Should You Add Gua Sh To Your Skincare Routine?
Here’s the Truth!
I wanted to share a little story from my recent chat with one of my beautiful Facial Club members, and I think it’s something you’ll find super interesting, especially if you’ve been considering adding a new tool to your skincare routine.
So, a few days ago, Sally asked me a question that you might also be wondering about:
"Is it worth buying a gua sha tool, and does it actually make a difference to your skin?"
She’d heard a lot of buzz about it but wasn’t sure if it was just another beauty trend or something that could actually enhance her skincare routine.
Here’s the thing: I totally understand her hesitation! With so many beauty gadgets and products out there, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what’s worth the investment. But after our conversation, I realised that Sally probably isn’t the only one with questions about this traditional Chinese technique, so I thought I’d take a moment to answer her—and your—questions, too.
So, What Exactly is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that uses a smooth-edged stone (often jade or rose quartz) to gently scrape the skin in specific ways to promote circulation, relieve tension, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. It’s been used for centuries, but recently, it’s made its way into the mainstream skincare world.
What Are the Benefits of Gua Sha?
Here are the incredible benefits gua sha can have on the skin and body:
Improved Circulation – Gua sha helps boost blood flow to the face, giving your skin a natural, healthy glow. This increase in circulation also helps with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, leaving you with smoother, more radiant skin.
Lymphatic Drainage – Gua sha gently stimulates the lymphatic system, helping your body flush out toxins and reduce puffiness. If you’ve ever woken up with a bit of a puffy face or under-eye bags, gua sha can work wonders to help with that!
Relieves Tension – Many of us carry tension in our jaw, neck, and forehead, which can lead to headaches and fine lines. Gua sha helps to relieve that built-up tension, leaving you feeling more relaxed and with less noticeable lines.
Lifted, Toned Skin – Regular use of gua sha can help with the appearance of lifted, more sculpted skin. It’s like a mini face massage that works over time to define the contours of your face and reduce the appearance of sagging.
Cool, Calming Effect: The stone’s natural coolness helps calm the skin, reduce redness, and soothe inflammation. This makes rose quartz or jade particularly useful for sensitive or irritated skin.
Rose Quartz Balances Emotions: Rose quartz is said to promote feelings of love and calmness. The energy of the stone is thought to help reduce stress, which in turn can improve the appearance of your skin since stress can lead to breakouts, dullness, or premature aging.
Jade Promotes Physical and Emotional Healing. It is thought to have the ability to promote balance and regeneration by encouraging the body’s natural healing processes. It’s believed to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions by promoting balance and peace.
How to Use Gua Sha: Step-by-Step
Now, for the fun part—using it! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to use your gua sha tool for maximum benefits:
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Before you start, make sure your skin is clean and well-moisturised. Apply your favorite serum or facial oil to give the tool a smooth glide. I recommend using a hydrating serum or an oil like, (my absolute favourite facial oil), Neals Yard Remedies Wild Rose Facial Oil, which will allow the gua sha to move smoothly without dragging your skin.
Step 2: Start at the Neck
Hold the gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle to your skin. Begin at the base of your neck, where your collarbones are. Gently scrape the tool upward, moving towards your jawline. Do this about 5-10 times on each side to help open up your lymphatic channels.
Step 3: Sculpt Your Jawline
Move the tool from your chin, sweeping it upwards along your jawline. Use gentle pressure, but don’t press too hard. You can repeat this motion 5-10 times, focusing on any areas where you might feel tension or puffiness.
Step 4: Lift the Cheeks
Next, use the gua sha on your cheeks, starting from the sides of your nose and gently gliding the tool out toward your ears. This helps tone and lift the cheeks. Repeat 5-10 times for each side.
Step 5: Smooth the Forehead
For the forehead, place the gua sha tool in the center of your forehead and gently move it outwards, toward your temples. You can also use the tool to go across your forehead horizontally, helping to smooth out fine lines.
Step 6: Finish with the Eyes
Lastly, I always recommend using the gua sha around the under-eye area to reduce puffiness and promote circulation. Be extra gentle here! Use the tool to lightly glide along the under-eye area in an inward-to-outward motion.
Step 7: Repeat & Relax
You can repeat this routine 2-3 times a week or whenever you need a boost.
So Is Gua Sha Worth It?
To answer Sally’s question: Yes, I absolutely believe it’s worth it! Gua sha is a fantastic tool for improving circulation, reducing puffiness, and giving your skin a naturally sculpted look. It’s a low-cost, high-impact addition to any skincare routine. Plus, it’s relaxing and can become a peaceful, mindful ritual you’ll look forward to. I’d recommend using your gua sha atleast three times a week or more for optimum benefits.
Sally told me she’d go ahead and buy her own gua sha and will be giving me an update when I see her for her next facial.
INSIDER TIPS: Buy a pair so you can do both sides of your face and neck together AND place a towel or something soft on the surface where you’re using your gua sha, combined with oil they’re delicate, slippery buggers and I’ve broken two dropping them in the sink! WHOOPSIE!
If you're intrigued and want to give gua sha a try, I have a few beautiful, high-quality gua sha tool and mini facial oil sets available to buy for £25. Feel free to ask about them next time you’re in or reply to this email to reserve yours today.
I’d love to know—have you ever tried gua sha before, or would you like to give it a go? Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Have you tried my Rose Quartz Natural Facelift Facial yet? You must! Take 15% off this well-loved facial if you book today!
