21 DAY FACIAL GUA SHA CHALLENGE

DAY 5

Gua Sha and Breakouts:

Everything you need to know

PREP

Start Everyday with the Empress Ritual

Then, add on each day's new focus.

If you need a refresher, follow this video tutorial.

Spritz the Empress Sweet Fern Hydrasoothe Face Mist over your face and neck. Press a few drops of Empress Balm of Gilead Barrier Repair Oil into your hands and press the oil into your face, neck, and shoulders.

Use the Empress Stone or Empress Platinum for the gua sha tutorial below.

TUTORIAL

Gua Sha and Breakouts

It happens — some people break out after starting a gua sha regimen.

Why?

You’re stimulating movement in tissues that may harbor stagnant qi, blood, and lymph. It’s like kicking up dirt from the bottom of a lake. Breakouts are a sign that your skin is detoxing, which is not a bad thing.

Here's what to do if this is happening to you.

1.
Stimulate lymphatic flow to detox the skin - aka taking out the trash. Use very gentle pressure from the earlobe to the center of the collar bone. Repeat several times.

Bonus: This is also great for de-puffing the face.

2.
Don’t use your tool over any active whiteheads. If things are coming to a head, focus on the lymphatic drainage stroke described above until your skin begin to clear.

3.
Yes, gua sha can help improve breakouts, but it can take time. It helps clear congested skin in a way that topical products alone cannot. Moving the lymph helps stimulate circulation, collagen production, and gets rid of breakout-causing cellular waste.