Actor Song Joong-ki (41) has enthusiastically recommended gua sha massage.
In a recent video on Harper’s Bazaar’s YouTube channel promoting the film Bogotá, Song Joong-ki revealed the contents of his bag, which included a gua sha massage tool.
Song shared that he was influenced by actress Kim Ji-won, a fellow artist at the same agency, and has incorporated gua sha massage into his routine.
“I didn’t know much about gua sha initially, but Kim Ji-won told me it was great, so I tried it whenever I visited the office. I realized, ‘Ah, this is why everyone’s into gua sha.’ It became fun, and I found it energizing to use it on my nose and forehead in the morning,” he said.
Actor Lee Hee-joon, who was with him, complimented Song’s flawless pores, saying, “Song Joong-ki really has no pores,” to which Song humbly responded, “I’m getting older now,” with a laugh.
While gua sha massage promotes blood circulation and clearer skin, it’s not suitable for everyone.
Excessive force during gua sha massage can harm the skin, especially for those with delicate or thin skin layers, making it prone to bruising. Using tools made from ceramic, silver, or wood also requires caution. Ceramic tools can break during use, potentially causing skin injuries, while wooden tools need proper disinfection to prevent bacterial growth. Using wooden tools without adequate care may lead to secondary skin infections like dermatitis.
Those with metal allergies should avoid metal gua sha tools, as they can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Additionally, individuals with facial dermatitis or severe acne should use gua sha cautiously, as the lubricants or oils used during the massage may worsen skin conditions or clog pores, exacerbating acne.
If you have any facial injuries or open wounds, it’s best to avoid gua sha massage altogether.