By Shilpa Bhim

Gua Sha and Facial Roller tools are a skincare staple for us Zove Beauty HQ. We cannot live without our favourite skincare tools.

If you haven’t used at least one of these skincare tools, you’re missing out! But before you pick which skincare tool to use, you might be wondering which one is best for you. 

As always, we’ve got you Zovers! We’ve broken down the benefits of Gua Sha and Facial Roller tools so you can pick your perfect skincare companion.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE GUA SHA AND FACIAL ROLLER TOOLS?

First things first, it’s important to know exactly what these skincare tools are. 

Gua sha and Facial Roller tools assist with massaging and de-puffing the face. So, they’re basically your new bff. 

While these tools might be new to you, they have been a part of Chinese skin care routines since the 7th Century - so they really have proven their results over the years.

For those of us who wake up with a puffy face, or if you’re just wanting some R&R, these tools are a lifesaver and can get rid of that puff quickly. Just firmly, but gently glide them over your face, and you’re good to go! Our how-to guide (complete with handy videos) for using each tool is available here.

While Gua Sha and Facial Roller tools both assist with massaging and de-puffing the face, each tool comes with its own distinct set of benefits. So, let’s break down the specific benefits of each one.

BENEFITS OF A GUA SHA TOOL

Releases tension

One of the biggest benefits of a Gua Sha tool is that it assists with releasing tension in the face and neck, which helps get rid of associated pain points like a headache or a sore, tense jaw.

Contours the face

Want your cheekbones to pop? The Gua Sha has got you covered! A Gua Sha facial uses strokes that create pressure and lift at the same time. The tool has different shaped edges to fit around the different parts of your face which, combined with the Gua Sha facial technique, are designed to sculpt and contour the face.

Assists with facial lymphatic drainage

Does the skin on your face look dull, tired and puffy? It might be because fluid has started to build up in your lymphatic system. The light pressure and upward and outward motion applied when using a Gua Sha tool helps with lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and improving appearance of the skin overall.

Supports blood circulation

You might notice your skin gets slightly flushed when using a Gua Sha tool. This is a sign of healthy blood flow to the skin. Increasing blood flow helps nourish skin cells as blood carries nutrients and oxygen to cells in your body. The end result is happy healthy skin!

Skincare product penetration

You’ll want to use your Gua Sha tool with a facial cream or oil. This has two benefits:

1. It helps your Gua Sha to glide smoothly across your face.

2. It helps your skin to soak up the products nicely thanks to the gentle pressure you apply to your Gua Sha tool.

It’s relaxing

A Gua Sha facial massage is so relaxing! We like to spend at least 5 minutes using a Gua Sha tool all over our face, and recommend using your Gua Sha tool on fresh, clean skin after your evening shower or face wash. It’s the perfect way to end your day!

BENEFITS OF A FACIAL ROLLER

Cooling and calming

Our Facial Rollers (and Gua Sha tools) are made with 100% genuine stone or crystal which have a natural ability to keep cool. 

Using a Facial Roller all over your face first thing in the morning as you have your morning coffee is beyond soothing (and helps get rid of that morning puff, especially under the eyes). 

For an extra cooling effect, pop your roller in the fridge overnight.

Assists with facial lymphatic drainage

Just like a Gua Sha, a Facial Roller assists with lymphatic drainage and helps to de-puff your face. Be sure to apply a light pressure when using your tool so your skin can reap the benefits.

Skincare product penetration

Applying a light pressure when using your Facial Roller helps your skincare products to soak into the skin. So be sure to pop a mask, serum or oil on your face before rolling away.

Our pro-tip is to use your Facial Roller when you’re wearing a sheet mask. Your face will get a nice massage while soaking up the product from your mask - hello glowing skin!

It’s easy to use, and super relaxing!

If you're new to the skincare facial tool game, a Facial Roller will help you to ease into it. 

Facial rollers are also great if you’re short on time. Just a quick 1-2 minute roll all over your face will have your skin looking and feeling great. 

It’s simple and straightforward to use and because it massages your skin, it’s so relaxing and adds a whole new level to your self care routine. In fact, we love to follow up our Gua Sha facials with a Facial Roller massage, because why not?!

WHICH IS THE RIGHT TOOL FOR YOU?

The answer to this question really depends on how much time you generally have, how comfortable you are with skincare tools and what it is that you’re wanting to get out of your skincare routine.

If you’re new to using facial tools, or only have a couple of minutes to give yourself a quick soothing and de-puffing facial massage then the Facial Roller is for you.

If you have a bit more time on your hands and are looking to really sculpt your face or release facial tension then you’ll be reaching for your Gua Sha tool regularly.

At Zove Beauty HQ, we love to use both facial tools regularly! Whether we’re using our Facial Rollers on top of a sheet mask while Netflix and chilling on a Friday night, or doing a full Gua Sha facial on a Sunday morning, our skin is happy, de-puffed and glowing thanks to these tools.

So tell us Zovers, will you be using a Gua Sha, a Facial Roller or both?! Share your thoughts and feedback with us via the little icon on your right, via Instagram or email us! 

Shilpa is a freelance health, beauty and travel writer from Melbourne, Australia. You can keep up with her adventures over at @skb.ontherun and check out her latest articles here. 

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