Like most of us, my skincare routine is the best part of my morning routine. There’s something so calming about those few minutes I dedicate solely to myself each morning and each night. And let me tell you — adding a Gua Sha tool has made it even more “spa-like”.
Before you roll your eyes thinking it’s just another trendy tool cluttering your vanity, read this article on why this centuries-old practice deserves a spot in your modern morning routine.
Brittaney Mepham l Dupe
What Exactly is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha (pronounced “gwah-shah”) is that pretty stone tool (usually pink or green) you’ve definitely seen all over your Instagram feed. Usually made from jade, rose quartz, or amethyst, this smooth-edged tool has been called “Eastern Botox” — and for good reason! While it might be trending now, it’s actually been around for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“Gua” means to scrape or press, while “Sha” refers to the redness that appears when circulation increases. Traditionally, it was used as a healing technique to treat pain and illness by scraping the skin to promote energy flow. Today, we’ve adopted a gentler version focused on the face for beauty benefits.
The science-backed benefits that will make you a believer
Beyond just looking cute on your bathroom counter, Gua Sha offers incredible benefits that both ancient wisdom and modern science support:
Immediate “I woke up like this” benefits:
- De-puffs like magic – Woke up looking like you had a little too much wine and sodium the night before? A few minutes of lymphatic drainage with your Gua Sha can visibly reduce morning puffiness.
- Instant facial sculpting – The upward and outward motions temporarily lift facial contours, defining cheekbones you didn’t even know you had. Hello, natural contour!
- Releases jaw tension – For all my teeth-grinders and stress-holders, Gua Sha is incredible for relieving that tight TMJ tension that causes headaches and facial pain.
- Boosts product absorption – Your expensive serums work even better when they can actually penetrate deeper into your skin (rather than just sitting on top).
Long-term glow-up benefits:
- Improves circulation – Research published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Gua Sha increases microcirculation by up to 400%, bringing oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.
- Stimulates collagen – The gentle pressure helps trigger your skin’s natural collagen production process, potentially improving elasticity over time.
- Helps with fine lines – Regular use may help soften the appearance of fine lines, especially around the forehead, eyes, and mouth.
- Can reduce dark circles – By improving circulation and lymphatic drainage around the eyes, consistent use may brighten up that stubborn under-eye area.
The ultimate Gua Sha how-to guide:
I’ve seen plenty of tutorials where people just drag the tool randomly across their face (I did the same at first), but that might be why you’re not quite getting the results you’re hoping for.
Prep is everything
- Start with clean skin – Always cleanse first to avoid pushing dirt and bacteria into your pores.
- Apply facial oil or serum – This is non-negotiable! Your Gua Sha needs to slip to glide properly without tugging on your skin. My go-to combo is 2-3 drops of facial oil followed by a hydrating serum.
- Warm your tool – Not essential but lovely: run your stone under warm water before using (cold tools can be saved for puffy morning eyes).
The technique breakdown
For all techniques: Always move upward and outward, hold your tool at a 15-45° angle (nearly flat against your skin), and use gentle to medium pressure. Each stroke should be repeated 3-5 times before moving to the next area.
Neck First (Always!)
Start at the base of your neck, using the long edge of your tool to sweep upward toward your jawline. This opens up the lymphatic pathways so the fluid from your face has somewhere to drain.
Jawline Magic
Position the curved side of your tool flat against your chin and sweep along your jawline toward your ear. This is where you can apply slightly firmer pressure to really define that jawline.
Cheek Sculpting
Starting from the side of your nose, sweep the tool across your cheekbone toward your hairline. This instantly lifts and defines your cheekbones (seriously, you’ll be shocked at the before/after).
Eye Area (Be Extra Gentle)
Using the smallest edge of your tool, very gently glide from the inner corner of your eye toward your temple. Keep the pressure feather-light here—this area is delicate!
Forehead De-Wrinkling
Place the curved edge between your brows and sweep outward toward your temples, then place it at the hairline and sweep upward. This helps release tension that creates those “11” lines between your brows.
Bonus: Brow Lift
Use the precision edge to gently trace just under your brow bone from inner to outer corner for an instant brow lift effect.
Common mistakes that are sabotaging your results
- Using it on bare, dry skin – This causes tugging and can actually create more wrinkles. Always use oil or serum!
- Pressing too hard – More pressure doesn’t equal better results. Your skin should never be red or irritated afterward.
- Using it every day from the start – Ease into it with 2-3 times a week, then build up as your skin adjusts.
- Moving in the wrong direction – Always up and out, never downward (unless you want to work against gravity).
- Forgetting to clean your tool – Wash with mild soap after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.
When you might need to skip it
While Gua Sha is generally safe, sit this one out if you have:
- Active acne breakouts or irritated skin
- Recent Botox (wait at least two weeks)
- Inflamed rosacea or extremely sensitive skin
- Blood-thinning medication in your system
- Recent facial surgery
If you don’t fall into one of these, here is how I made myself commit to Gua Sha, because even if it’s a soothing part of my morning or night routine, it’s still some extra work!
My Two-Week Gua Sha Challenge Results
When I first started my Gua Sha journey, I decided to commit to two weeks of consistent use to see if the hype was real. Here’s what happened:
Days 1-3: Subtle improvements in puffiness, especially around my eyes. The ritual itself was incredibly relaxing.
Days 4-7: Started noticing more definition in my cheekbones and jawline, especially right after use. The effects would last several hours.
Days 8-14: The “lifted” effect began lasting longer, and my skin looked noticeably brighter. The biggest surprise? My foundation applied more smoothly, and I found myself using less concealer.
By the end of two weeks, I was completely hooked. While the effects aren’t permanent, consistent use makes a visible difference that builds over time.
Choosing Your Perfect Gua Sha
Not all Gua Sha tools are created equal! Here’s what to consider:
Material matters:
- Jade – Naturally cooling, perfect for reducing puffiness and inflammation
- Rose Quartz – Holds temperature longer and may help with fine lines
- Amethyst – Said to help with acne and purifying the skin
- Bian Stone – The traditional choice, contains trace minerals that may benefit skin
Shape considerations: Look for a tool with multiple edges and curves to fit different contours of your face. The best ones have:
- A long curved edge for cheeks and forehead
- A small precision tip for around the eyes
- A U-shaped edge for the jawline
- A comb-like edge for scalp stimulation (bonus feature!)
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth The Hype?
After incorporating Gua Sha into my routine for several months now, I can confidently say this isn’t just another passing beauty trend. There’s something profoundly satisfying about connecting with this ancient practice in our modern, rushed world.
The beauty of Gua Sha lies in its beautiful simplicity: no batteries, no complicated settings, just you connecting with your skin in a mindful way. The visible results are wonderful, but the ritual itself—those few precious minutes of slowed-down self-care—might actually be the greatest benefit of all.
Have you tried incorporating Gua Sha into your skincare routine? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!