Gua Sha, massaging stone, Chinese culture

Gua Sha: Before or After Skincare? The Ultimate Guide for Optimal Results

Par Laurie Mias

Gua Sha, massaging stone, Chinese culture

Gua Sha, an ancient Chinese technique, has become increasingly popular in modern skincare routines due to its potential benefits for circulation, lymphatic drainage, and overall skin health. However, many wonder: Should you perform Gua Sha before or after your skincare routine?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the optimal timing to incorporate Gua Sha into your daily regimen for maximum effectiveness, with insights on how MONO Skincare's Gua Sha tool can elevate your skincare routine to new heights.

Understanding Gua Sha:
Before delving into the timing of Gua Sha, let's first understand its methodology. Gua Sha involves gently scraping a flat jade or rose quartz tool across the skin to stimulate circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. This practice can alleviate tension, reduce puffiness, and enhance the skin's natural radiance.

Before Skincare:
Performing Gua Sha before your skincare routine offers several benefits. By initiating your routine with Gua Sha, you can enhance blood flow and lymphatic drainage, facilitating better absorption of skincare products. This pre-skincare Gua Sha session can also alleviate morning puffiness and tension accumulated overnight.

After Skincare:
Conversely, some prefer to incorporate Gua Sha into their skincare routine as a concluding step. Following the application of serums, moisturizers, or facial oils, gently glide the Gua Sha tool over your face to aid in product absorption and provide a relaxing massage. This post-skincare Gua Sha ritual can amplify the benefits of your skincare products and promote a luminous complexion.

It is important to note that the timing of the use of Gua Sha may also depend on the type of product it is used with. In the case of the MONO Skincare line, as our textures are fast-absorbing, we recommend using Gua Sha before applying skincare or during the use of cleanser. Ultimately, the decision to perform Gua Sha before or after skincare depends on personal preference and skincare goals. Some people may prefer the toning effects of Gua Sha before skincare, while others may enjoy the soothing sensation of incorporating it into their post-skincare routine.

Tips for Incorporating Gua Sha:
To optimize your Gua Sha experience and results, consider the following tips:

Start with clean, moisturized skin to prevent unnecessary tugging or pulling.
Apply gentle pressure and employ smooth, upward strokes when utilizing the Gua Sha tool.
Concentrate on areas of tension or puffiness, such as the jawline, cheekbones, and under-eye area.
Maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial buildup by cleansing your Gua Sha tool after each use.

In the ongoing debate of Gua Sha before or after skincare, there's no definitive answer. Experiment with both approaches to discern what best suits your skin type and preferences. Whether you opt for an energizing pre-skincare Gua Sha session to kickstart your day or a soothing post-skincare ritual to wind down in the evening, integrating Gua Sha into your routine can yield numerous benefits for your skin's vitality and overall well-being.