I hadn’t done a “WTF beauty” post in a while, and I missed it! I hadn’t found anything truly amazing until now. I’m so excited to share my love for Gua Sha.
My journey started years ago when my sister, a midwife, taught me. I had back and neck pain from sitting at my computer, and Gua Sha became my pain relief. It worked so well, I was hooked. She even got me my own pink Gua Sha set!
If you don’t know what Gua Sha is, don’t worry, I’ll explain. Recently, I discovered Gua Sha facials were trendy, so I tried it. The results were incredible and noticeable right away – it was like jade rolling, but better! Now, it’s my daily highlight. It’s amazing, and I want everyone to try it!
But before you buy Gua Sha tools, let’s learn more. Here’s everything you need to know.
Gua Sha (pronounced GWA SHA) is a type of massage from traditional Chinese medicine. It’s even older than acupuncture and involves scraping the skin with a flat tool, often made of jade (mine’s rose quartz). It’s done with firm pressure, which might feel slightly painful at first, but it gets really relaxing as the fascia loosens.
Facial Gua Sha is similar but uses much lighter pressure to avoid bruising. If you do get marks other than redness, ease up on the pressure.
Gua Sha increases blood flow (promoting healing), releases tension, and improves lymphatic drainage. For your skin, it helps with aging because it addresses lymphatic drainage and muscle tension—issues that skincare products can’t fix. It removes toxins, which helps clear acne. Increased blood flow also helps heal acne and keeps your skin hydrated and glowing. It also tones facial muscles, improves contours, and boosts collagen production. Think of it as a facial workout!
I noticed a big difference in my undereye circles (which I’ve had forever) and jawline. Gua Sha really helped. It also helped my TMJ!
How to do a Gua Sha facial:
You’ll need a Gua Sha tool (jade or rose quartz are great) and a facial oil.
1. Apply plenty of oil to your face. You might need to reapply.
2. Starting at your neck, use the rectangle tool and swipe upwards 10-15 times. Always go upwards.
3. Use the notched side of the rectangle tool along your jawline, gliding upwards 10-15 times on each side.
4. Use the curved tool on your cheekbones, sweeping upwards towards your ears (10-15 strokes per side). Some redness is normal.
5. Gently use the narrow end of the curved tool under your eyes (10-15 strokes per side). Be gentle!
6. Use the notched edge of the rectangle tool on your brows (10-15 strokes per side).
7. Use the straight side of the rectangle tool on your forehead (10-15 strokes).
8. Use the curved tool on your lips (10-15 strokes).
Have you tried Gua Sha? What do you think? My next beauty experiment is facial cupping!