Should You Add Gua Sh To Your Skincare Routine?

Here’s the Truth!

I wanted to share a little story from my recent chat with one of my beautiful Facial Club members, and I think it’s something you’ll find super interesting, especially if you’ve been considering adding a new tool to your skincare routine.

So, a few days ago, Sally asked me a question that you might also be wondering about:

"Is it worth buying a gua sha tool, and does it actually make a difference to your skin?"

She’d heard a lot of buzz about it but wasn’t sure if it was just another beauty trend or something that could actually enhance her skincare routine.

Here’s the thing: I totally understand her hesitation! With so many beauty gadgets and products out there, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what’s worth the investment. But after our conversation, I realised that Sally probably isn’t the only one with questions about this traditional Chinese technique, so I thought I’d take a moment to answer her—and your—questions, too.

So, What Exactly is Gua Sha?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that uses a smooth-edged stone (often jade or rose quartz) to gently scrape the skin in specific ways to promote circulation, relieve tension, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. It’s been used for centuries, but recently, it’s made its way into the mainstream skincare world.

What Are the Benefits of Gua Sha?

Here are the incredible benefits gua sha can have on the skin and body:

1. Improved Circulation – Gua sha helps boost blood flow to the face, giving your skin a natural, healthy glow. This increase in circulation also helps with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, leaving you with smoother, more radiant skin.

2. Lymphatic Drainage – Gua sha gently stimulates the lymphatic system, helping your body flush out toxins and reduce puffiness. If you’ve ever woken up with a bit of a puffy face or under-eye bags, gua sha can work wonders to help with that!

3. Relieves Tension – Many of us carry tension in our jaw, neck, and forehead, which can lead to headaches and fine lines. Gua sha helps to relieve that built-up tension, leaving you feeling more relaxed and with less noticeable lines.

4. Lifted, Toned Skin – Regular use of gua sha can help with the appearance of lifted, more sculpted skin. It’s like a mini face massage that works over time to define the contours of your face and reduce the appearance of sagging.

5. Cool, Calming Effect: The stone’s natural coolness helps calm the skin, reduce redness, and soothe inflammation. This makes rose quartz or jade particularly useful for sensitive or irritated skin.

6. Rose Quartz Balances Emotions: Rose quartz is said to promote feelings of love and calmness. The energy of the stone is thought to help reduce stress, which in turn can improve the appearance of your skin since stress can lead to breakouts, dullness, or premature aging.

7. Jade Promotes Physical and Emotional Healing. It is thought to have the ability to promote balance and regeneration by encouraging the body’s natural healing processes. It’s believed to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions by promoting balance and peace.

How to Use Gua Sha: Step-by-Step

Now, for the fun part—using it! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to use your gua sha tool for maximum benefits:

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Before you start, make sure your skin is clean and well-moisturised. Apply your favorite serum or facial oil to give the tool a smooth glide. I recommend using a hydrating serum or an oil like, (my absolute favourite facial oil), Neals Yard Remedies Wild Rose Facial Oil, which will allow the gua sha to move smoothly without dragging your skin.

Step 2: Start at the Neck

Hold the gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle to your skin. Begin at the base of your neck, where your collarbones are. Gently scrape the tool upward, moving towards your jawline. Do this about 5-10 times on each side to help open up your lymphatic channels.

Step 3: Sculpt Your Jawline

Move the tool from your chin, sweeping it upwards along your jawline. Use gentle pressure, but don’t press too hard. You can repeat this motion 5-10 times, focusing on any areas where you might feel tension or puffiness.

Step 4: Lift the Cheeks

Next, use the gua sha on your cheeks, starting from the sides of your nose and gently gliding the tool out toward your ears. This helps tone and lift the cheeks. Repeat 5-10 times for each side.

Step 5: Smooth the Forehead

For the forehead, place the gua sha tool in the center of your forehead and gently move it outwards, toward your temples. You can also use the tool to go across your forehead horizontally, helping to smooth out fine lines.

Step 6: Finish with the Eyes

Lastly, I always recommend using the gua sha around the under-eye area to reduce puffiness and promote circulation. Be extra gentle here! Use the tool to lightly glide along the under-eye area in an inward-to-outward motion.

Step 7: Repeat & Relax

You can repeat this routine 2-3 times a week or whenever you need a boost.

So Is Gua Sha Worth It?

To answer Sally’s question: Yes, I absolutely believe it’s worth it! Gua sha is a fantastic tool for improving circulation, reducing puffiness, and giving your skin a naturally sculpted look. It’s a low-cost, high-impact addition to any skincare routine. Plus, it’s relaxing and can become a peaceful, mindful ritual you’ll look forward to. I’d recommend using your gua sha atleast three times a week or more for optimum benefits.

Sally told me she’d go ahead and buy her own gua sha and will be giving me an update when I see her for her next facial.

INSIDER TIPS: Buy a pair so you can do both sides of your face and neck together AND place a towel or something soft on the surface where you’re using your gua sha, combined with oil they’re delicate, slippery buggers and I’ve broken two dropping them in the sink! WHOOPSIE!

If you're intrigued and want to give gua sha a try, I have a few beautiful, high-quality gua sha tool and mini facial oil sets available to buy for £25. Feel free to ask about them next time you’re in or reply to this email to reserve yours today.

I’d love to know—have you ever tried gua sha before, or would you like to give it a go? Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have you tried my Rose Quartz Natural Facelift Facial yet? You must! Take 15% off this well-loved facial if you book today!

winter skincare TIPS

It’s been a dramatic and sudden shift to cold, wet weather this year! As autumn unfolds and winter approaches, the drop in temperature, chilly winds, and dry indoor heating can wreak havoc on our skin.

It’s common to experience dryness, flakiness, and a dull complexion, all signs that your skin is struggling to cope with the cooler season's harsh conditions. Fortunately, with a tweak to your skincare routine, you can protect your skin from the elements and keep it hydrated, healthy, and radiant.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through essential Autumn/Winter skincare tips and include a tutorial to help you tackle a common cold weather skin emergency: chapped, flaky, sensitised skin. I’ll also highlight some of my personal favourite products from Neal’s Yard Remedies that are absolutely perfect for the next two seasons.

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Your Winter Skincare Survival Kit:

Switch to a Nourishing Cleanser: Autumn is the time to swap your foaming or gel cleansers for a more nourishing formula that won’t strip your skin of it’s natural oils. Cream, milk or balm cleansers help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, which is crucial during colder months.

Exfoliate Gently: Although exfoliation is important year-round, it’s essential to be gentle now. Use a mild exfoliator to remove dead skin cells to avoid causing irritation. This will help your other skincare products penetrate and work more effectively. Keep an eye out for my next blog that simplifies the different types of exfoliators and which one is best for you.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: One of the most important steps in your skincare routine is hydration. Layer your products strategically, starting with a hydrating serum followed by a rich moisturiser to lock in that moisture.

Don’t Forget the SPF: Even though it’s colder and darker outside, UV rays are still present and can damage and age your skin. To protect against sun exposure always use a broad-spectrum of at least factor 30. I personally use factor 30 in the colder, cloudier months and a factor 50 when skies are sunny and clear.

Target Dry Areas: Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as your cheeks, around the nose, and lips. These areas need more TLC during winter, so don’t hesitate to layer on more product where needed. A balm that adds a protective barrier against harsh winds and temperatures is a great choice. I use Neal’s Yards Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm on myself and my kiddies, great protection from the odd snowball in the face! It also smells divine while nourishing and soothing the skin.

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Winter Skin Saving Tutorial

Dry, chapped, flaky or wind scalded skin is a common winter skincare issue that can feel very uncomfortable and affect your overall look. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to resolve this issue quickly and effectively:

What You’ll Need:

A milky soft cleanser (Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Triple Action Melting Cleanser is the most luxurious and comforting cleanser I’ve ever had the pleasure of using)
A gentle exfoliating scrub (try Neal’s Yard Remedies Honey & Orange Face Scrub, it’s so gentle and smells wonderful)
A hydrating mask (like Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm, a best selling multi purpose savior)
A rich moisturizer (Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Nourishing Cream proven to hydrate for 24 hours) A soothing facial oil (Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Glow Facial Oil a light, dry oil blend that effortlessly sinks in).

Step 1: Warm a small amount of cleansing melt in the palm of your hand. Close your eyes and inhale the therapeutic aroma for a few moments. Massage into dry skin using an upwards and outwards circular motion, taking care around the delicate eye area. Continue to massage until the rich cleansing gel melts into a skin-conditioning oil. Apply warm water and massage into the oil cleanser to transform the oil into a creamy milk emulsion. Rinse with warm water until skin is clean and pat dry. Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation. Begin by gently exfoliating flaky areas using Neal’s Yard Remedies Honey & Orange Facial Scrub. This natural exfoliator is enriched with honey to hydrate and orange oil to brighten, making it perfect for lifting away dead skin without irritation. Apply a small amount to damp skin, massage with light pressure in circular motions, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 3: A Hydrating Mask. After exfoliating, apply Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm as a hydrating mask. This versatile balm is packed with antioxidant-rich wild rosehip oil, shea butter, and other nourishing botanicals. Spread a generous layer over your face and leave it on for about 10 minutes. This balm helps to deeply nourish and repair your skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. You can also leave this on overnight for an extra intensive treat.
Step 4: Moisturise. Follow up with Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Nourishing Cream. This ultra-hydrating cream is designed to plump, smooth and rejuvenate the skin while providing a rich dose of moisture. Apply it generously to your face, focusing on any particularly dry areas.
Step 5: Seal with Oil. Lock in all that hydration with a few drops of Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Glow Facial Oil. This luxurious oil provides an extra barrier against moisture loss, perfect for winter’s harsh conditions. Warm a few drops between your palms and press into your skin, paying special attention to areas prone to dryness.
Extra Tip: Lip Care. Don’t forget your lips! Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Lip Formula is perfect for soothing chapped lips with a blend of organic beeswax, shea butter, rosehip and essential oils.

Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, uncomfortable skin. By adjusting your skincare routine and using products designed to nourish and protect, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long. Neal’s Yard Remedies offers a range of natural, effective products that are perfect for winter skincare, helping you to maintain your skin’s vitality no matter the weather.

You can fill your welly boots with all the above recommended products above right now, by clicking the link below. If you need any further skincare advice just text me on 07786 088344.

Take care of your skin this winter, and it will take care of you!

Microdermabrasion The power of exfoliation

I perform more microdermabrasion facials than anything else from my treatment menu, and I never, ever grow bored of it. There's something hugely satisfying in resetting someone’s skin with a resurfacing deep clean. It's powerfully effective for such a simple approach to skin rejuvenation. Client after client, I see unfailing phenomenal results, it's my go-to for treating a vast variety of skin concerns and goals. This is your entry-level advanced facial with zero downtime.

So how does it work?

Utilising microfine, perfectly smooth crystal particles, the skin is gently and evenly exfoliated. Unlike a manual scrub you'd use at home, this facial is far more thorough and controlled. It works deeper too by combining a circulation-stimulating vacuum massage to apply the crystals to the surface of the skin.

What does it feel like?

You'll feel an oddly satisfying mildly gritty sensation, it's never painful or even remotely uncomfortable, this facial is completely adaptable for all. With a course of facials you'll gradually move through increasingly deeper levels of exfoliation as your skin rebalances, strengthens and becomes more accustomed to the treatment; AND there’s a lovely pot of yuck to view and measure each facial’s achievements by too. What's not to love?

How long will it take to see results?

You'll see and feel results after the very first facial! Straight away! Softer more luminous skin is apparent immediately. Long term benefits improved skin functions such as rebalanced oil production, increased hydration, a reduction in breakouts, smooth and even toned healthy skin.

What does microdermabrasion treat?

There's little you can’t improve or remedy with this fabulous treatment. Dryness, lines and wrinkles, blemishes, acne, oiliness, pigmentation and uneven or lacklustre skin tone. It's a onestop wonder.

How do I book my transformation?

Head to www.faceandbodyco.com and click on ‘Book An Appointment’. Take 5% off your first microdermabrasion facial when you quote ‘BLOGMD’ with your booking.