Gua Sha vs. Jade Roller

Introduction

Ice rollers, face massage rollers, gua sha and jade rollers all sound so synonymous yet have such significant differences. You all must have come across these terms through an Instagram ad, on a hoarding of a skincare brand, or through an influencer promoting these facial tools demonstrating their benefits. In recent times, everyone is quite well-read about their benefits yet lack the technical knowledge to use these tools. There is a lot of conjecture surrounding the usability and advantages of jade rollers and gua shas because users are bombarded with new products being launched every single day in the market.

However, in the plethora of new skincare tools being launched everyday, gua shas and jade rollers have created their own niche and buzz amongst skincare enthusiasts enticing them to know more about their technicalities, usability and benefits.

What is a Gua Sha?

The gua sha is a traditional Chinese skincare tool introduced for the sculpting of your face and body. The shape of the gua sha has been designed in a specific way, making it easy to shape the contours of the face and body. In Chinese medicinal practices, gua sha was used to facilitate the flow of “chi”, or energy under the dermis which promotes blood circulation and relieves muscular tension. Gua sha tools were primarily made in jade, but now you’ll also find them in adventurine, amethyst, and other precious stones.

What Are the Benefits of Gua Sha?

Sculpting the Facial Contours

There are a lot of technicalities involved when using a gua sha to sculpt your dominant facial contours like the jawline, cheekbones and neck. When used correctly, gua sha helps in sculpting the face and giving it a natural botox look without the invasive procedures.

Reduces Lymphatic Drainage

Lymph fluid usually gets accumulated under the dermis ensuing puffiness and bloating on the face. The gua sha is massaged on the face, stimulating a flow of energy that accelerates the liquid to leave the skin through body waste. This facial detoxification helps in reducing facial bloating and removes the stubborn lymph fluid from your dermis.

Promotes Facial Relaxation

Is gua sha effective? A question that arises in everyone's mind. Our face is constantly juggling between a slew of actions like eating, squinting, laughing, crying, swallowing, spitting, and so much more. This leads to a lot of muscle tension build up on our face which alleviates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Massaging releases the accumulated stress from the face causing a movement under the skin impelling the build up to exit the body.

Facial Glow

It's true when people say, stress manifests itself on the face. Negativity, depression, anxiety is visible on the face if not taken care of. This is when tools like gua sha save you from the skin diaspora. Massaging helps to break down the stress build up and stimulate instant blood circulation around the face. Perhaps, practising the gua sha leaves your skin looking radiant and young.

Increases Blood Circulation

Facial massaging stimulates a rush under the skin and springs up a rosy flush on the outer surface of the skin. An increase in the blood circulation also alleviates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Use a Gua Sha?

Gua sha requires a “slip” in order to glide across your face smoothly and gently without disturbing any sensitive areas of the face. To begin this skincare routine with gua sha, first wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lather the outer surface with a hydrating moisturiser or facial oil. There are multiple ways to practise gua sha, however the easiest technique has been listed below.

What is a Jade Roller?

Jade rollers discovered and profusely used in the ancient Chinese traditions, are also commonly known as facial rollers. These rollers act as the quick fix skincare appliances that give your skin that instant boost and glow you need when in a hurry! Jade rollers are more effective when they are cold as it helps your skin feel calmer and more refreshed. This tool has two sides, the larger end is used for the cheeks, neck and jawline, while the smaller end is used to massage the tinier features like the brow bone and under-eyes. These facial rollers are made in many stones apart from just jade, like rose quartz, amethyst, opal, and more, too.

What are the Benefits of a Jade Roller?

Minimal Sculpting

As the title suggests, jade rollers are used to lightly sculpt your face aiding your skin to achieve that natural Kim-K look. Contouring your face with a jade roller is easier as compared to the gua sha, however gua sha has more effective and long-lasting jade roller results.

Glowing Skin

Your face is in a constant hustle, and perpetually jumping from one action to another. In this hustle bustle, sometimes all it needs is a little time off and pampering to return its facial glory. Jade rollers are known as the glow contributors used to massage your face and eliminate all the toxins giving your skin that extra dose of glow and boost with its skin benefitting stones and mechanism.

Boon for Beginners

Jade rollers are very easy to use and designed with an easy mechanism, as it does not require a lot of technical knowledge to use. Given its competent design and technicalities, skincare enthusiasts and beginners find it easier to use the roller and introduce it in their daily skincare regime.

Better Penetration of Products

Product penetration is quite high when using jade rollers. After you lather your face with a good serum or moisturiser, these rollers aid in superior absorption of the products when pressed correctly onto the outer dermis. The skin absorbs the product well when a good amount of pressure is used on the face.

Increases Lymphatic Drainage

Lymph fluid usually gets stored under our skin which increases puffiness on the face. Massaging helps move the stubborn fluid and detoxifies the skin by releasing all the waste, fluid and other stored toxins. Perhaps, jade rollers accelerate lymphatic drainage under the skin and alleviate the appearance of puffiness and bloating from the face, giving your face a younger and radiating look.

How to Use a Jade Roller?

Before you roll this tool all over your face, you need to prepare a clean canvas for the roller to demonstrate its benefits. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then apply a good serum or hydrating moisturiser on your face. Like the gua sha, jade rollers also require a bit of “slip” to move smoothly around without tugging the skin.

Similarities Between Jade Roller and Gua Sha

The Jade roller and gua sha have quite a few differences, yet the similarities outweigh the differences.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, both the skincare tools have their significant benefits and features, hence it eventually depends on your distinctive necessity, circumstance and use. It also depends on your skincare goals and how much time you have to invest in your beauty and skincare regimen. Our face is in a constant hustle of jumping between emotions, expressions, actions, stress, anxiety, and so much more. Perhaps, it is important you invest time in analysing what your skin demands, and fulfil them with the right products, tools and methods. Till then, happy skin to all!