How to Use a Gua Sha: 5 Steps for Your Face

A gua sha is a flat massage tool, usually made of stone, that you glide over your skin. Rooted in traditional Chinese practice, it has become a skincare staple for one simple reason: a few minutes is all it takes for a moment of calm and a face that looks more rested. The key is knowing the right technique. Here is our five-step method, to use morning or night.

Before you start: three golden rules

• Always work on slippery skin: apply a few drops of facial oil or a generous layer of serum. The gua sha should glide, never drag or pull the skin.
• Keep the angle low: hold the tool almost flat against your skin, at around 15 degrees. The more upright it is, the more pressure you apply.
• Use light pressure: the skin on your face is delicate. The movement should feel gentle and pleasant; if any redness lingers, ease off.

Avoid irritated areas, spots and freshly exfoliated skin.

Step 1: the neck, to open the ritual

Always start with the neck. Place the long edge of the gua sha at the base of your neck and sweep gently up towards your jaw, three to five times on each side. On the sides of the neck, do the opposite: start behind the ear and sweep down towards your collarbone. This first step sets you up for the rest of the massage and helps release tension in the neck.

Step 2: the jawline, to define your contours

Use the heart-shaped notch. Rest your chin in the dip of the notch and glide the tool along your jawline up to just below your ear. Repeat five times on each side, finishing each stroke with a small wiggle below the ear.

Step 3: cheeks and cheekbones

Using the long, slightly curved edge, start next to your nose and sweep up towards your temple, following the line of your cheekbone. Work in three parallel bands: under the cheekbone, on it, then just above. Five strokes per band is enough. This is often everyone's favourite step, the one that feels most relaxing.

Step 4: around the eyes, very gently

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on your face. Use the small curve of the gua sha or, even better, the small end of the roller. Start at the inner corner of the eye and glide out towards the temple, under the eye and then along the brow bone, without pressing down. Three light strokes will do.

Step 5: the forehead, to let go of tension

Place the long edge in the middle of your forehead, between the brows, and sweep up towards the hairline. Then work from the centre out towards the temples in long horizontal strokes. Finish with gentle pressure on the temples while taking a few deep breaths.

How long, and how often?

A full session takes five to ten minutes. Gua sha is all about consistency: three to five times a week, or every morning if you enjoy the ritual. Our rose quartz gua sha and face roller set comes with an illustrated guide that walks you through these steps, which is handy for the first few weeks.

The morning cool-down trick

For an extra refreshing feel, pop your gua sha in the fridge the night before. You can also alternate with a stainless steel ice roller for face, which stays cold for longer: roll it under the eyes and over the cheeks after your gua sha for a fresh start to the day. Skip the freezer, though, as it is too cold for your skin.

The most common mistakes

1. Massaging dry skin: the stone drags and tugs at the skin.
2. Pressing too hard: gua sha does not need force to be effective and enjoyable.
3. Going back and forth: work in one direction only, lifting the tool off after each stroke.
4. Skipping the clean-up: rinse the stone in warm soapy water after each session, then dry it.

With these five steps and a little consistency, gua sha quickly becomes the most soothing part of your routine.