How To Clean Gua Sha Tools
Gua sha facial massage is wildly popular in the world of skincare, but properly cleaning your tools is critical to a safe, effective experience. Whether you’re new to this anti-aging technique or a seasoned pro, you’ll want to know how to keep your tools in great shape. Join us to learn how to best care for your gua sha instruments and why it matters.
Importance of cleaning your gua sha tools
Traditional Chinese medicine has incorporated gua sha for centuries to treat everything from body pain to head colds. These days, it’s a popular way to maintain a youthful appearance. However, caring for your tools is as important as ever.
Just as skincare experts recommend regularly washing your makeup brushes, they also suggest keeping your gua sha tools clean. Here are a few reasons why.
Help your gua sha tools last longer
Over time, your tools can accumulate gunk, which will affect their functionality. For example, inexpensive gua sha rollers may begin to rust, inhibiting their ability to glide over your skin. Traditional stones can also suffer from built-up grime. Impurities on the surface can form a film that’s hard to remove.
Remove oil and other product buildup
Both the natural oils on your skin and the facial oils you use during gua sha massage can collect dust, dirt, and debris. If you don’t clean your tools after each use, they’ll easily transfer these impurities to your skin. Since you’ll use these tools directly on your face, it’s critical to keep them clean and sanitary to avoid introducing these materials into your pores.
Cleanse away bacteria and dirt
Bacteria and other impurities can quickly cause painful, unsightly breakouts. Excessive oils and nasty germs can also clog your pores. For a safe and health-conscious gua sha routine, proper cleaning is essential.
How to clean your gua sha
The material of your gua sha tools will determine the methods you use to clean them. Here are a few of the top techniques to choose from.
Use mild soap and water
Many people find that a mild soap is robust enough to remove dirt and oils from gua sha tools without damage. You might use a soft, clean toothbrush or sponge to scrub the surface, especially if your tool has nooks and crannies like a comb on one side.
However, these smooth stones can become very slippery when wet and even harder to handle once soap hits the surface. You’ll need to be very careful as you wash it, as these fragile minerals are prone to breakage. If you’re concerned about dropping your gua sha tool, consider a long soak in warm water followed by a once-over with a dry washcloth.
Disinfect with alcohol
To ensure your gua sha tool is free of harmful bacteria, you might want to spritz it with alcohol. A 70% rubbing alcohol solution is powerful enough to kill germs but shouldn’t damage your stone or metal tools. Allow the substance to sit for a few minutes before drying with a clean towel.
Cleanse in boiling water (if metal)
Metal tools tend to be more hardy than stone or wood varieties. Additionally, they can withstand more powerful cleaning techniques. After you’ve removed any gunk from the surface, you can boil metal tools for several minutes to kill any lingering bacteria.
Use a UV light cleaner
A UV light is another way to sanitize your gua sha tools. After a warm-water wash with dish soap, expose your tools to a UV device for a blast of antibacterial light. This will help ensure they’re completely clean.
Tips for long-lasting gua sha tools
Proper maintenance is vital for the longevity of your tools. Here are a few easy tips to help you get the best results and the longest lifespan out of your gua sha devices.
Clean based on the material
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning gua sha tools. In fact, the materials they’re made of will make a big difference in the method you choose. Warm water, dish soap, a damp sponge, and a clean towel are all you need to cleanse most varieties.
However, if you choose porous wooden tools, you must seal them with oil to avoid excessive moisture and bacterial build-up. When you purchase your tools, be sure to save any instructions included for future reference.
Store in a plastic bag
When not in use, you can store your gua sha tools in a plastic bag or other airtight containers to keep them from collecting dust and debris. Many experts recommend keeping them out of direct sunlight to avoid damage over time.
Always clean gua sha tools after use
Dirty gua sha tools pose a risk to the appearance and overall health of your skin. Furthermore, as oils and dirt accumulate on your stones, they’ll form a film that’s particularly hard to remove. Keep your tools in excellent condition by cleaning them as soon as you finish using them.
Let Vian Aesthetics help you reach your skincare goals
At Vian Aesthetics, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve the best skin of their lives! If you’re curious about gua sha or interested in other anti-aging facial treatments, we can help guide you in the right direction.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment to get started!
