P. Sze 
Sagging jowls can make your face look tired or older, but with the right gua sha techniques, you can firm and lift this area naturally. Gua sha, a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique, helps improve circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and tone facial muscles, which are essential for reducing sagging skin. By incorporating the following gua sha methods into your skincare routine, you can visibly lift your jowls and improve your overall facial contour. For those new to gua sha, our basic gua sha guide offers a helpful introduction.
“If you don’t have a traditional gua sha tool, you can use alternatives such as a spoon, a large spatula like a rice paddle, or the edge of a small dish—anything that has a smooth, rounded surface that won’t hurt your skin. You can also perform gua sha using your hands. To do this, apply oil to your skin to reduce friction and use your fingers to massage areas like the jawline and cheekbones. For the neck and collarbone areas, you can use your knuckles in a fist to gently massage the skin.”
— Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
1. The Sculpting Sweep
The Sculpting Sweep is an effective method for reducing saggy jowls by promoting lymphatic drainage and improving circulation. This simple motion lifts the skin along the jawline, helping to tighten and firm the jowl area over time.
How to do it:
- Start at the center of your chin, placing the gua sha tool flat against your skin.
- Sweep it along the jawline toward the earlobe, using light to medium pressure.
- Repeat this motion five to ten times on each side of your face.
Benefits:
- Reduces puffiness and fluid retention around the jawline.
- Enhances blood flow, which supports firmer, more youthful skin.
The Sculpting Sweep is a gentle but effective way to combat early signs of sagging and maintain a well-defined jawline.
2. The Lifting Pull (Vertical Stroke)
The Lifting Pull uses a vertical upward motion to address the deeper sagging around the jowls. This technique focuses on lifting the skin and muscles in a vertical direction, working to firm and tone the lower face.
How to do it:
- Apply facial oil to reduce friction and ensure smooth gliding.
- Place the curved side of the gua sha tool just below the jowl area.
- Slowly pull the tool upwards, following the contour of your jawline toward the earlobe.
- Repeat this lifting motion five times on each side.
Benefits:
- Promotes collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
- Lifts sagging skin in a vertical direction, giving a noticeable lifting effect over time.
By focusing on vertical strokes, the Lifting Pull encourages a firmer jawline and reduces the appearance of saggy jowls.
3. The Jowl Jiggle
The Jowl Jiggle is perfect for releasing tension in the jowl area and improving skin elasticity. This quick, subtle motion works to break up tightness in the fascia (the connective tissue beneath the skin), which can contribute to sagging.
How to do it:
- With a lubricated face, hold the gua sha tool flat under your jawline.
- Use small, rapid back-and-forth motions under the jowls to create a “jiggling” effect.
- Move the tool across the jawline, focusing on any tight areas.
- Perform this for about 30 seconds on each side.
Benefits:
- Releases tension in the fascia, reducing sagging.
- Increases circulation, which improves skin texture and tone.
The Jowl Jiggle is particularly useful for improving elasticity in the jowls, making the skin look firmer and more youthful.
4. The Jawline Define (Horizontal Stroke)
The Jawline Define method helps to sharpen and sculpt the jawline while also targeting saggy jowls. Unlike the Lifting Pull, this technique uses a horizontal motion, following the natural contour of the jawline to enhance definition.
How to do it:
- Hold the gua sha tool at a 45-degree angle.
- Starting from your chin, drag the tool along the jawline toward the base of your ear.
- Apply firm but gentle pressure, making sure not to drag the skin downward.
- Repeat this motion five to ten times on each side of your face.
Benefits:
- Enhances the definition of the jawline.
- Firms and tightens the skin, improving the appearance of sagging jowls.
This horizontal motion helps to contour the face, giving you a sharper, more sculpted look while addressing loose skin around the jowls.
5. The Cheekbone Lift
The Cheekbone Lift primarily targets the mid-face, but it indirectly benefits the jowl area by improving skin firmness and elasticity. Lifting the cheeks creates a more youthful appearance, which reduces the strain on sagging jowls.
How to do it:
- Start by placing the gua sha tool along your cheekbone, just next to the side of your nose.
- Glide it upward toward your temple, following the curve of your cheekbone.
- Use upward strokes to lift the skin, repeating five to seven times on each side.
Benefits:
- Lifts the mid-face and cheek area.
- Improves skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of sagging jowls.
By combining this technique with others focused on the lower face, you’ll achieve a more comprehensive lifting effect, supporting the overall firmness of your skin.
“Follow your usual skincare routine with a focus on proper hydration. Additionally, drink water to help flush out the waste removed during the massage.”
— Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
With these five gua sha methods, you can effectively target sagging jowls and achieve a more lifted, sculpted appearance. Regular use of these techniques stimulates blood flow, promotes collagen production, and tones facial muscles, helping to fight sagging over time. Incorporating these motions into your daily routine is a natural and non-invasive way to boost your confidence and keep your skin looking its best.
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