What Is Gua Sha for Face and How Does It Work?

Gua sha for face is an ancient skincare practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), now embraced globally for its remarkable beauty and wellness benefits. Originally developed as a therapeutic healing technique, gua sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate microcirculation, release muscular tension, and encourage energy flow—also known as qi or prana.

According to TCM, stagnation of energy can result in pain, illness, or skin concerns

(1). By unblocking these energetic pathways, gua sha supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and enhances overall skin health. 

How Gua Sha Benefits the Skin

Modern clinical research supports what traditional wisdom has long understood: gua sha boosts blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which are essential for healthy, glowing skin. A 2011 study published in Pain Medicine found that gua sha significantly improved microcirculation in the skin, supporting tissue repair and inflammation reduction

(2). Improved circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, while enhanced lymphatic drainage helps remove toxins and reduce puffiness. With regular practice, gua sha may soften fine lines, lift sagging skin, and improve skin tone—especially around key areas like the jawline, brow, and cheekbones.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Gua Sha on the Face

Gua sha is more than just a beauty ritual—it’s a mindful practice that helps soften fine lines, drain the lymph and relax your facial muscles. To get the best results, follow these five steps:

Step 1: Preparation

Start with a clean face and a sanitised gua sha tool. Use a gentle facial cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or impurities from your skin. If your gua sha is made of natural stone like rose quartz or jade, avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning it. Instead, use mild soap or a bit of salt with warm water. Rinse thoroughly, dry with a clean towel, and set aside.

Step 2: Apply Facial Oil 

Apply a generous amount of facial oil to create a smooth, slippery surface. This prevents tugging and allows the tool to glide easily over your skin.

Optional: warm your gua sha tool under warm (not hot) water for a few seconds before use. This gentle heat helps relax facial muscles and enhances the tool’s tension-melting effects.

Step 3: Technique

Hold the gua sha tool at a 15–30° angle relative to your skin. Use light to medium pressure—the pressure of the stroke equals the weight of the gua sha tool. 

Step 4: Massage

Follow these specific movements for different areas of your face, repeating each stroke 3–5 times:

• Jawline: Use the heart-shaped groove of the tool to glide from the centre of the chin outward along the jawline toward the earlobe.

• Chin: Move from the centre of the chin out toward the jaw using the flat side of the tool.

• Cheeks: Sweep from the sides of the nose toward the temples, following the natural curve of your cheek.

• Cheekbones: Use the curved heart-shaped edge to trace along your cheekbones, lifting toward the hairline.

• Forehead: Begin between the eyebrows and glide out toward the temples. Then move horizontally across the forehead, starting at the centre and sweeping toward the hairline.

• Neck: Unlike facial strokes, movements here should go downward. Start under the jaw and gently stroke down toward the collarbone to promote lymphatic drainage.

Step 5: Finish up

Once your massage is complete, gently pat away any excess oil with a soft cloth. Clean your gua sha tool using warm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly and store in a soft pouch to protect it from chips or damage.

When to Avoid Gua Sha

Avoid using gua sha on areas that have recently undergone cosmetic treatments such as fillers or laser therapy. It’s recommended to wait 8–12 weeks post-treatment before performing gua sha on these areas. However, you can safely continue using the tool on the neck and untreated parts of the face. Do not use it directly on open wounds or active acne. 

Choosing the Right Gua Sha Tools for Face

The effectiveness of gua sha greatly depends on the quality and material of your tool. Gua sha tools for face are often made from stones like jade, metal, or rose quartz. Magical Medicine’s rose quartz gua sha stands out for both its physical and energetic properties. Hand-carved and infused with healing mantras, each piece is intentionally crafted to support your skin on both physical and energetic levels. 

Final Thoughts

Gua sha is far more than a passing beauty trend—it's a time-honoured healing ritual that enhances overall skin health while naturally firming, lifting, and sculpting the face.

References:

1. Nielsen, A., et al. "The Effect of Gua Sha Treatment on the Microcirculation of Surface Tissue." Pain Medicine, vol. 12, no. 7, 2011, pp. 1189–1193.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Practice - World Health Organization Guidelines.