Gua sha has been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Today it’s one of the most talked-about beauty tools on TikTok — and for good reason. When used correctly, it genuinely works.
Here’s everything you need to know to start.
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a flat, curved stone tool — typically jade or rose quartz — used to apply gentle pressure and scraping motions across the face. The technique promotes lymphatic drainage, which reduces puffiness, stimulates circulation for a natural glow, and over time can help define the jawline and cheekbones.
It’s not magic — it’s anatomy. Moving fluid that accumulates overnight away from the face.
What You Need Before You Start
- A gua sha stone (jade or rose quartz — both work)
- A facial oil or serum — never use gua sha on dry skin
- Clean hands and a clean face
- 5 minutes
Step-by-Step Gua Sha Routine
Step 1: Apply facial oil or serum Your gua sha needs to glide — not drag. Apply a few drops of your favorite facial oil or serum and press it gently into your skin. This is also a great time to use your snail mucin serum underneath.
Step 2: Start at the neck Always begin with the neck to open up the lymphatic pathways. Hold the stone at a 15–45° angle to your skin. Using the flat edge, stroke upward from collarbone to jaw. Repeat 3–5 times on each side.
Step 3: Work the jawline Place the curved notch of the stone under your chin and sweep outward toward your ear. This is the signature gua sha move — great for defining the jaw. Repeat 5 times per side.
Step 4: Cheeks Start at the nose and sweep outward toward the ear, following the cheekbone. Use the flat wide edge for maximum coverage. 5 strokes per side.
Step 5: Under the eyes Switch to the small curved edge. Very gently, stroke from the inner corner of the eye outward toward the temple. Light pressure only — the skin here is delicate. 3 strokes per side.
Step 6: Forehead Stroke upward from eyebrows to hairline, then outward toward the temples. 5 strokes per section.
Step 7: Finish at the neck again End with 3–5 downward strokes on the neck to drain everything you’ve moved.
How Often Should You Use Gua Sha?
- Morning: Best time — reduces overnight puffiness immediately
- Frequency: Daily for best results, or at least 4–5x per week
- Session time: 5–10 minutes is enough
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much pressure — gua sha should feel like a massage, not painful
- Skipping the oil — dragging on dry skin can irritate and stretch
- Going in the wrong direction — always move toward the lymph nodes (toward ears, down the neck)
- Expecting overnight results — consistent use over 2–4 weeks shows real change
The Bottom Line
Gua sha is one of the easiest, most rewarding additions to a morning routine. Five minutes, a little oil, and a technique you’ll nail within a week. Your face will thank you.
👉 Shop our Jade Roller & Gua Sha Set — 4 pieces, everything you need to start your facial massage routine today.