Can gua sha cause purging?

Author: Isidro O'Connell  |  Last update: Friday, July 4, 2025

Q: Can gua sha massage cause breakouts? If you are not used to facial massage and/or using face oils or facebalms, you can experience a few breakouts for the first 2-3 weeks of doing gua sha. It's perfectly normal and it will subside again as long as you continue the gua sha massage at least 3-4 times a week.

Does gua sha make your skin purge?

While it may not be the top-of-mind solution for treating acne and discoloration, facial gua sha can really make a difference. Gua sha stirs up stagnant lymph in your facial tissues. This increased movement causes your skin to detoxify. Keep in mind, with any kind of purge, the “gunk” must come to the surface.

What are the negative effects of gua sha?

The most common side effect of gua sha is minor bruising, which is, in fact, part of the point of the process. The bruises can last a few days or a few weeks, depending on the person's overall health, skin tone and natural healing processes.

Why do I get pimples after face massage?

Massage obviously includes lots of touch. Depending on how sensitive your skin is to irritation, massage can potentially disrupt the delicate balance in the pores, which can cause temporary pore damage and may cause inflammation.

How to do gua sha without breaking out?

2. Cleanse your face and apply any serum, face oil or moisturiser of your choice. Your skin should be slippery with some product to prevent the Gua Sha from causing any irritation.

PURGING OR IRRITATION? | Esthetician Explains How to Identify and Treat Both Conditions

How long does gua sha breakout last?

If you are not used to facial massage and/or using face oils or facebalms, you can experience a few breakouts for the first 2-3 weeks of doing gua sha. It's perfectly normal and it will subside again as long as you continue the gua sha massage at least 3-4 times a week.

Should people with acne use gua sha?

Gua Sha facials can help with mild acne by improving circulation, lymphatic drainage, and reducing inflammation, but they may not be effective for more severe types of acne.

Is it normal for skin to purge after a facial?

Facials include steam, exfoliation, extractions, custom-tailored treatments, masks, and massage. All of which is to help achieve a healthier, brighter, smoother, and clearer appearance. Unfortunately, some may experience post-facial breakouts, and it's a perfectly normal process for certain skin types!

What is lymphatic acne?

When the lymph system is blocked and fluid is building then your skin can be what suffers. As the toxins are stuck under the skin around the neck and jawline it can cause large breakouts of acne.

Can jade rollers make you break out?

As with any skincare tool, too much buildup on your jade roller can cause acne and irritation –– thanks, but no thanks. Eschew the icky nasties, and clean the roller after each use to keep moisturizers, body oils, and bacteria from accumulating.

What to not do after gua sha?

Keep Warm: What generally happens after a Gua sha treatment is that the body sweats and it is important to be aware that you need to protect the area from aspects of the weather e.g. keep the area warm and dry, avoid being directly in the wind and avoid a cold shower for a few hours.

Does gua sha really release toxins?

Studies show that when done correctly, gua sha can release chemicals that improve blood flow, lessen toxins, reduce pain, and promote healing in the area. Gua sha may be able to help with issues such as: Tight muscles. Swelling.

Do gua shas actually work for jawline?

Does facial gua sha actually work? The jury's still out on this one. Since it's relatively new to the world of beauty, so far there's no conclusive evidence that proves its efficacy.

What is skin purging?

“Skin purging” is a term some people use to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skin care product, such as a retinoid. However, there are no scientific studies on this topic. Dryness, flaking, or peeling are well-known side effects of some skin care ingredients, such as retinoids.

Does gua sha age your skin?

Dr. Shende says that Gua Sha may help with anti-aging to some extent by promoting better circulation, enhancing lymphatic drainage, and stimulating collagen production, all of which may contribute to a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion.

What does lymphatic clogging feel like?

What are the symptoms of lymphoedema? The main signs and symptoms of lymphoedema are: swelling in your arm, leg or other affected area — clothes, shoes or jewellery may seem tighter than usual. a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area.

What clogged gland causes acne?

Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and oil (sebaceous) glands that become clogged. This leads to pimples and cysts.

How to stop skin purging immediately?

If the skin purging stage is really troublesome, it can be helpful to decrease the frequency of your actives by alternating days of use. Stick with it - in time, things will likely improve. When the frequency of new spots starts to reduce, increase the frequency of your actives again.

Does glycolic acid make you purge?

Glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient that can provide numerous benefits for the skin, but it can also cause skin purging, redness, and burning if used improperly. Here are some tips to prevent these side effects when using glycolic acid: It starts with a lower-concentration product and uses it once or twice a week.

Is it normal to break out 2 weeks after a facial?

It's also normal to have a breakout in the form of pimples or rashes after a facial treatment. It's the skin's external way to detoxify, ridding itself of toxins and impurities to reveal a more luminous skin.

Why is my gua sha making me break out?

This is not acne but rather a temporary reaction. The Skin Purging Process: Skin purging occurs as Gua Sha stimulates circulation, lymphatic drainage, and the detoxification of the skin. This process can temporarily bring impurities to the surface, leading to the appearance of small blemishes.

Is there a wrong way to use gua sha?

Alright, now let's talk about best practices and gua sha tool mistakes to avoid.
  1. Don't Use Your Gua Sha Tool On Dry Skin. ...
  2. Avoid Applying Too Much Pressure. ...
  3. You're Not Moving Your Gua Sha Tool In The Right Direction. ...
  4. Avoid Holding Your Gua Sha Tool at the Wrong Angle. ...
  5. Your Not Using Your Hands.

What will happen if I use gua sha everyday?

You should see smoother and more contoured skin, especially when performing Gua Sha daily. Congratulations, now you have another holistic healing practice to incorporate into your skin care ritual!

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