Benefits Of Gua Sha For Your Face, How To Use, And More

Gua Sha for face has become one of those beauty must-haves, and for good reason – it massages, depuffs, and sculpts your face. If used consistently, it also helps you achieve a beautifully contoured silhouette. You probably already know this. In fact, these sleek and smooth tools have been applied since ancient times. From stimulating your lymphatic system to helping you define your jawline and cheekbones, the uses of Gua Sha are numerous in terms of skincare and wellness. If the gua sha tool has made its way to your Instagram explore page and piqued your curiosity, then this guide is for you. So, if you are clueless about this skincare tool, reading this will help you get started.

What Is A Gua Sha Stone?

A gua sha stone is a face massage tool made from semi-precious stone. An ancient Chinese technique that has recently gone mainstream, the gua sha facial tool is used to scrape or massage your face. It promotes lymphatic drainage, increases blood circulation and relaxes your muscles. A gua sha massage isn’t limited to your face and neck. This facial tool can be used to massage other parts of your body as well. There are a variety of gua sha stones available in different shapes and materials (more on that later).

Benefits Of A Gua Sha Stone

Gua sha for the face has become the superhero of beauty tools and for all the right reasons. This ancient Chinese technique uses a smooth stone to give your face a gentle massage while providing various benefits. If the question of how to use gua sha has ever crossed your mind, the answer is pretty easy: just let the tool slide across your skin, moving upwards and outwards. The secret trick is using light touch pressure, as well as good facial oil, for the gua sha to glide across smoothly.

But why use gua sha for the face? For starters, it helps improve circulation, giving your skin a radiant natural glow. Regular use may also help reduce puffiness around the eyes and define one's facial contours. If you're looking to sculpt out cheekbones or a defined jawline, then gua sha is like your absolute best friend. You can also relieve muscle tension in the face, which is particularly helpful if you clench your jaw.

Curious about how to use gua sha stone along with a face roller? Well, these tools complement each other beautifully. A face roller is excellent for a quick cooling massage, in the meanwhile, using a gua sha stone will offer deeper, targeted pressure for lifting and toning. Begin with the roller to relax your face and use the gua sha for an even more intense treatment.

With those benefits aside, the practice of gua sha helps achieve regular improvement in lymphatic drainage which further helps dilute puffiness and promotes a clearer skin. Gua sha is a simple yet effective tool to achieve glowing, sculpted skin whether you use it to relax or enhance your skincare routine.

Should you use a Gua Sha on Serum or Oil?

If you're new to gua sha for the face or are curious about getting your hands on the most out of this ancient tool in skincare, one question that often pops up is: Do you use gua sha on serum or oil? Short answer: oil. So let's break it down.

The key to perfectly using gua sha for the face is that the tool has to move very smoothly across your skin, and using a face oil for this is the best approach. Oil provides enough slip that makes the gua sha stone glide around effortlessly without dragging or pulling on your skin, thus preventing it from any damage. Wondering how to use gua sha stone? Begin by pouring a few drops of face oil or a moisturising serum. And then take a gua sha and glide it on your face in upward strokes with a major focus on your jaw, cheekbones and forehead. Always hold the gua sha at 15 degrees so you don't press too hard.

How to use a face roller and gua sha together? After you are done with using gua sha, you can go ahead to roll out the face roller for even more relaxation or enhancement of lymphatic drainage.

How To Use A Gua Sha Stone

Follow these steps for an effective gua sha facial:

Step 1: Cleanse

Always use a clean gua sha stone on your face. Clean the tool with water and soap. You can even refrigerate it for a cool and soothing effect. You could use The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser to cleanse your face and follow it up with a toner.

Step 2: Apply Facial Oil

For the perfect gua sha facial experience, your skin should be slippery to avoid irritation so that the tool glides smoothly. Apply the Nykaa Naturals Skin Potion 24K Gold Collagen Boosting Face Oil Serum with Squalene evenly on your face and neck. You can also use a face serum or moisturiser.

Step 3: Start Gliding

Begin your gua sha facial by placing the tool correctly against your skin and moving it in an upward direction. Do not move it back and forth.

Step 4: Neck

Place the long, curved edge of the gua sha stone at the base of your neck and stroke it upwards in the direction of your jaw. Do the same on the other side and centre of your neck. Stroke multiple times on each side.

Step 5: Jaw

Next, use the heart-shaped indent part of the gua sha stone to stroke the jawline. Start from the chin and move it along the jawline to the base of your ear. Do this on both sides.

Step 6: Cheeks

Once again, use the longer edge to stroke your cheeks with the tool. Start from the base of your nose and slowly proceed to the cheek and cheekbones, in the direction of your ears. Make sure to follow this step on both sides.

Step 7: Under Eyes

Use the small, rounded corner to massage under your eyes. Start from the inner corner of the eye and pull it towards your temples.

Step 8: Nose And Forehead

Use the indented part of the gua sha stone to massage the nose and mid-forehead. Start from the tip of your nose and follow the bridge of your nose towards the forehead. Then use the shorter edge to massage the rest of the forehead. Start from the centre and pull outwards.

Step 9: Finish Up

Continue with your skincare routine as usual.

How Often Should One Use Gua Sha

Using gua sha for face does have several benefits but you might be wondering how often you should use it. Generally for the best results, one can use it twice or thrice a week but some even use it on a daily basis. When learning how to use gua sha, start with gentle strokes on clean, moisturised skin, always moving upward and outward to promote lymphatic drainage and boost circulation. Pair it with a facial oil for smooth gliding. If you’re also curious about how to use a gua sha stone alongside a face roller, use the roller for de-puffing and then follow up with the gua sha for deeper sculpting. Regular use of gua sha for the face can help with skin elasticity, reduce puffiness, and give you that natural glow. So, find a routine that works for your skin and enjoy the relaxing ritual.

Different Gua Sha Stones Based On Material

Now that you know how to use a gua sha stone, let’s look at the different kinds of tools available:

1. Rose Quartz Gua Sha

A rose quartz gua sha is ideal for people with sensitive or reactive skin. One of the most popular materials for a relaxing at-home gua sha facial, it has calming properties.

Nykaa Recommends:

2. Jade Gua Sha

One of the best gua sha stone materials, jade has natural cooling properties and soothes the skin.

Nykaa Recommends:

3. Black Obsidian Gua Sha

A black obsidian gua sha for your face can provide muscle relief and relaxation. It also repairs and strengthens muscle tissue over time.

Nykaa Recommends:

4. Amethyst Gua Sha

An amethyst gua sha stone helps cool the skin, tighten pores, and reduce inflammation.

Nykaa Recommends:

Different Gua Sha Stones Based On Shape

Just as it’s important to pick a material that suits your skin, it’s also important to pick a shape that meets your needs.

Following are the different types of gua sha facial tools based on their shape:

1. Dolphin Shaped Gua Sha Stone

One of the most popular gua sha tool shapes, it provides a better grip and can be used to massage different parts of your body like your shoulders and back. It is perfect for a deep muscle massage.

2. S-Shaped Gua Sha Stone

The S-shaped gua sha stone increases blood circulation on your face, your legs and arms. Use the shorter, curved edge to massage under your eyes and the longer edge for other body parts.

3. Wing-Shaped Gua Sha Stone

The wing-shaped gua sha stone can be used for your face and other body parts. The smallest edge is used for acupressure around the eyes. The dented part is great for massaging your chin, lips, and bridge of the nose.

4. Fish Shaped

The fish-shaped gua sha stone is used to massage and relax smaller areas of your body like your nose, chin and fingers.

How To Clean And Store Gua Sha

Keeping your gua sha for your face clean and stored in good condition ensures that it is good enough to be used on your face. Here's a simple routine for you to keep your gua sha in the best conditions:

First of all, wash your gua sha for the face under lukewarm water after use. Soothing soap or a gentle face cleanser can be applied to remove oils and skincare products that get transferred onto the tool after you are done using it. Remember to wash it thoroughly so that all remnants are removed. Avoid using harsh chemicals because these may damage the top surface of the stone.

Once you are done cleaning your gua sha, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Do not let it sit wet or rub it against rough materials as it can cause scratches and even breaks in the tool as it is made of delicate materials such as jade or rose quartz. You can also air dry.

Keep your gua sha for the face in a safe, dry place. You can keep it in a pouch or box to protect it from dust as well as prevent chipping in case it falls. If you like a cooling sensation, you can even store it in the fridge to add an extra soothing element to gua sha facial massages.

Keeping your gua sha clean and stored nicely will keep it in great condition, ready to give you all the great skin benefits.

Conclusion

Incorporating gua sha for face into your routine is a simple yet powerful way to boost your skincare. Whether you're learning how to use gua sha for the first time or combining it with a face roller, the key is to be gentle and consistent. Start by following the basic steps of how to use a gua sha stone, applying light pressure and working in upward strokes for the best results. With regular use, gua sha can help improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and leave your skin glowing.

FAQs

1. What is gua sha for the face?

   Gua sha for the face is an ancient Chinese skincare technique that involves gently scraping a smooth stone tool over the skin to promote circulation, reduce puffiness, and improve lymphatic drainage.

2. How do you use a gua sha stone on your face?

   To use a gua sha stone, apply a facial oil or serum for smooth gliding. Gently stroke the stone upwards and outwards, starting from the neck, and then moving to the jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Always use light pressure and keep the stone flat against your skin.

3. How does gua sha compare to a face roller?

   Both gua sha and face rollers promote circulation and reduce puffiness, but gua sha offers deeper pressure and sculpting benefits. Face rollers are quicker and easier for everyday use, while gua sha is great for a more targeted massage.

4. Can I use a gua sha stone every day?

   Yes, you can use gua sha daily! Just be gentle and consistent. For best results, incorporate it into your skincare routine a few times a week to see visible improvements in skin tone and texture.

5. What are the benefits of using gua sha for the face?

   Regular use of gua sha for the face can help reduce puffiness, define facial contours, boost circulation, and promote relaxation. It’s also known to relieve tension in the face, especially around the jawline and forehead.