Beauty
Combat that tech neck.
Bella Hadid-inspired jaw-highlightingmay be trending onTikTok, but some skin care enthusiasts prefer more traditional techniques for face sculpting.
Their go-to for jawline definition?
The centuries-old practice of using gua sha tools.
Joshua Zeichner, M.D.,a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Bustle.
Gua sha drains the skin of excess fluids, which in turn, emphasizes the faces natural contours.
But the old-school facial gadget does even more than tone the face.
And that is where gua sha comes in as a remedy to help combat the dreadedtech neck.
Interested in highlighting your jaw the old-fashioned way?
Read on for an expert guide.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle’s editorial team.
What Is The Gua Sha Tool?
Gua sha is an ancient toolrooted in Chinese medicineand has applications beyond aesthetics.
Gua sha is more than a facial or skin care tool.
Its great for self-care,Dr.
How Does Gua Sha On The Jawline Work?
According to Ooi, jawlines naturally sag as we age.
So how can gua sha help?
Wu notes that the gua sha tool is especially beneficial if the issue stems frominflammation and/or puffiness.
Next, apply light to medium pressure (not hard!)
with the tool at a 30 to 45 degree angle facing away from the skin.
Wiggle the gua sha to stimulate thetriple warmer meridian, Ooi says, referencing TCM.
This movement will help relax the face, resulting in the correction of its alignment.
Next, gently glide the gua sha down the sides of the neck, stopping at the collarbone.
Wu and Ooi suggest sliding over each area at least five or six times to achieve maximum results.
And while this motion isnt necessarily sculpting, relieving the jawline of excess stress is certainly a welcome benefit.
Studies referenced:
Kunizawa, N. (2006).
A study on neck skin physiology and its tool to development of cosmetics.
Explore (New York, N.Y.), 3(5), 456466.
PloS one, 10(2), e0117146.
