Facial gua sha requires using a facial oil to provide a comforting glide for your gua sha stone, which can be concerning for those who are acne prone and typically are fearsome of oils on the skin leading to breakouts. But facial gua sha is known to be helpful for clearing the skin because it supports lymphatic flow. So how can we reap the benefits of facial gua sha while still caring for acne prone skin? Keep reading below to discover facial gua sha benefits, learn about the lymphatic system, and tips for your acne-prone gua sha routine.

Congested Skin = Congested Lymph

Have you ever noticed clusters of breakouts or blemishes that always seem to surface in the same area? Almost like there is a traffic jam causing a localized build up. "Congested skin” is how estheticians describe clogged pores, blackheads, and other forms of acne. These days there are a plethora of products marketed towards managing “oily skin types” but sometimes for a true holistic skin transformation, the healing must also come from within. Acne can be a signal of congestion within the lymphatic system.

Your lymphatic system is your body's clean up system (an elimination organ just like your skin) that helps rid the body of waste, toxins, and other unwanted materials. The lymphatic system works closely with the liver, and when it is overburdened it overflows into the wellness of the digestive system and lymphatic system. When these elimination organs become stagnant and clogged with mucus and waste, the toxins end up within the bloodstream and lymph causing tissue damage and inflammation that may also surface as acne or other common skin conditions.

Acne develops when these toxins are secreted from the lymphatic system through the skin showing up in the form of breakouts. The skin on our faces is a map that mirrors what is happening below the surface.

Stimulating movement of the lymph through manual massage with a gua sha stone tool can help clear the complexion because we are alleviating blockages and supporting cleansing with the intentions of moving any waste materials away from the face before they can surface. Your lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump like your blood circulatory system, so it only circulates when we activate it through physical activities or manual touch. More than 30%-50% of the body's lymph nodes are concentrated around the neck and head, which may explain why so many common skin conditions (like acne) surface on the face.

Q: Can I glide my gua sha stone over acne breakouts?

A: No, it is best to skip over active acne or avoid the affected area all together. But, the good news is that it is possible to achieve results without ever working directly over the face.

Acne gua sha routine tips:

The areas beside the ears, along the jaw, and down the neck harbors major lymph nodes that can become blocked (the lymph nodes are filters for the lymphatic system). Lymphatic fluid exits and re-enters the bloodstream through the thoracic duct vessels located at the collar bone so it is important to activate and “open up” these spots before working up to the face.

Begin by manually and gently massaging above and below the collar bone and stretching skin to neck to open up these channels. Next start under the ear lobe and slowly guide your gua sha stone down the neck towards the collar bone. Make your way gliding under and along the jawline towards the ear, then down the jawline in front and behind the ear back down the neck and finishing at the collar bone.

Introduce these skin clearing gua sha movements to your skin care routine slowly, performing each stroke sequence 3-5, or even 10 times each depending on how much time you wish to dedicate. I personally enjoy doing my lymph clearing rituals in the morning to help set intentions for my day. It also leaves me the opportunity to drink plenty of water afterwards, which I might not want to do right before bed.

When choosing a gua sha stone tool, look for a defined “U” shaped notch, and slightly curved side to comfortably glide along the contours of the jaw and neck. The gua sha stones available in the Mindful Shop all fit perfectly into the palm of the hand and are designed to be versatile, and easy to use during your clearing protocols.

Bian gua sha:

Bian contains more than 40 minerals with elevated healing properties said to have resulted after a meteor stuck the side of a mountain in ancient China. Bian is known for its grounding, balancing, and purifying energy. It is said that bian has antioxidant and anti aging effects on our cells and DNA, and cleanses the aura while balancing energy in the body

Q: Do I need to use a facial oil for my gua sha routine?

A: Yes, a facial oil is necessary for practicing facial gua sha. A lotion or cream is not going to provide a long enough lasting glide for your gua sha stone.

Gua sha for acne prone skin tips:

• Use oils that contain sunflower, grapeseed or safflower oil that are lightweight oils high in linoleic acid that help to replenish the omega 6 content in the sebum which has been shown to help congested skin and create more fluidity in the skin’s sebum. Sea berry balancing Oil, Herbal Clarifying Oil, And Ritual Oil can all be great acne-friendly options to use during a gua sha ritual.

• Incorporate your gua sha ritual earlier in your skincare routine so the oils used can be washed off. Follow up your ritual wish a double cleanse and continue with the remainder of your skincare routine. Alternatively sometimes you might also apply a face mask after your gua sha routine (clay masks will have added stimulating benefits) that would then be washed off and followed up with the remainder of your skincare routine too.

The Takeaway:

Facial gua sha can be beneficial for those with acne prone skin. Gua sha, lymphatic drainage and other forms of facial massage are supportive methods to alleviate stagnation and move toxins away from the face. The slow, repetitive movements may also help activate the parasympathetic nervous system and bring rest and restoration to a mind and body overcome with “fight or flight” stresses. But remember encouraging lymphatic movement is only one piece of the puzzle, and not meant to be maintenance for lifestyles, diet, or alcohol consumption that may affect the appearance of the skin (puffiness/acne). Lymph re-enters the bloodstream, goes to the liver and can potentially stay in circulation right back up and around the body (like you’re sitting in dirty bath water). The only way to truly eliminate toxins and excess fluid below the surface is through an alkaline, colorful, healing diet and lifestyle that supports hydration and the body’s natural cleansing abilities.

Are you creating flow within your body, or are you creating blockages physically, emotionally and energetically?

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