P. Sze 
Incorporating a night gua sha routine into your skincare regimen can be a game-changer for achieving glowing skin. Gua sha, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice, has been used for centuries to promote better circulation, relieve tension, and enhance overall skin health. If you’re already familiar with the basics, you’ll know that gua sha involves using a smooth-edged tool to massage the skin. To ensure you’re getting the most out of this practice, check out our gua sha basic guide for incredible health hacks that can be easily incorporated into your routine. Here are eight secrets to optimize your night gua sha routine, ensuring you wake up with radiant, rejuvenated skin.
1. Choose the Right Tool for Your Skin Type
The first secret to an effective night gua sha routine is selecting the right tool. Gua sha tools come in various materials like jade, rose quartz, and bian stone, each offering unique benefits. Jade is known for its balancing properties, making it ideal for oily or combination skin. Rose quartz, on the other hand, has soothing properties, perfect for sensitive or dry skin. Bian stone, often used in traditional TCM, is believed to emit ultrasonic pulses and can be excellent for deep tissue massage. Choose a tool that best suits your skin’s needs to enhance the results of your gua sha practice.
“For beginners, ceramic, natural stone, or plastic materials are recommended. As for the shape, heart-shaped or wing-shaped designs with curves that are easy to hold are ideal.” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
2. Prep Your Skin with a Hydrating Serum or Oil
Before diving into your gua sha routine, it’s crucial to properly prep your skin. Applying a hydrating serum or oil is essential to create a smooth surface for the tool to glide over without tugging. Look for serums or oils rich in antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or rosehip oil. These not only provide slip but also enhance the nourishing effects of gua sha.
“Sensitive or acne-prone skin: Squalane oil, Jojoba oil. Dry skin: Argan oil, Jojoba oil. Oily skin: Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil.” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
3. Start with the Neck to Boost Circulation
One of the lesser-known secrets of an effective gua sha routine is starting with your neck. The neck is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage. Begin your gua sha session at the base of your neck, just above the collarbone, and use upward strokes towards your jawline. This technique helps to stimulate blood flow and clear any lymphatic congestion, allowing your facial gua sha strokes to be more effective.
4. Focus on Lymphatic Drainage for De-Puffing
Gua sha is renowned for its ability to reduce puffiness, particularly around the eyes and jawline. To achieve this, focus on lymphatic drainage techniques during your night gua sha routine:
- Under the Eye: Start just below the inner corner of your eye and gently sweep the gua sha tool outward towards your temple, following the natural contour under your eye.
- On the Cheek: Begin at the side of your nose and glide the tool across your cheek, moving outward towards your ear.
- Above the Eye: Start from the inner corner of your eyebrow and glide the tool along your brow bone, moving outward towards your temple.
Then, move from your ears down along your neck to your collarbone, where the lymph nodes are located. This encourages the removal of excess fluids and toxins, leading to a more sculpted, de-puffed appearance by morning.
5. Adjust Pressure According to Your Skin’s Needs
A common mistake in gua sha practice is using too much pressure, which can cause bruising or irritation. The key to an effective night gua sha routine is adjusting the pressure according to your skin’s needs. For delicate areas like under the eyes, use very light pressure, while areas with more tension, such as the jawline or forehead, can handle slightly firmer pressure. Remember, gua sha should never be painful; the goal is to gently stimulate the skin and underlying tissues.
6. Incorporate Gua Sha into Your Gua Sha Basic Guide
One of the secrets to maintaining consistency with your night gua sha routine is to seamlessly incorporate it into your existing skincare regimen. If you’re already using gua sha in the morning or as part of a weekly routine, consider adding a brief night session that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. For more guidance on integrating gua sha into your daily life, you can refer to our gua sha basic guide, which offers additional tips on maximizing the benefits of this ancient practice.
7. Use a Cold Tool for Extra Firming Benefits
For an extra firming effect, consider using a cold gua sha tool during your night routine. Storing your gua sha tool in the fridge can enhance its firming and soothing effects, especially when addressing puffiness and inflammation. The cold temperature helps to constrict blood vessels, tighten pores, and reduce redness, leaving your skin looking refreshed and lifted by the morning.
8. End with a Relaxing Massage to Soothe Tension
A successful night gua sha routine isn’t just about skin benefits; it’s also a fantastic way to relax and unwind before bed. End your session with a gentle, soothing massage focusing on areas where you hold the most tension, such as the forehead, temples, and jawline. This will help to calm your mind, ease stress, and prepare you for a restful night’s sleep, all while leaving your skin glowing.
Incorporating these secrets into your night gua sha routine can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your skin. Remember to be consistent, listen to your skin’s needs, and enjoy the process of nurturing yourself through this ancient TCM practice.
