


IT HASN’T BEEN a movement per se; there was no viral catalyst, TikTok trend or even a specific product that drove the shift. Rather, it’s been a quiet beauty realignment over the last decade, gently pulling the aesthetic focus away from European spas and LA doctors’ offices and towards the influence of the East.
The shift gained momentum in the COVID era, when we suddenly had time for Korean 10-step routines and the curiosity to seek out snail mucin-infused products to add to our remit. But after the cupboards were well-stocked with K-beauty products and faces were sufficiently glassy, the collective attention turned elsewhere in the quest for perfect skin. Enter in-clinic treatments that go beyond waterfall music and double cleansing to demonstrably help sculpt and shape the face. We had finally arrived at a place that our Eastern neighbours had inhabited for thousands of years: a holistic injectable-free approach that focused on true skin wellness.
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Try Korean face massage and Golki therapy
April Brodie, one of Australia’s most respected integrated facialists, launched her two-hour ‘Golki Fusion’ facial after a trip to South Korea. Golki, meaning ‘bone energy’, is a facial massage technique that focuses on bone structure and the connective tissues to offer structural harmony to the face, rejuvenating it from the core to give lasting, profound results. “The precision of Golki is what sets it apart,” says Brodie. “By applying intentional pressure to specific facial points, it realigns bones, enhances symmetry and naturally boosts blood circulation, promoting a lifted, youthful appearance.”
Brodie’s interpretation is a skincare journey fine- tuned over four years’ development. It marries the Golki technique with other advanced practices — both eastern and western — including a four-part cleanse, lymphatic drainage, gentle brushwork for a nervous system reset, coupled with massage and LED. Not only is the treatment unique, but as Brodie says, it introduces clients to the transformative power of Asian skincare philosophies, reinvigorating the market by offering efficacy and a refreshed perspective.
“In Korea, beauty is regarded as an art form, with a focus on a comprehensive and proactive approach; meticulous multi-step routines emphasise prevention and the goal is long-term skin wellness,” says Brodie. “[By] using these techniques, I now offer a holistic and comprehensive treatment that promises not just relaxation, but transformative rejuvenation” — which is, exactly where the cultural barometer is pointing.
Invest in facial acupuncture
It’s been heralded as “natural Botox”, which is why facial acupuncture has gained popularity more recently. However, the therapy has been used for thousands of years over a wide range of applications, both health and cosmetic. Barbara Choy, founder and wellness curator at MO+ in Sydney’s Bondi Junction, explains: “Facial rejuvenation is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been recorded as far back as the Song Dynasty [960-1279 AD], where the Chinese empresses used acupuncture techniques for various health concerns as well as cosmetic purposes”.
This ancient form of medicine uses thin needles inserted into meridian points of the body to induce healing and restore balance for optimal health. When applied to the face — specifically, dynamic wrinkles — the techniques and philosophy are the same; what differs is the size and placement of the needles. “For facial acupuncture, the needles used on the skin are super fine and will be inserted to follow the lines on the face that we are trying to smooth out,” Choy explains. This helps with blood flow, elasticity and collagen production.
Choy, who is of Chinese-Australian heritage, notes that the demand for these types of hybrid Chinese medicine treatments has increased over the last decade, with customers wanting a more natural approach to skin rejuvenation. Her curation of treatment offerings at MO+ reflects her own beauty philosophies, preferring prevention over cure and traditional medicines rooted in centuries of ancient knowledge and wisdom. And now, consumers are meeting her there.
“Younger Gen X and older Gen Y are more educated, travelled and open to value diversity — they’re not scared to investigate what is considered as alternative eastern medicine [when] looking for … natural or fusion remedies,” she says.
While facial acupuncture doesn’t paralyse the muscles in the same way wrinkle relaxers do, it helps them relax naturally. This, in turn, helps prevent dynamic lines transitioning into permanent ones. It can also help boost microcirculation and deliver more oxygen into the cells, slowing cell ageing. Choy says a typical appointment would begin with a consultation, followed by a light cleanse, then the insertion of needles into the target areas, where they’re left for about 20 minutes. LED is often used in conjunction with the acupuncture to help the recovery process and, once the needles are removed, the therapist will add some hyaluronic acid and finish with a gentle facial gua sha. The recommendation is an initial four to six treatments over two months, with monthly maintenance appointments thereafter.
Practice a scalp gua sha routine
It’s not just faces having all the fun — the next wave of treatments set to hit your feed is all about the head. Salons across Australia have begun to offer Japanese head spa treatments: a luxurious scalp experience that incorporates cleansing, exfoliation, massage, deep hydration and aromatherapy, often while lying flat in a darkened room, facial style. While this may sound in equal parts OTT and utterly incredible, there is a physiological benefit to scalp massage.
It’s for this reason that board-certified trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, Helen Reavey, has included a scalp gua sha tool in her collection. “The skin on your scalp ages six times faster than the skin on your face and the scalp gua sha tool promotes microcirculation, which enhances the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles, supporting their health and function,” she explains. Additionally, it helps to break down excess sebum and product build-up and improves the absorption of scalp treatments — not to mention releasing tension and feeling amazing.
A scalp gua sha can be used daily but, like facial gua sha, it’s best paired with a treatment oil to increase slip. Reavey advises: “Begin at the base of your scalp and apply gentle pressure, moving the tool in circular motions across the scalp. You don’t want to press too hard or rub aggressively, as this can cause discomfort or damage your scalp.” She suggests working systematically through the hair in sections to ensure the entire scalp is stimulated.
How do you gua sha correctly?
“Investing in a high-quality gua sha tool can significantly elevate your skincare routine,” says Brodie. “And choosing a genuine stone ensures you reap the full benefits of this traditional practice.” These are the expert’s top tips for DIY success.
1. Select genuine gua sha stones
Stones and crystal tools feel cool to touch, have visible imperfections and will feel weightier in the hand, whereas glass will be more uniform.
Tailoring the tool is important, too. Rose quartz is known for its calming and soothing properties, is ideal for sensitive skin and believed to promote self-love and healing. Meanwhile, jade (Nephrite or Xiuyan) is traditionally prized for its balancing and calming energy. It’s also associated with detoxifying and harmonising the skin, promoting overall wellbeing. Nephrite jade is denser and tougher than other stones, making it suitable for frequent use.
2. Use a face oil
Prevent pulling the skin by working with a soothing face oil that will increase slip. Using upward strokes and gentle pressure is also key. It’s al best practice to start at the neck, which is the vital connection between the face and body. “Starting here ensures energy and fluids move properly, creating a balanced foundation for your facial routine,” says Brodie.
3. Avoid irritation and keep equipment clean
Don’t use the stones on broken or inflamed skin and avoid acne-affected areas, and ensure you clean your gua sha tool before and after each use to prevent skin conditions such as sensitivity and breakouts.
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A version of this article originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia / New Zealand.