Gua sha has been having a moment — but it's far from a trend. This ancient Chinese healing technique has been practised for thousands of years, and modern skincare has finally caught up with what traditional medicine has known all along: it works.
Here's everything you need to know about gua sha — the science behind it, the benefits, and how to use it correctly.
What is gua sha?
Gua sha (pronounced "gwah-shah") is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping a smooth stone tool across the skin using gentle but firm pressure. The word roughly translates to "scraping away illness" — and while modern facial gua sha is far gentler than its clinical origins, the core principle remains the same: stimulating circulation and encouraging the body's natural healing processes.
Facial gua sha uses a flat stone — typically jade, rose quartz, or bian stone — held at a shallow angle against the skin and moved in upward, outward strokes across the face and neck.
What are the benefits of gua sha?
Reduces puffiness and water retention — Gua sha stimulates the lymphatic system, encouraging the drainage of excess fluid that causes puffiness around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline. Many people notice a more sculpted, defined appearance after just a few sessions.
Improves circulation — The scraping motion increases blood flow to the skin's surface, delivering oxygen and nutrients that give skin a healthy, lit-from-within glow.
Relieves facial tension — We hold a lot of tension in our faces — in the jaw, forehead, and around the eyes. Gua sha releases this tension in the same way a massage releases tension in the body, and many users report reduced jaw clenching and headache frequency with regular use.
Sculpts and defines — Regular gua sha along the jawline, cheekbones, and brow bone can create a subtle but visible lifting and contouring effect over time.
Boosts product absorption — Using gua sha after applying a facial oil or serum helps drive the product deeper into the skin, maximising its effectiveness.
How to use gua sha correctly
The technique matters. Here's a simple step-by-step routine:
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly before starting
- Apply a facial oil or serum — this is essential. Never use gua sha on dry skin as it will drag and irritate
- Hold the stone at a 15-degree angle — almost flat against the skin
- Use gentle but firm upward and outward strokes — always move away from the centre of the face and upward, never downward
- Repeat each stroke 3–5 times before moving to the next area
- Work in sections: neck first, then jawline, cheeks, brow bone, and forehead
A full routine takes around 5–10 minutes. You can use it morning or evening — many people prefer evening as part of a wind-down ritual.
How often should you use gua sha?
For best results, use gua sha 3–5 times per week. Daily use is perfectly safe for most skin types. Consistenc