If you’ve been paying attention to beauty trends lately, you’ve probably heard of gua sha. This ancient Chinese healing practice has made a big splash in the skincare world — and for good reason. It’s not just another fleeting trend; gua sha is a powerful technique that has stood the test of time. Today, it’s known for its ability to naturally lift and sculpt the face, reduce tension, and promote a glowing complexion, all with the help of a simple, sleek stone. Curious about how it works? Let’s break it down.
Why Gua Sha is the real deal
Mornings can feel like a battle — especially when you’re dealing with puffiness and tension. That’s where Gua Sha comes in. Just a few minutes of using this tool can leave you looking more refreshed and energized, with reduced puffiness and a more defined jawline. It’s not just some beauty trend that fades after a season; it’s a centuries-old practice that delivers noticeable results when added to your skincare routine. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert to reap the benefits — gua sha is easy to use and can be incorporated into your daily ritual with little effort.
So, what exactly makes gua sha so effective? At its core, gua sha (which means "scraping" in Chinese) involves gliding a smooth stone, like jade or rose quartz, over your skin. This gentle scraping helps stimulate circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, and relax facial muscles, giving your skin a natural lift and promoting a healthier complexion. It’s like giving your face a mini workout, and the results can be incredible.
What Gua Sha really does
Gua sha isn’t just about looking good (though let’s be honest, that’s a nice perk). It’s about feeling good too. Regular use has been linked to benefits like reducing puffiness, easing muscle tension, and even alleviating sinus pressure and headaches. And when you unwind with a gua sha session before bed, it might just help you sleep more soundly. It’s basically your skin’s version of meditation.
Getting started: Your Gua Sha essentials
First things first: you'll need a gua sha tool. These tools usually come in jade or rose quartz, and both are excellent options. Choose whatever feels right in your hand (or looks prettier on your bathroom counter; no judgment here). Pair your stone with a good facial oil (we love this one from Indie Lee) or serum — this is a must to keep your skin hydrated and let the tool glide effortlessly. Pro tip: the oil not only nourishes your skin but also helps prevent tugging, which is a no-no in the gua sha world.
And before you even think about getting started, clean everything thoroughly. Gua sha might be relaxing, but hygiene isn’t negotiable. Wash your hands and your tool with warm water and mild soap. Your skin will thank you for it.
Rescripted's Pick: SKIN GYM Rose Quartz Crystal Heart Gua Sha Tool (Amazon, $32)
How to use Gua Sha: Step-by-step
Ready to gua sha like a pro? Here’s how to do it:
- Prep your skin: Cleanse your face and slather on a generous amount of facial oil. This gives your skin that perfect slick surface.
- Start at your neck: Gently stroke upwards, moving from the base of your neck towards your jaw. This helps drain built-up lymphatic fluid and gives you an instant lift.
- Sculpt the jawline: Sweep the stone from the center of your chin to your earlobes. This motion defines your jaw and helps reduce puffiness — because who doesn’t love a snatched jawline?
- Cheekbones next: Starting at the sides of your nose, move outwards towards your ears in smooth strokes. This helps to lift and contour, making your cheekbones pop.
- Gentle on the eyes: For the under-eye area, use extra-light pressure. Sweep from the inner corners outwards to reduce puffiness and minimize dark circles. A chilled stone works wonders here!
- Smooth the forehead: Divide your forehead into sections. Sweep from the center outwards, easing away tension and fine lines as you go.
- Lift the brows: Run the stone along your brow bone from the inside out. This motion lifts your eyes and smooths out the brow area.
- Show your lips some love: Finish by gently stroking over your lips to promote circulation and give them a subtle, natural plumpness.
Pressure and direction: The golden rules
If you’re tempted to dig in and really “work” your skin, resist the urge! Gua sha is all about being gentle. You’re aiming for a soothing, calming sensation — not pain. And always, always move your stone upward and outward, never dragging down. This upward motion works with gravity (not against it) to lift and tone your skin.
How often should you use Gua Sha?
Consistency is key, but there’s no need to overdo it. Aim for 3-4 times a week, with each session lasting 5-10 minutes. A lot of people find it most relaxing to practice gua sha in the evening, but it’s equally lovely as a morning ritual if that’s when you want to de-puff and energize your skin.
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Sensitive skin? No worries. Start with once or twice a week and see how your skin reacts before building up to more frequent sessions.
Once you’ve got the hang of the basics, you can experiment with more advanced techniques. Different stone shapes work better for specific parts of your face, and you can even explore gua sha for your body to release tension in your shoulders, back, and legs.
And if you’re all about that de-puffing effect, try storing your gua sha stone in the fridge. The cooling sensation is divine, especially on tired, puffy eyes.
A few words of caution
As amazing as gua sha can be, it’s not for everyone. Avoid it if you have active acne, irritated skin, sunburn, or any kind of inflammation. If you’re dealing with specific skin conditions, a quick chat with your dermatologist is always a good idea.
And remember: gua sha is a complement to your skincare routine, not a replacement for the basics. Hydrate, eat well, and never skip your SPF. Healthy skin is the result of a well-rounded lifestyle.
With a little practice, you’ll be a gua sha pro, and your skin — and your stress levels — will thank you. So grab your favorite tool, show your face some love, and let gua sha work its magic. Happy scraping!
Kristyn Hodgdon is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Rescripted.
