Gua Sha and face cupping are both popular at home facial treatments used to promote blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and enhance a youthful plump appearance. However, when it comes to sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, and acne there are specific considerations and precautions to ensure that these methods are effective and do not cause further irritation or damage.
When you suffer from sensitive skin conditions your skins barrier function is compromised. This makes your skin more sensitive to external stimuli, pressure, or friction. Please bear that in mind before you start gua sha or face cupping.
And like anything else you introduce at home, patch test! Before using any new tool or product, do a patch test to ensure that your skin does not react.
But first, a quick overview.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese technique that involves gently running a smooth-edged tool (often made of jade or quartz) over the skin. The process is believed to stimulate circulation, release tension, and promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area.
What is Face Cupping
Face cupping uses small suction cups on the face to promote circulation, reduce puffiness, and encourage lymphatic drainage. This practice is a modified version of traditional cupping therapy, which has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and other cultures to treat various health conditions.
Gua Sha or Face Cupping with AMPERNA® Products
“Only use gua sha or face cupping when the skin is not in an inflamed state.” Kiri, AMPERNA® founder and owner states.
The biggest advice when it comes to using these techniques is to ensure your skin is well hydrated and moisturised. You need to have enough slip on the skin for easy motion of the gua sha or suction cup.
Oils is what you will mostly see used on social media videos, (more on that below) however if you are prone to sensitive skin we have a simple AMPERNA® regime for you.
STEP 1: Cleanse your skin using [BALANCE] Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleansing and cool water.
STEP 2: Spray your face and decolletage with [SUPACALM] Probiotic+ SOS Daily Facial Spray and gently press the product into the skin.
STEP 3: Apply a generous amount of [REPAIR] Pro+ Vitamin C Serum
STEP 4: Start your Gua Sha or Face Cupping process. Reapply the [REPAIR] serum if you feel your skin needs more product.
STEP 5: Once you have finished your Gua Sha or Face Cupping, apply the Soothing Duo to seal your skin with high quality hydration and soothing products your skin needs.
STEP 5: And if you are heading outdoors, apply [HYDRAPROTECT] Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15
Why Using Oil Might Not Be the Best for Your Skin
While oil can be helpful for gua sha and face cupping, using it improperly or with the wrong type of product can potentially cause skin issues. If you are concerned about skin reactions or suffer from sensitive skin, consider using a smaller amount of oil or exploring alternatives, like the AMPERNA® regime mentioned above.
Here are some of the potential issues with using oil for gua sha or face cupping.
- Clogged Pores - Heavy or comedogenic oils can contribute to breakouts, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. For example, oils like coconut oil or olive oil can be too thick and may block pores, leading to blackheads, pimples, or other skin issues.
- Excess Oil Build-up - After performing gua sha or face cupping with oil, there may be excess left on the skin, making it feel greasy. If not thoroughly cleaned off, this oil could mix with dirt and impurities, leading to clogged pores and skin congestion.
- Skin Sensitivity or Allergies - Some oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly if they contain fragrances or certain active ingredients that do not suit your skin. Essential oils, for example, may be too potent and lead to irritation or redness, especially on the delicate skin of the face.
Precaution for Acne-prone skin with Gua Sha or Face Cupping
- Increased Spread of Bacteria - If the gua sha tool or suction cup is not cleaned properly, it can transfer bacteria or dirt from one area of the skin to another, again, potentially causing more breakouts.
- Excess Oil Production - If oil is used during these techniques or the skin is too sensitive, it can clog pores, especially if a heavy or comedogenic oil is used. This may exacerbate acne overall.
While gua sha and face cupping can offer benefits like improved circulation and reduced puffiness for acne-prone skin, they should be done with care. Focus on non-inflamed areas, use gentle pressure, and ensure tools are cleaned thoroughly to avoid worsening acne. If you have severe acne or cystic acne, it is always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before introducing new skincare treatments.
Precaution for Rosacea-prone skin with Gua Sha or Face Cupping
- Gentle Pressure - Use light pressure when performing gua sha or face cupping on rosacea-prone skin. Strong scraping motions or suction can aggravate rosacea skin further.
- Avoid Overuse - Limit the frequency of gua sha or face cupping. Over-stimulation can lead to increased redness or irritation, so use it sparingly and monitor your skin’s reaction.
It is essential to avoid over-stimulation, focus on non-inflamed areas, and use the right tools and products. Start slowly and monitor how your skin reacts to ensure these techniques do not aggravate your condition.
Precaution for Perioral Dermatitis-prone skin with Gua Sha or Face Cupping
- Gentle Pressure - Always apply gentle pressure with the gua sha or face cupping tool. Aggressive scraping or suction can lead to irritation, especially if you have perioral dermatitis, which makes your skin more sensitive. Light strokes are key to avoid over-stimulating the skin.
- Choose the Right Tools - Use a smooth-edged gua sha tool (preferably made from jade or rose quartz) to prevent any roughness that could irritate sensitive skin.
During the flared stage of perioral dermatitis, you are best to avoid doing any gua sha or face cupping treatments. Direct manipulation of inflamed skin can worsen the irritation and lead to more severe flare-ups.
