I know a thing or two about facials—I even have some strong opinions about collagen face masks and laser treatments. One of the reasons I planned my trip to Seoul was to visit a famed spa known for its advanced skincare techniques and K-drama celebrities as regular clients. So when I saw a TikTok video that described a treatment in LA as “gua sha on steroids,” I couldn’t resist.
The $108 service is available at JY Beauty in San Gabriel. Owner Yajing Lu opened the shop in 2021 after six years of experience at local salons. Before launching her own business, Lu traveled to China for inspiration, incorporating ideas such as bojing, a traditional Chinese technique for stimulating the facial muscles, into her spa’s services. The menu lists it as “facial tendons,” but Lu explains through a translator that this is a direct translation from Chinese.
Lu said facial treatments can help refine facial contours, firm and lift the skin, reduce the appearance of pores and minimize wrinkles, such as marionette lines from the nose to the mouth. Overall, he said, they reduce the signs of aging.
This is all very close to the claims of face sculpting, another beauty trend that promises at least temporary skin-tightening effects.But Bojin goes beyond face sculpting, relying instead on a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that focuses on manipulating the body’s energy pathways.
A range of facial products used by JY Beauty, with Bojin facials also on the menu.
Yajing Lu massages the author as a nourishing facial mask is applied to her face during a Bojin facial at JY Beauty.
In Chinese medicine, these pathways, called meridians, are believed to carry chi, or vital energy, throughout the body, says Dr. Elizabeth Ko, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine and medical director of the UCLA Health Integrative Medicine Collaborative.
“A central tenet of traditional Chinese medicine is that blockages in the meridians lead to illness, pain and other health imbalances,” Ko says. “Similar to acupuncture, which uses fine needles, acupuncture uses sharp tools made from stones or horns to help free the flow of blocked chi.”
Bojing uses the same tools as gua sha, another TCM technique that uses a flat, smooth-edged scraper, usually made of jade or stone. Gua sha allows for a focused massage to release tension along the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia of the face and neck, allowing chi to flow properly through the meridians, restoring balance. Yu says Bojing allows for a more focused, precise treatment, increasing circulation and promoting lymphatic flow.
“The benefit of skin care is in clearer and healthier skin, and Bojin is a tool that may offer some benefit when combined with a comprehensive facial administered by a skilled aesthetician,” Ko said, adding that the risks are low, apart from slight pain from the sharp tools used.
Beyond these benefits, Yu says many clients also notice fewer dark circles around their eyes and brighter skin after the treatment.Interest in the treatment has skyrocketed on TikTok since Los Angeles-based beauty influencer Jing Zhang posted a “gua sha on steroids” video in January showing her getting the facial. The video has been viewed more than 2.6 million times, and Yu says it’s brought in new clients who frequently request “TikTok facials.”
“More people now know and love Bojin,” Yu said of the video.
JY Beauty’s 90-minute facial includes all the usual facial steps like cleansing, extraction, moisturizing, etc. There’s also a lymphatic facial massage section that includes the chest, neck, and shoulders.
There are picture frames on display at the entrance of JY Beauty.
Yajing Lu gives the author a lymphatic detox massage of the face and shoulders.
Yajing Lu applies a nourishing facial mask to the author’s face during a Bojin facial.
The treatment began with me changing into a gown that covered my armpits and exposed my shoulders and upper chest, then I lay down in a cozy room where Yu gave me a quick wash and set up a steam machine to help hydrate and open my pores.
Yu then used her fingers to give me a facial lymphatic massage, focusing on obvious areas like my jaw muscles, but also on less obvious ones like under my eyebrows. It became clear to me that I had been seriously neglecting these areas of my face. She applied slow, gentle pressure from my face to the lymph nodes in my neck and down to my chest. Not only did it feel amazing, but it also forced me to keep swallowing, which Yu says could be a sign that lymph is flowing.
To do the Bojin section of the facial she took out two gua shas and ran the tools along my face and neck, this part was very gentle but felt like part of a massage and despite Ko’s warnings it wasn’t painful.
Next came my least favorite part of a facial: extractions, which unclog pores and push out blackheads and whiteheads. This part always feels like the beginning of the movie “Saw,” but maybe because the massage was so relaxing, the extractions weren’t that painful.
Next came the moisturizing serum. Yu pulled out a serum booster device, something I’ve seen in other facials before, used to boost the effectiveness of the serum. The refreshing coolness after the extraction was amazing.
Yajing Lu pours the extract on the author’s face.
The author has undergone red light therapy. (Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times)
Yu then covered my eyes and shone red light panels around my face. Red light therapy can treat wrinkles, acne, scars, and, most important to me at the time, redness. While my face was being irradiated, Yu scrubbed and moisturized my hands before placing them in warm gloves. The process made me feel like I was taking a nap in the sun on a beach somewhere.
JY Beauty also offers 30-minute eye and head treatments that can be added to any facial. Yu spent a few minutes demonstrating what a head treatment feels like. It wasn’t completely painless, but it did leave me wanting a good head scratch. Maybe that’s what releases tension for me.
To finish, we applied a cooling clay face mask so thick it felt like icing on a cake. While it dried, Yu rubbed my feet and the mask came off in one big piece.
The author after receiving a Bojin facial at JY Beauty.
Finally, Yu finished the facial by applying sunscreen on my face and patting me on the back – it was half facial, half massage and total relaxation.
After the facial, I asked Lou about clogged eyes, and she pointed to my eyes and implied that I might need an extra eye treatment next time, which is totally justified. My eyes are still hurting as I write this.
I would definitely try it again. My skin felt hydrated, my energy flow was aligned and my skin was glowing. I don’t know if I can go back to a regular facial or massage after experiencing this hybrid heaven.