How to Do Facial Gua Sha: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide
A 5-minute daily ritual for lifted, glowing skin — rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What You'll Need
- A Gua Sha tool (rose quartz, jade, or bian stone)
- A facial oil or serum for slip
- Clean hands and a cleansed face
Step 1 — Prep Your Skin
Apply a generous layer of facial oil or serum to your entire face and neck. The tool should glide without any drag. Never use Gua Sha on dry skin.
Step 2 — Start at the Neck
Hold the tool flat (15–45° angle). Stroke upward from the base of the neck to the jawline, 3–5 times per section. This opens the lymphatic pathway first.
[Image: neck upward strokes]
Step 3 — Jawline & Chin
Place the curved notch under your chin. Sweep outward along the jawline toward the ear. Repeat 3–5 times, then switch sides.
Step 4 — Cheeks
Start from the side of your nose. Glide outward and upward across the cheekbone toward the temple. 3–5 strokes per side.
Step 5 — Brow & Forehead
Use the flat edge. Stroke upward from the brow to the hairline, then outward across the forehead. Great for releasing tension headaches.
[Image: forehead strokes]
Step 6 — Under-Eye Area
Use the smallest, most curved edge. With a feather-light touch, glide from the inner corner outward under the eye. 2–3 strokes only — this area is delicate.
[Image: under-eye stroke]
Step 7 — Finish & Absorb
Press your palms gently over your face for a few seconds. This helps the remaining oil absorb and signals the end of your ritual. Take a breath. You're done.
[Image: palms pressed to face]
Quick Tips
- ✦ Always stroke upward and outward — never downward
- ✦ Do one side at a time before switching
- ✦ Mild redness is normal; pain or bruising is not
- ✦ Skip over active breakouts or irritated skin
- ✦ Clean your tool after every use
Best done in the morning to depuff and sculpt, or in the evening as a wind-down ritual. 5 minutes is all it takes.