How to Gua Sha with skin expert Dawn Conder

I am so excited to have guest blogger Dawn Conder back to share some incredible holistic skincare tips! Dawn is an expert in Gua Sha, and is going to walk his through the importance of the practice, how to do it properly and how to incorporate it into our daily skincare routine.

Gua Sha is more than a trend, here are some tips for getting started!

It’s everywhere…tutorials on social media using small flat tools (A.K.A. Gua Sha Stones) to chisel jawlines and smooth out furrow lines. I may be partial as a Certified Hayo’u Method Gua Sha instructor, but I believe there is much more to this practice than any viral video can convey! 

While Gua Sha may seem to be a new beauty trend, it has actually been widely practiced in China for thousands of years.  The description is in the name, with ‘Gua’ meaning to rub, and ‘Sha’ describing the redness that results. This technique has been used to treat colds, coughs, fevers, migraines, headaches, stress, back pain, neck and shoulder pain, pulled muscles, injuries, numbness, and of course ageing. 

Used in beauty routine, Gua Sha has many benefits including:

-Increasing micro circulation in the skin up to 400%, flooding the skin with micro-nutrients. 

-Over time, increases levels of collagen and elastin 

-Reducing expression lines

-Reducing puffiness

-Reducing Facial Tension

-Contouring cheeks and jawline

-Supporting lymphatic drainage 

-Can be used to activate acupressure points

There are many shapes and types of Gua Sha stones. I recommend starting with a Jade Stone that is in the traditional heart shape. Jade has cooling properties, is a stronger stone better for sculpting than clear or rose quartz, and is suitable for all skin types. The traditional heart shaped stone is easy to hold and will allow for a multi-purpose routine. Whichever Gua Sha you choose, make sure it is 100% Crystal or Stone.  If it’s not it could be mixed with glass, plastic, or a chemically treated crystal and you will be getting an inferior skin massage.

Don’t forget to apply a facial oil or a face balm, with enough glide across the contours of the face to prevent pulling or tugging of the skin. Because your skin is your largest organ, look for products with high-performing ingredients that exclude potential chemicals of concern like fragrance, parabans, phthalate’s, formaldehyde releasers, and hormone disruptors.

As with any new routine, consistency is key for results. Start with a 5 to 15 minute routine a few times a week, eventually increasing to daily once familiar with the stone tools and techniques. While social media may move on to the next trend, your glowing smooth skin will encourage you to continue your Gua Sha practice long after.

Here are my go to products for Gua Sha that are natural, free of toxins or harsh chemicals, and safe during pregnancy and the whole family. (As a side note: All of the products below are safe for all skin types and ages, however the practice of Gua Sha is contraindicated for bleeding disorders, use of blood thinners or chronic cortisone users, and just the first trimester of pregnancy.)

100% Jade Gua Sha

Hugh & Grace Renewing Night Serum

Hugh & Grace Day C Serum

Dawn is a wife and a mom of two teens, living in Naples, Florida. As a Clean Beauty Specialist and the Owner of The Face Naturalist, it is her passion to inspire others they are worthy of  loving the way their skin looks and feels at any age. Certified as a Hayo’u Method Gua Sha Instructor and Advanced Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method Educator, she teaches a holistic approach to skincare by integrating non-invasive techniques, non-toxic products, and a balanced lifestyle. Follow at https://Instagram.com/thefacenaturalist or https://msha.ke/thefacenaturalist

6 Pregnancy Must Haves

As I near the end of my pregnancy {but like how am I already 9 months pregnant?!?} I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite “must have” pregnancy items!

I have a lot of Mama’s and Mama’s-to-be to read my blog, so I hope some of these items will come in handy for you!

My Top Pregnancy Must Buys

1. This pregnancy pillow has been everythinggg the past 9 months. It helps to take pressure off my low back and my belly now that baby is almost fully grown.

2. My favorite prenatal vitamin, I talk more about this HERE

3. This lotion is clean, non-toxic and is verified by the EWG. Not only do I feel safe using this lotion during pregnancy, but it is so hydrating on my skin it’s the go-to lotion for my whole family! We will be using the unscented version of this lotion on Baby Boy.

4. Living in South Florida, shorts are a must…even in February! These jean shorts have been my favorite this pregnancy, and I swear I wear them weekly.

5. As a yoga teacher I live in leggings, they are my go-to and that hasn’t changed at all during pregnancy. I personally love the Zelle pregnancy leggings from Nordstrom and the BLANQI pregnancy leggings. They both feel so supportive on my bump without being too constricting. I also found two awesome alternatives for you under $20 if that’s more in your budget.

6. I like to keep my wardrobe fairly simple and neutral, and then add a jacket, jewelry or handbag to change up the look. These simple maternity tee’s have been essential during my pregnancy, and have allowed me to feel somewhat put together (ie: no belly showing) in the last few weeks.

These are a few of the items that I find myself reaching for on the daily or weekly during my pregnancy! I hope they help you sleep better, feel fabulous, and stay hydrated during your pregnancy.

Photo By Jontel Chere

these are commissionable links, and I will receive a small commission when you click and purchase from them. This post is not sponsored or affiliated with any of these companies, I only share products I actually use and love. Thank you for supporting my small business.

4 Non-toxic beauty items I can't live without

I live for non-toxic, clean skincare.

I spend substantially more money, time and energy on my skincare than I do on makeup and beauty care.

Over the past few years I have learned that so many of our daily skincare products are loaded with harmful chemicals and toxins, and I made a huge switch to all non-toxic skincare, beauty care, and self care products.

I have a very consistent morning and evening skincare routine, and today I’m sharing 4 of my favorite non-toxic skincare items that I can not live without!

Acure Beauty Moroccan Argan Oil

Tula Brighting Eye Balm

Cocokind Texture Smoothie Cream

Cocokind Rosewater Toner