Gua Sha and Facial Rollers, particularly jade rollers, are two skincare tools that have been gaining popularity in recent years. Both tools have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and are now commonly used in modern skincare routines, recommended and pictured on the vanities and feeds of every beauty tastemaker. If you’re planning on trying them for yourself, you might find yourself asking – what do they actually do and what’s the difference between them?
In short, the main difference between the gua sha and face roller tools is the way they work on the face and the specific skincare concerns they target.
Meet the gua sha
Gua Sha is a flat, smooth tool made of jade, rose quartz, or other materials. It’s used to massage and stimulate the skin, held at a 45-degree angle, and gently scraped along the skin in a specific pattern. This technique increases blood flow and promotes lymphatic drainage, leading to a brighter, more radiant complexion. Gua sha is also known for reducing puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles, and for improving the overall tone and texture of the skin. It can also help relieve stress by releasing tension in the facial muscles.
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How to use the gua sha
When using a gua sha tool, it’s important to start with a clean and dry face, and to use a light and gentle touch. Begin at the center of the face and move outwards, focusing on the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck. It is important to avoid pulling or tugging the skin, and to always use upward motions to promote lymphatic drainage. Gua sha can be used on the body as well, for example to target areas with cellulite.
Try: Coucou Body Gua Sha
Meet the face roller
Face rollers, on the other hand, are cylindrical tools that come in various materials including jade, rose quartz, and stainless steel. They are used by gently rolling the tool over the face, starting from the center and moving outwards. Face rollers are also designed to help with lymphatic drainage and to promote blood circulation, which can help reduce puffiness and improve the overall appearance of the skin. They can also be used to help skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to better absorption and more effective results.
How to use a face roller
Face rollers are super easy to use and can be incorporated into any skincare routine. Begin at the center of the face and roll outwards, using gentle pressure. Roll the tool under the eyes to reduce puffiness, along the jawline to improve lymphatic drainage, and over the forehead to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Face Rollers can also be used on other areas of the body, such as the neck, décolletage, and arms, to improve circulation and enhance the absorption of skincare products.
What the gua sha and face roller have in common
Both gua sha and face rollers are suitable for all skin types, although those with particularly sensitive skin may benefit from using a softer material such as rose quartz (also known as the self-love stone). They can be used in the morning and evening, after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Try: Rose Quartz Gua Sha Massage Stone
When it comes to the benefits of gua sha and face rollers, both tools can have a similar positive impact on the skin with regular use. Gua sha is known for sculpting, reducing puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles, and for promoting lymphatic drainage. Face Rollers, while also helping to reduce puffiness and improve lymphatic drainage, improve the absorption of skincare products. Both tools can also help relieve stress and tension, leading to a relaxed and refreshed complexion.
In conclusion, both gua sha and face rollers are valuable tools for any skincare routine. Whether you are looking to snatch your jawline, improve the overall appearance of your skin, or enhance the absorption of your skincare products, these tools can be a great addition to your routine. They are suitable for all skin types, and can be used in the morning and evening as part of a stress relieving self-care ritual.
