How to Use a Gua Sha for Your Face: Complete Guide and Tips
INTRODUCTION
Gua Sha, this natural stone massage tool, is enjoying a real buzz in the beauty world. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, it promises smoother, more radiant skin and a 100% natural lifting effect. But how do you use it correctly to reap all its benefits?
In this comprehensive guide, discover how to use a Gua Sha for your face , the mistakes to avoid, and the best tips for incorporating it into your beauty routine.
What is a Gua Sha and what is it used for?
An ancestral tool from Asia
Gua Sha is a stone (often jade or rose quartz) shaped to fit the contours of the face. The term "Gua Sha" literally means "scrape disease" in Chinese. Traditionally, it was used on the body to stimulate blood circulation and promote detoxification.
Its benefits for the face
Today, Gua Sha has established itself as a natural and effective beauty ritual . Here's what it can do for your skin:
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Decongests bags under the eyes
- Drains toxins through lymphatic massage
- Relaxes muscle tension
- Naturally lifts the oval of the face
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin radiance and texture
When and how often to use Gua Sha?
Morning or evening?
You can use Gua Sha at any time, but:
- In the morning , it helps to decongest, awaken features and tone the skin.
- In the evening , it relaxes tension and facilitates the absorption of your treatments.
What is the ideal frequency?
- 3 to 5 times a week for visible results.
- Every day if you have time: it's even better!
How to prepare the skin before Gua Sha massage?
A good massage starts with good preparation:
1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and impurities.
2. Apply a vegetable oil (jojoba, argan, squalane , etc.) or your favorite serum.
Gua Sha is never used on dry skin : it must glide without catching the skin.
The essential steps for using a Gua Sha correctly
Each area of the face is worked with specific movements.
Here is a complete routine:
1. The neck
Objective: stimulate the lymph and release tension
- Starts from the top of the neck towards the collarbone (downward movement)
- Then from the collarbone to the jaw (upward movement)
- Repeat each movement 5 to 10 times
2. The oval of the face
Objective: to redraw the contour of the face
- Place the stone at the base of the chin
- Slide it outwards, towards the ear
- Use the scooped edge to fit the jawline
3. Cheeks
Objective: smooth the cheekbones and lift
- Start from the wing of the nose towards the temple
- Apply light pressure, always outwards
4. The eye contour
Objective: reduce puffiness and dark circles
- Use the rounded corner of the Gua Sha
- Gently glide under the eye, from the inner corner towards the temple
- Also massage under the eyebrow, always gently
5. The forehead
Objective: smooth out wrinkles and relax
- Slide the stone from the center of the forehead towards the hairline
- Then from the inside towards the temples
💡Tips to maximize the benefits of your Gua Sha
Put your stone in the fridge
A cold Gua Sha massage enhances the decongestant effect, especially around the eyes. A real boost for those difficult mornings!
Breathe deeply during the massage
Gua Sha relaxes the muscles... and the mind! Practice slow breathing during self-massage to also soothe the mind.
Be regular, but gentle
The results of Gua Sha are built over time. 5 minutes a day of gentle application is better than 20 minutes of over-exertion.
Clean your stone after each use
Use a clean cloth or warm, soapy water. Keep your stone in a dry place.
🚨 Common mistakes to avoid
- Use the stone dry → Risk of irritation
- Too much pressure → This can cause redness or damage the capillaries
- Make back and forth movements → Always in the same direction (outwards)
- Neglecting the neck → It is essential for lymphatic drainage
- Use a dirty Gua Sha → Promotes pimples and impurities
Which Gua Sha to choose?
Popular materials
- Rose Quartz : Calming, associated with self-love
- Jade : purifying, traditional and refreshing
- Obsidian : energizing, suitable for tired skin
Choose a smooth, natural stone with well-polished edges so as not to irritate the skin.
What shape?
- Heart shape: the most common, adapted to the face
- With teeth: stimulates circulation more intensely
- Multi-angle: more versatile for face & body
Results: What to expect?
With regular use and the right actions, here is what you can notice:
- More relaxed features from the first week
- Brighter skin, even complexion
- Reduced bags and dark circles
- Less tension in the jaws and forehead
- Long-term improvement of skin elasticity
The anti-aging effects are gradual but long-lasting with regularity.
In conclusion
Gua Sha is more than just a trendy tool: it's a complete skincare ritual. In just a few minutes a day, you can treat your skin to a draining, toning, and soothing massage , without the need for chemicals or expensive devices.
By adopting the right actions and using it regularly, you will quickly see a difference in your complexion, your features and even your general well-being.
After a relaxing Gua Sha massage, your skincare routine continues with essential hygiene routines. To ensure flawless makeup application, don't forget to clean your tools regularly. Discover our Complete Guide to Effectively Cleaning a Beauty Blender and Maintaining Healthy Skin.
