Skincare trends come and go, but some beauty rituals have been around for centuries—and for a good reason. Enter Gua Sha, the viral self-care technique that promises glowing skin, defined cheekbones, and ultimate relaxation.
If you’ve ever scrolled through skincare TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably seen someone gliding a smooth, flat stone over their face in slow, satisfying strokes. But what exactly is Gua Sha, and how do you Gua Sha properly to get the best results?
Let’s break it all down so you can master how to Gua Sha like a pro!
What is Gua Sha?
Before we get into how to Gua Sha, let’s talk about what it actually is.
Gua Sha (pronounced gwa-sha) is a traditional Chinese healing technique that has been around for thousands of years. Originally, it was used for muscle tension relief and improving blood circulation, but today, it’s become a skincare essential.
By using a Gua Sha tool—usually made of jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel—you can:
✔️ Reduce puffiness
✔️ Define jawline and cheekbones
✔️ Relieve tension in the face and neck
✔️ Boost circulation for a natural glow
Now, let’s get into the real deal—how to Gua Sha the right way!
How to Gua Sha: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start with Clean Skin
Before you even touch your Gua Sha tool, make sure your face is clean and prepped. Wash it with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Apply Facial Oil or Serum
Gua Sha requires a smooth glide, so applying a facial oil or hydrating serum is key. This prevents unnecessary pulling on your skin and helps the tool move effortlessly.
3. Hold the Tool at a 15° Angle
Instead of pressing it flat against your skin, hold your Gua Sha tool at a slight angle (about 15°). The edge of the tool should be in contact with your skin, not the entire surface.
4. Use Gentle, Upward Strokes
✔️ Neck: Start at the base of your neck and move the tool upwards.
✔️ Jawline: Glide the tool from your chin towards your ear.
✔️ Cheeks: Move the tool from the center of your face outwards.
✔️ Under Eyes: Be extra gentle and use soft strokes.
✔️ Forehead: Start from your brows and glide upwards to your hairline.
Repeat each stroke 5-10 times for best results.
5. Clean Your Gua Sha Tool
Once you’re done, clean your Gua Sha tool with warm water and mild soap. Let it air dry before storing it.
Also, here's the link to the YouTube video I've been following. (I told you I'm not a gatekeeper.)
And that’s how to Gua Sha—simple, right? Now, let’s talk about the best techniques to maximize its benefits.
Techniques for Gua Sha
While the basic method works well, you can tweak your technique based on your skin goals.
1. Lymphatic Drainage Technique
If you want to reduce puffiness, use light pressure and long, slow strokes to move fluids toward your lymph nodes (near the ears and collarbone).
2. Deep Tension Release
For tight jaws or forehead tension, apply slightly firmer pressure and focus on areas that feel sore.
3. Sculpting and Lifting
For that snatched jawline and lifted cheeks, use the curved edge of your tool and hold each stroke for a second before releasing.
Now, let’s talk about why people swear by Gua Sha!
Benefits of Gua Sha
So why is Gua Sha taking over the beauty world? Here’s what it does:
✔️ Reduces puffiness – Say goodbye to morning face bloat.
✔️ Defines facial structure – Cheekbones and jawline? Check.
✔️ Relieves muscle tension – No more clenched jaw headaches.
✔️ Boosts circulation – Gives you that natural glow.
✔️ Helps skincare products absorb better – Oils and serums work more effectively.
✔️ Relaxation and stress relief – It feels like an at-home spa session.
But of course, Gua Sha isn’t perfect—let’s go over some drawbacks.
Drawbacks of Gua Sha
Before you go all-in, here are a few things to keep in mind:
❌ Not a miracle worker – Gua Sha helps with puffiness and tension, but it won’t permanently change your face shape.
❌ Bruising or redness – If you press too hard, you might end up with redness or minor bruising.
❌ Not suitable for active acne – If you have breakouts, using Gua Sha can irritate your skin.
❌ Consistency is key – You won’t see results overnight; regular use is necessary.
If you’re still unsure, you can always try professional Gua Sha treatments for expert care.
Gua Sha Treatments: Should You Get It Done Professionally?
If you want a more intense session, some spas and clinics offer professional Gua Sha treatments that go beyond at-home techniques.
- Facial Gua Sha – Performed by estheticians for deeper sculpting and lymphatic drainage.
- Body Gua Sha – Helps with muscle tension, stiffness, and overall well-being.
- TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Gua Sha – Used for pain relief and energy flow (Qi).
Professional treatments can be stronger and more effective, but at-home Gua Sha is still a great way to maintain results daily.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Gua Sha?
If you’re looking for a simple, relaxing, and effective way to boost your skincare routine, Gua Sha is definitely worth trying. It’s an easy self-care ritual that helps with puffiness, circulation, and tension relief—plus, it just feels amazing.
Now that you know how to Gua Sha, why not grab a tool and give it a go? Your skin (and stress levels) will thank you!
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