Morning Vs. Evening Gua Sha Routine – Which Is Better For Aging Skin

Gua sha is an age-old wellness practice that’s found its way into today’s beauty routines. This gentle technique, using a light “scraping” (massage) motion with a smooth tool, delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your skin, while relieving tension in the facial muscles. Over time, it can leave your skin feeling firmer and brighter. Whether you want to relax, pamper yourself, or add an extra comforting step to your skincare routine, Gua Sha is the perfect tool for your skin.

Use of Gua Sha for Mature Skin

As you age, your skin naturally loses some of its elasticity and firmness. Regular use of Gua Sha can help support your skin’s natural renewal processes, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine. The key is to understand how to use the tool effectively and when to incorporate it into your day.

Gua Sha is a simple skincare technique that involves gliding a smooth, flat stone along the contours of your face and neck. The tool is often made from jade or rose quartz. This gentle practice can be particularly beneficial for mature skin as it promotes good circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, making your skin appear firm and refreshed. This process further improves the natural production of collagen.

Which Gua Sha Routine is Better for Aging Skin?

Both morning and evening Gua Sha routines provide unique benefits for mature skin. Rather than choosing one routine over the other, consider incorporating both into your routine. However, you may have to adjust the intensity and duration of each routine based on your schedule and skin’s specific needs.

Morning Routine

Your mature skin has specific needs during the day, and one way to address those concerns is by incorporating the Gua Sha tool into your routine. The cool sensation of the stone provides a refreshing feel on your face. This practice is especially beneficial if you often experience mild swelling or puffiness around your eyes or jaw upon waking.

How Does it Help Your Skin?

Gently massaging with the stone stimulates lymphatic drainage and helps flush out the excess fluid, reducing puffiness and improving your skin’s appearance. The benefits include:

• Reduces puffiness
• Increases blood circulation
• Adds natural glow and radiant flush
• Decreases the need for a heavy makeup base
• Gives your face a fresh, well-rested look

Steps for Your Morning Gua Sha Routine

Prepare Your Skin

The first step is to thoroughly cleanse your face. Afterward, apply a lightweight facial oil or serum to create a smooth surface for the Gua Sha massage. If you are unaware of the products to use for this step, consult a dermatologist for recommendations.

Start With the Neck

Take the tool and start scrapping at the base of your neck and use gentle upward strokes to move towards your jawline.

Massage Other Areas

Glide the Gua Sha tool gently but firmly along your jawline, moving from the chin toward your ear on both sides. Next, massage your cheeks by starting at the bridge of your nose and working outward toward your hairline.

Be Careful of the Skin Around the Eyes

The skin around your eyes is delicate, so be mindful with the tool. Use the smaller edge of your Gua Sha tool to gently massage this sensitive area.

Conclude At the Top

For the final step, massage your forehead by sweeping from the center towards your temples. This will release any lingering stress with each stroke.

This entire morning routine should take about 5-10 minutes. Remember to keep your pressure light and your movements slow and deliberate. For an enhanced experience, store your Gua Sha tool in the refrigerator before use for an added cooling effect. It’s like coffee for your skin!

Evening Gua Sha Routine

In the evenings, Gua Sha can be a soothing ritual to help you wind down after a long day. The soothing movements of the tool release any muscle tension that may have built up during the day. This practice aids your skin in recovering from daily stressors and supports its natural renewal process that occurs overnight. In addition, the tool can be a key secret to slowing down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How Does it Help Your Skin?

Using Gua Sha in the evening supports your skin’s natural repair processes. While you sleep, your skin engages in regeneration and repair, and the increased circulation enhances these natural processes by delivering more nutrients to your skin cells. Some key benefits include-

• Improves circulation
• Complements the skin’s repair cycle
• Enhances skin rejuvenation
• Relieves stress

Since this process does not include any makeup application, you can use heavier oils or serums that provide deeper moisturization for your mature skin.

Steps for Your Evening Gua Sha Routine

Thorough Cleansing

Begin your routine by washing away all the skincare products, sunscreen, and makeup that you may have applied during the day.

Have a Nourishing Start

Evening is a perfect time to reach out for your richer products. Apply a nourishing oil or serum as your base. This will help the Gua Sha glide smoothly while massaging your face.

Be Gentle

Use the Gua Sha tool with gentle outward and upward strokes. Take your time with this step and feel every stroke to get the best results. Don’t hesitate to go for a few extra strokes on areas that feel tight or tense.

Time to Seal the Effects

Complete the routine with a light layer of a hydrating night cream or moisturizer. The moisturizer goes on the skin after the oil or serum; layering in the right order can make or break your skin. This will help plump the skin, keep it nourished, and hydrated.

Before choosing a specific time to use the Gua Sha tool, keep in mind your skin’s primary concerns. If morning puffiness is your main issue, a morning routine might be more beneficial. On the other hand, if you’re more focused on supporting your skin’s overnight repair processes, evening might suit you better. Either way, you will never be disappointed with the after effects of a Gua Sha routine.