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Do You Have Unrealistic Expectations of Gua Sha Massage?

Gua sha massage has gained popularity for its many benefits, from boosting lymphatic drainage to enhancing natural facial contours. Practitioners of this Traditional Chinese Medicine technique use a smooth-edged tool to gently stimulate circulation and release tension, supporting healthy, glowing skin.

While gua sha can be highly effective, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. In this article, we’ll explore some common misconceptions, so you’ll know what gua sha can genuinely deliver and how you can maximise its benefits for your skin and overall well-being.

Misconception #1: Instant Results

Although the gua sha massage utilises a crystal or stone, it isn’t a magic stone — there aren’t instant results when it comes to real contouring or wrinkle reduction. To see results, you will have to do this massage regularly to experience results that last.

That being said, if you’re looking to reduce facial bloating, the gua sha massage can help provide instant, yet temporary reduction in facial puffiness right after your treatment session.

Misconception #2: Complete Elimination of Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Gua sha massage can provide a natural smoothing effect by increasing blood circulation and stimulating collagen and elastin production. With consistent use, this can, to a certain extent, smoothen fine lines and wrinkles. However, expecting gua sha to completely eliminate wrinkles and fine lines is unrealistic.

Misconception #3: Permanent Skin Tightening

Unfortunately, gua sha massage cannot offer permanent skin tightening, though it is safe for long term use. However, it can create a temporary lifted appearance by triggering lymphatic drainage and increasing blood circulation in the face. This can create instant facial contouring effects by reducing puffiness and pulling the skin upwards.

If you’re looking for a treatment that can permanently tighten the skin for a more lifted appearance, you can consider the 120-minute Trilift Face Treatment — a triple-threat solution to ageing skin using 3 well-loved medical aesthetic technologies, Radiofrequency (RF), HIgh Intensity Microfocused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Local Dynamic Micromassage (LDM). These treatments use targeted thermal and ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production to improve skin elasticity, while minimising fine lines and wrinkles.

Misconception #4: Weight Loss or Facial Slimming

Although Gua sha’s lymphatic drainage properties (reduce fluid retention) can depuff the face and create the appearance of a slimmer face, this effect would be temporary. Gua sha,it should be noted, cannot help with weight loss itself.

If you’re looking to achieve a more permanent V-shaped face, you can consider the Liftera V-Face HIFU Treatment. This 60-minute treatment uses HIFU and TDT technology to reach deep layers of the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production for a tighter, lifted face. It was also voted one of Singapore’s best double chin removal treatments because of its ability to tighten saggy jowls and minimise the double chin.

Misconception #5: Complete Rejuvenation

Gua sha massages are a good option for getting a refreshed glow and improved circulation. It is also especially suitable for eye bags. However, it cannot completely turn back time and reverse ageing. For complete rejuvenation, you may need to look into other treatments or energy-based devices that target deeper layers of the skin.

Misconception # 6: One-Size-Fits-All

We’re all different, and because of this, gua sha isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. We may experience different skin conditions and concerns, and have different skin types and face shapes — all of which contribute to how we respond to a gua sha treatment. For some, a bojin treatment would be a better fit. While both treatments similarly involve the use of a tool to scrape the skin, they both differ in their specific benefits.

Before any treatment, it’s important to undergo a consultation to ensure your suitability and to allow your therapist to recommend a treatment plan that would benefit you most.

What Gua Sha Can Do

While there may be some unrealistic expectations about gua sha massage, it still offers a variety of benefits to our face and skin. Its lymphatic drainage and promotion of blood circulation. helps soften fine lines and reduce puffiness in the face instantly, making it ideal skin repair and maintenance.

SkinLab offers an elevated variation of the gua sha massage, the Gua Sha Facial & Gua Sha Eye treatment — amplifying the effects of these well-loved traditional scraping techniques with modern science for better lifting and contouring results.

This 90-minute, holistic east-meets-west treatment offers the following benefits:

Evens out skin texture
Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
Increases blood circulation
Releases facial muscle tension
Lifts and contours the face
Stimulates collagen and elastin production

Gua Sha Massage in Singapore

While gua sha is not a miracle treatment, it is still a powerful tool and undoubtedly enhances our skincare routine, offering instant facial depuffing and releasing tension in the face.

If Gua Sha isn’t your perfect fit, that’s okay. There are plenty of aesthetic treatments that can help you achieve your skin goals — from collagen-boosting therapies to advanced skin rejuvenation options. Schedule a consultation with our experienced therapists today for a comprehensive skin analysis and personalised treatment plan.