Sha for the first time, you are probably stirring up the debris on the skin, and it triggers the breakout. There are three reasons for that to happen. It could be the result of:

  • detoxification process
  • allergic reaction
  • improper scraping

Detoxification Process

You might experience breakouts as the result of a detoxification process.

This is a natural waste removal process. All the debris in the skin has to go somewhere. This is happening because the body is discharging the toxins from the inner layer to the outer layer of the skin. As a result, acne becomes more apparent.

This is normal. Don’t worry; the inflammation will subside over time. But, while you wait, it’s best to pay attention to your sleep and diet, advises WebMD. Eat healthily, avoid oily and spicy foods, and sleep well.

Allergic Reaction

An allergy is also a possible reaction. If your skin feels itchy, develops a rash, or inflammation after treatment, there is a high chance you are allergic to the oil you are using, advises VeryWell Health. In this case, use anti-allergic drugs to control the reaction.

Stimulants

It’s a good idea to pay attention to stimulants, like steroids, medications (such as Adderall), foods, etc. They can cause acne and may even hinder the treatment process.

How Do I Avoid Acne Breakout After Scraping?

Scraping is a highly beneficial skin treatment, but it can also damage the skin. To avoid this effect:

  • It’s best to drink some warm water after treatment to promote blood flow.
  • Do not wash your face with cold water immediately after Gua Sha.
  • Also, try to consume a light diet or anything that is not packed with oil.

Most importantly, pay attention to your scraping technique. It has to be done the right way.

How to Do a Gua Sha Facial the Right Way?

Proper scraping will stimulate the blood flow and result in fewer breakouts, blackheads, congestion, and hyperpigmentation. Follow these steps to do it right.

  • Step 1: Apply oil all over the face and neck.
  • Step 2: Use the gua sha tool with the ridge side down. Apply firm yet gentle pressure in the middle of your forehead in an up and down motion. Then move the scraping tool from the forehead towards the temples.
  • Step 3: Place the tool close to the corner of the eye, near the nose, and scrape from under the eye toward the ear. Make the same motion on the eyebrow line.
  • Step 4: Pull the tool across the cheek to the hairline. Work it down the top of the cheek, middle, and down. With each stroke, bring the Gua Sha tool towards the hairline.
  • Step 5: Scrape the chin along the jawbone and follow the bone down the neck.
  • Step 6: Massage the neck. Scrape from the center by moving the tool upwards.

Learn To Create The Perfect Skincare Routine At Home With Our Gua Sha Guide.

Author: P. Sze

P. Sze P. Sze is the founder of TCM Tips and Dragon Acupuncture®. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a first-class honor in Civil Engineering. S he also holds a master’s degree in Engineering and is the brain behind the innovative TCM products of Dragon Acupuncture®. She is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Auricular Therapy: Application of Ear Seeds (ISBN 978-1520451398) and Facial Gua Sha - Fight the Signs of Aging Naturally and Inexpensively (ISBN 978-1980678922). She has dedicated her life to ensuring that the complex theories behind oriental medicine and the seemingly dangerous techniques that involve needles and fire do not scare you from trying oriental medicine. This is why she writes endlessly about acupressure and its countless health and wellness benefits.

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