Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lana Mar Summer Skin Rituals have officially commenced at Soho Beach House, exclusively available to members. Curated by Celebrity Esthetician Lana Mar of the Skin Sports Society, guests were warmly welcomed to the Cowshed Spa, boasting a charming country-style ambiance. As guests were greeted and direction the spa room, the delightful scent of lavender filled the air, and a refreshing glass of crisp rosé was offered, setting the stage for a truly transformative experience.

Before indulging in the array of treatments and techniques, such as the herbal eye compress, hot stone facial lymphatic drainage, cryo toning, and sculpting massage, Lana Mar took guests on an educational journey exploring ancient face treatments from around the world. Members had the unique opportunity to not only learn about the benefits but also experience these treatments firsthand, gaining valuable insights into their efficacy. To further enhance their experience, each guest received a goodie bag filled with luxury organic skincare products and a Gua Sha tool, adding a special touch to their skincare regimen.

Embarking on this journey, we traveled back in time, diving into the ancient techniques hailing from various countries and spanning thousands of years. Despite the continuous advancement of skincare technology, there is an undeniable allure to the simplicity and effectiveness of these time-honored tools that have captured the attention of social media. Their enduring popularity suggests that they hold inherent wisdom and remarkable benefits. Starting our historical exploration, we focus on India and China, where we discovered two facial tools that have gained tremendous popularity in recent years — the Indian Kansa wand and the Gua Sha.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lana Mar

The Indian Kansa Wand

The fascinating qualities of the Indian Kansa wand uncover the reasons behind its magical ability to balance pH levels. The spiritual benefits of this tool hold great significance in Ayurvedic Medicine. The Kansa wand is highly regarded for its capacity to harmonize the three Doshas: Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire), and Kapha (Water). These Doshas represent vital energies in the body that influence overall health and well-being.

In the past, people recognized the remarkable properties of copper and utilized copper cups and plates to aid digestion and reduce the acidity of specific foods. As water filtration systems were not yet available, they drank water from copper mugs to effectively eliminate acid, toxins, and bacteria. Over time, the application of Kansa directly to the skin gained popularity due to its extensive healing benefits.

Skin that exhibits elevated acid content or congestion may result in sensitivity, premature aging, wrinkles, inflammation, or acne. The Kansa Wand serves as an exceptional solution, capable of plumping the skin, softening fine lines, depuffing the eyes, firming the jawline and cheekbones, and facilitating the lymphatic system’s detoxification process. Through the alkaline properties of copper and tin, the Kansa wand effectively balances the skin’s pH. A Kansa wand massage provides a natural facelift by reducing puffiness and promoting a radiant complexion through increased oxygenated blood flow and nourishment of the skin cells.

It’s important to note that during the Kansa wand treatment, the skin may temporarily turn grey due to a harmless chemical reaction between the metal and the skin’s acidity. Rest assured, this is a normal occurrence and can be easily addressed by gently cleansing the face with a mild cleanser and water.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lana Mar

The Ancient Practice of Gua Sha

Let’s explore the ancient practice of Gua Sha, which has experienced tremendous popularity on social media, especially during the pandemic. While the precise origins of Gua Sha are still debated, its earliest recorded use dates back approximately 700 years ago during the Ming Dynasty.

Facial exercises have been part of beauty practices for centuries, but the advent of social media has led to an abundance of self-proclaimed experts. Unfortunately, about 90% of the techniques showcased on social media platforms are incorrect and can potentially cause skin conditions or even trauma. Many Gua Sha demonstrations depict techniques intended for the body being applied to the face at a 90-degree angle, resulting in muscle scraping, micro-tears, and damage to the delicate facial tissues.

Jade, a popular stone used for Gua Sha, reduces inflammation and offers soothing and cooling benefits. Historically, it was applied to stop bleeding in women after childbirth by placing the stone on their lower abdomen. It also has been used to heal wounds, scratches, irritations, and scars. When used correctly, Gua Sha can even benefit certain organs in the body. A Gua Sha is a healing tool that should be held flat against the skin, applying mild to medium pressure with slow and deliberate movements. Therefore, scraping the skin at an angle takes away the true essence of Gua Sha. The main purpose is to reduce swelling, drain fluids, and sculpt and define the face. Scarping your skin is unnecessary to alleviate tension.

To support the importance of using Gua Sha correctly, a study published in the Nagoya Journal of Medical Studies in Japan examined the thickness of facial and body muscles using ultrasound. The research involved 105 participants of various age groups and found that body muscles were between 32-36 mm thick, while facial muscles measured 13.29-16.31 mm. This study emphasizes that facial muscles are significantly thinner than body muscles, highlighting the need for gentle and appropriate techniques. Unfortunately, the rise of unprofessional tutorials on Instagram has popularized incorrect scraping methods, deviating from traditional Chinese medicine practices.

As we explore the ancient skincare techniques, let us remember the value of these time-honored tools. While modern skincare technology continues to evolve, we are drawn to the simplicity, effectiveness, and wisdom found in practices that have endured for centuries. By respecting the traditions and using these tools correctly, we can enhance our skincare routines and embrace the benefits they offer.