If you keep tabs on the latest beauty and skincare trends, you likely would have already stumbled across the practice of Gua sha – a traditional Chinese therapy using a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin, boasting benefits like promoting circulation, relieving tension, and reducing inflammation.
But, can Gua sha help get rid of a double chin?
First. How does Gua sha work?
Gua sha involves slowly scraping the skin in an up and then downward motion.
This practice stimulates microcirculation and releases tension. Additionally, the pressure from these movements aids in the release of congested areas in your face and neck, promoting lymphatic circulation, which may reduce swelling, improve detoxification, and even support the body’s immune response.
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While traditionally performed with smooth-edged tool made with jade or quartz, you can use your fingers for a basic form of gua sha. However, the traditional tool does provide better control, pressure, and consistency in the scraping motion, and is super affordable!
Try: SKOON STELLADAZZLE Moonstone Gua Sha for R249.95
But…my double chin?
In short, on its own, Gua sha cannot help you banish a double chin, but it may help improve the appearance of a double chin by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention.
It is important to keep in mind, though, that the practice of Gua sha won’t directly remove fat or reshape the chin. It can offer mild improvements in skin tightening and contouring but the best results are usually coupled with a number of factors, such as a healthy diet, exercise and even a bit of face yoga.
Cash in on the benefits
If you’ve already got a healthy lifestyle on lock, there is a good chance that adding Gua sha to your routine could help with tightening and contouring of loose skin around the chin and neck. Here’s a simple method for you to try out:
Step 1: Cleanse: Start with a clean face and apply a facial oil or serum for glide.
Step 2: Neck sweeping: Using the gua sha tool or your fingers, gently sweep from the collarbone upwards along the neck towards the jawline, repeating 5-10 times.
Step 3: Jawline sculpting: Hold the skin taut and use the tool to gently scrape along the jawline from the chin to the ears, repeating 5-10 times.
Step 4: Under-chin stroke: Tilt the tool at a slight angle and glide from the center of the chin outward toward the earlobe, focusing on the area beneath the jawline. Repeat 5-10 times on each side.
Step 5: Chin & jaw massage: Use your fingertips to massage the chin and jaw area in circular motions to relax muscles and improve circulation.
ALSO SEE:
The full scoop on face yoga and why it works – with exercises!
Feature Image: Pexels
