Material-wise, similar to the likes of facial rollers, gua sha tools are typically made from jade quartz, rose quartz or other types of crystals. Some practitioners believe gua sha can break up ‘stagnant energy’, which is believed to cause inflammation. As a facial technique, however, gua sha stones can indeed aid lymphatic drainage and reduce blockages in your lymphatic system, which helps maintain a healthy balance of fluids throughout your body.
How to use gua sha properly
According to Caroline, there are several techniques that you can employ, depending on your goals:
- To contour your jawline, hold the stone at a 45-degree angle against the skin and move it from the chin towards the earlobe while applying gentle pressure.
- For lymphatic drainage, use the stone at a 0-to-15-degree angle against the skin, starting from the centre of the face and moving outwards towards the ears, lymph nodes and collarbones. This helps reduce inflammation, promotes circulation, and supports overall skin health.
- To de-puff your face, start from the centre of your face and then use the gua sha stone at a 90-degree angle to gently massage and push any excess fluids outwards towards the edges of your face.
While it’s generally safe to use gua sha stones daily, Caroline recommends starting with once or twice a week to gauge your skin’s reaction and adjust accordingly, especially if you have sensitive skin or active breakouts.
Do gua sha stones actually work?
According to skincare expert and found of The Glass House Salon & Spa Caroline Brooks, gua sha stones are used to perform facial massages that help promote circulation, boost lymphatic drainage and relax facial muscle tension on all skin types. “This technique can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance overall complexion,” she shares.
Meanwhile, Katie Brindle, founder of Hayo’u, shares that incorporating gua sha techniques into your daily routine can help stimulate collagen production, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and boosts skin elasticity with minimal side effects. Doing so is relatively easy too – all you need to do is apply your gua sha in long strokes across your facial contours while applying a bit of pressure (but not too much).
By forcing you to concentrate and take your time, gua sha is also believed to be a great form of grounding self-care. “A gua sha is a staple step in my evening routine. It’s perfect for unwinding and de-stressing my skin through daily use,” explains Melusine Tran, founder of ex-beauty e-tailer Kosame Beauty.
Which gua sha stones are most effective?
This all depends on the kind of results you’re looking for. “Rose quartz is better known for its plumping and rejuvenating benefits,” explains makeup artist Saffron Hughes, “It is also a higher quality stone that stays cool during use. Whereas Jade is a softer stone and can encounter wear and tear with repeated use.”
As mentioned earlier, Caroline also shares that low-quality gua sha stones may actually be more harmful in the long run and those with uneven surfaces may actually cause irritation.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best face masks, night creams, moisturisers for dry skin, gradual tanner, sun cream, eye creams, cleansing bars, hyaluronic acid serum and vitamin C serums.
