Beauty experts share insights on trending facial massage tools

(From left) Dollie Solanki demonstrates how to use a gua sha

Beauty trends come and go on social media, but one that's stuck around for a while (in various iterations) is using facial massage tools. Of these, the gua sha in particular has been popularised by influencers across the world, who claim that these smooth, half-moon-shaped stones can massage away wrinkles and enhance the texture of your facial skin. "The practice of using a facial massage stone is an ancient one, with roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Using the gua sha tool allows you to activate acupressure points in your face to release tension and promote better circulation and lymphatic flow in the face," explains Dollie Solanki, a beauty blogger at thebombaybrunette. "I have seen a marked difference in the puffiness in my under-eye region when I use a gua sha regularly. Besides, taking time for yourself to give yourself a facial massage is a very relaxing and de-stressing experience and improves your overall wellbeing. However, you must be consistent with the tool of your choice and use it regularly to see these benefits," she continues.

Dr Batul Patel

Massaging mantras

After cleansing your face, prepare it with facial oil or a gel. The curved edge of the gua sha is usually used for the forehead and the neck, while the notched side is used for the rest of the face, including your brow bones, cheeks and jawline, Solanki explains. Hold the gua sha angled against the skin, and gently glide over it with very light pressure. Ensure that you are not tugging or stretching your skin. Gently wiggle it on areas where you feel tension and stiffness - the area where the jawbone meets the ear and the temples are usually where most tension is stored. You can start at your collarbone and move up towards where the jawbone meets your ear lobe. Next, move the gua sha from the jawbone to your ear. Finally, move it upwards on the cheeks, under the eyes and on your forehead.

Practise with caution

"The gua sha was originally intended for pain relief as scraping your skin with the tool was believed to help flush away inflammatory cells. The direction in which the strokes are applied, and the amount of pressure used is very important. However, the efficacy of these tools has not been proved; at best, they are used as a complementary treatment for migraines and neck pain. In terms of skincare, when used by a well-trained professional who can apply enough pressure, it can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, and can also improve the absorption of facial oils and serums after a hydrodermabrasion or a similar treatment that opens the pores.

Dr Niketa Sonavane

At home, however, it is unlikely that users will see the same benefits and they could also run the risk of causing temporary indentations on the skin, explains Dr Batul Patel, a dermatologist at the Bombay Skin Clinic. She points out that using these tools does not stimulate collagen production or help with pigmentation - these benefits have been grossly exaggerated, she says. Dr Niketa Sonavane, a dermatologist at Ambrosia Aesthetics, adds that you don't need to invest in expensive tools to get the benefits of a facial lymphatic drainage - using the pads of your fingers to perform the same movements can help. "Use very light pressure as lymph vessels are extremely delicate and excessive pressure can crush them, preventing fluid from draining properly," she concludes.

Dos and Don'ts

>> Never use a massage tool on dry skin. Doing so can cause the skin to drag and pull, thereby nullifying the tool's therapeutic benefits.
>> Never massage areas that have active acne; let your skin heal first.
>> Always massage your face in the outward and upward direction.
>> Make sure to gently clean the tool with warm water and a mild soap after every use. Dry well and store in a clean place.