What is a kansa wand?
A kansa wand is a wooden-handled tool with a tip made of kansa metala material made of copper and tin. In fact, the kansa wand predates the jade roller. According to Michelle Ranavat, founder of the Ayurvedic skincare line, , the kansa wand originated in the kitchen. Originally Kansa (the metal) was used in the kitchen as a drinking glass because it purified the water inside and as a plate because the acidity in the food would balance leading to better digestion, Ranavat explains, noting that, eventually people started discovering the benefits on the skin through massage and the rest is history!
How do you use a kansa wand?
If youve used a jade roller or any other facial massage tool, using a kansa wand wont feel too unfamiliar. A kansa wand should be used with a serum or oil so it doesnt tug at the skin. In India they use a saffron-infused serum, Ranavat explainsthe tradition inspired the brands saffron-infused , but anything in your medicine cabinet will suffice. She recommends that you start by moving in circular motions around the eye sockets, then figure eights across the forehead, and finally upward strokes across the jaw area.
If your oil turns grey as you massage, dont panic. The grey is a chemical reaction between the metal and the acid content on the skin as it heals (called oxidation), Ranavat explains, noting that you can simply use a gentle cleanser after to wash it away.
Is using a kansa wand safe?
A kansa wand is a harmless skincare technique to try. The only contradictions for using a kansa wand would be, if you are allergic to metals (i.e you get rashy from costume jewelry), explains Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and a Women's Health advisory board member.
On the whole, Dr. Gohara approves of the trend towards at-home tool usage. People are learning that genuinely good skin-care requires daily commitment, Dr. Gohara says, noting that shes glad to see people move away from the thinking that one magical cream or procedure will be a cure-all. As a dermatologist who recognizes the complexities of a beauty routine, I applaud this type of devotion.
How does a kansa wand work?
Even though modern technology has bestowed us with many high-tech dermatological treatments, the humble facial massage is having a major moment. We already know that facial massage can help reduce puffiness, give the face a lifted appearance (at least temporarily) and, by bringing oxygen to the skin, helps to boost glow. The simple physical action of facial massage helps reduce tension (hello, clenched jaws and eyes constantly strained looking at screens).
Facial massage also encourages lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is the bodys natural detoxification system. There are lymph nodes all over our faces and when they become blocked, its thought that it can result in a lackluster complexion, or even breakouts. Your lymphatic system is the drainage system of your body, explains Martha Soffer, founder of , but, it doesnt have its own pump like the circulatory system does, so you need to help it flow through breath, movement, and manual stimulation (such as using the kansa wand). By using the kansa wand to drain lymph, youre stimulating your skins own natural healing abilities, which means bouncier, firmer, brighter, and more lifted skin.
And while jade rollers and hands are certainly effective, it turns out there is an extra perk that comes with the use of a kansa wand thanks to the metal referenced in its name. Because the metal is alkaline, when you use a kansa wand for facial massage it can apparently help balance the skins pH. Ideal skin pH contributes to maximal hydration, minimal inflammation, and of course prevention against aging. This is obviously a cherry on top to the benefits of facial massage, explains Dr. Gohara.