As you begin to explore the world of skincare, facial rollers and Gua Sha may be recommended to use in your daily facial routine. However, what do these widely-popular and very old techniques do for your skin?
Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact date as to when Gua Shah became widely used, its believed to have been invented during the Paleolithic Era in China. However, the first historical record of this device was written in medical journals during the Ming Dynasty between 1368 to 1644. Gua Sha was used to cure ailments and increase blood flow throughout one’s body. Originally, this technique was used with small coins, stones, and in some cases, hands. As technology progressed, these basic items were soon replaced with finer materials. In the 21st century, these devices usually contain materials such as rose quartz and Jade. The term Gua Sha itself refers to the action of smoothing and refining one’s skin, as the word “Gua” means scape, while the word “Sha” is usually interpreted as redness of the skin. In today’s world, Gua Sha is not used as a method to restore one’s health, but as a way to increase blood flow, relieve muscle pain, and prevent the process of aging. To use this device, one must extensively lotion the skin, and then angle the Gua Sha at 30 to 45 degrees onto your skin. Then, one will firmly stroke or “scrape” the device against their skin and repeat.
Furthermore, jade facial rollers provide a similar yet different approach to benefiting one's skin. Facial rollers were also in China during the Qing Dynasty in the 7th century and were exclusively used by the elite class. Jade was believed to contain mystical powers that benefited the individual who used it, specifically assisting in slowing the aging process. Jade was referred to as the Stone of Heaven in China for its beauty benefits, while simultaneously used by the Mayans and Ancient Egyptians. In all of these ancient civilizations, Jade symbolized harmony, eternity, and virtue do its smooth and encapsulating texture. Jade rollers are an alternative to the traditional Gua Sha and allow one to sculpt their features over a period of time. When determining which device to add to your skincare routine, Gua Sha is usually a more intense form of facial massaging, however, preference regarding the shape of both devices is usually the determining factor when deciding which one to invest in. Gua Sha and facial rollers offer health benefits, such as refining one's features and draining the extent of puffiness in one’s face. These techniques have been used for centuries, and are currently widely used around the world. When using these devices next time, think about the history behind them and all of the people before you who have been using these same tools in an attempt of improving their skin!!