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Gua sha continues to take the skin-care world by storm — and for a good reason. Facial-contouring gua sha tools have been delivering impressive results for centuries. As Cecilia Wong, the founder of Cecilia Wong Skincare, points out, "gua sha is one the oldest recorded forms of traditional Chinese medicine for energy flow and blood circulation." It's almost hard to believe that something seemingly as simple as facial massage can deliver tighter, healthier-looking skin.
"Everyone should include it in their beauty regimen," says Angela Chau Gray, cofounder Yina, a luxury skin-care brand that specializes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). And it seems like nearly everyone has. It's almost impossible to scroll through TikTok or Instagram without coming across an influencer rubbing a curved, flat stone along the surface of their face. But there's a little more to the popular skin-care practice than meets the eye.
So before you just dive right in, it's important to do your research. Not only will this help you narrow down the best gua sha tools (because, trust us, there are a lot), but it will also help guide you to the best gua sha techniques. "If you plan to practice gua sha on yourself, learn the proper techniques from a qualified TCM practitioner," Gray says.
We spoke to trained professionals for their advice and tips on how to add gua sha to your regular skin-care regimen. But before we get to technique, let's start with the basics.
- Cecilia Wong, an aesthetician and founder of Cecilia Wong Skincare.
- Sandra Lanshin Chiu, a licensed acupuncturist at Treatment by Lanshin.
- Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Angela Chau Gray, licensed acupuncturist and cofounder of YINA.
- Neda Mehr, MD, board-certified dermatologist, founder of Pure Dermatology Cosmetic & Hair Center and creator of skincare line Dermbx.
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Eastern and Southeast Asian healing technique in which a smooth, credit-card-size "board" is pressed along the skin of the body, and it's been adapted for the face and neck. The idea is that light pressure releases fascial and muscular tension and moves sluggish lymph fluid to tone the face.
"Gua sha means to 'scrape away illnesses,' and involves using tools such as jade, ox horn, or rose quartz with a lubricated ointment or facial oil to scrape the skin in one direction repeatedly," Wong explains.
What Does a Gua Sha Do?
Wong and Gray point out that gua sha was originally used to release different aches and pains in the body. "It's often used in Chinese medicine to scrape the skin, commonly on the upper back, to invigorate blood flow, release heat toxins, stimulate lymphatic drainage, activate various acupressure points of the body, and stimulate an immune response bringing beneficial cells to the area," Grays says.
Now the practice continues to evolve into a much sought-after addition to people's beauty regimen to tone and tighten and skin.
"Gua sha works by promoting blood circulation. When you scrape the skin gently on the face, what you are doing is stimulating a certain meridian point, which corresponds to an organ in the body that's responsible for your skin's overall health," Wong explains. "In turn, you're sending a signal to your body that this area needs more circulation."
Board-certified dermatologist Neda Mehr, MD, notes that the stimulation of circulation helps decrease inflammation and boosts detoxification, "which can lead to a clearer complexion and promote lymphatic drainage.”
Lymphatic drainage also benefits the skin by eliminating toxins, fluid buildup, and puffiness. "Gua Sha helps drive movement and circulation in the body to release stagnation," Gray explains. "Depending on the amount of pressure used with the gua aha tool, you can target different regions of the body. This is where the proper technique matters. We recommend a gentle gua sha scraping motion to help activate lymphatic drainage and movement of lymphatic fluids."
Mehr explains that a gua sha tool can help drain the lymphatic system by "stimulating the lymph nodes to help move extra fluid from swollen areas to excretion." This results in an overall more refreshed, toned and healthy complexion.
How Do You Use Gua Sha Tools?
Though you can book a professional gua sha treatment at acupuncture clinics or select spas, it has become a very popular at-home practice. So if you're looking to DIY, Chiu shared a step-by-step guide on how to use a gua sha at home for guaranteed results. For each and every step, you'll want to repeat all strokes five times, slowly, with gentle pressure.
- Place the flat side of the board flush against the base of the back of your neck, and stroke it upward along your spine to your hairline. Then stroke upward on either side of your spine, from the top of each shoulder to the hairline.
- Position the flat side of the board on the top of the shoulder, and stroke it upward to where your jaw meets your ear. Repeat on the other side.
- Place the curved notch of the board where your collar bones meet, and drag it up the midline of the throat up to (but not over) your chin. Repeat on each side of the throat.
- Position the notch of the board so it hugs the center point of your chin, and glide it along the edge of your jaw toward each ear.
- Run the flat side of the board under one cheekbone, from the corner of your mouth toward your ear. Repeat on the other side.
The Best Gua Sha Tools
If you're going to start incorporating gua sha into your regular skin-care routine, you'll need to find the right gua sha stone. "There are many types of stones, sizes and types of gua sha tools on the market," Wong says. Two of our favorites: the Yina Bian Stone Gua Sha and for beginners, the Lanshin Intro Gua Sha tool.
Though these two are one the more luxury side (gua sha tools are made from different materials which can effect cost), there are affordable options like the Mount Lai Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool. For only $28, it has the same weight and smoothness as the pricier picks. Plus, you can choose between the teardrop shape or heart shape depending on the contours of your face.
Does the Gua Sha Actually Work?
While gua sha's benefits haven't been clinically studied, practitioners say patients often notice skin looks more lifted after just one session. And it's safe to practice, says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, "as long as you don't have blood coagulation or platelet issues, or current skin rashes."
Plus, it feels even more relaxing than it sounds. So go on, gua sha.
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