Gua Sha Stone

Preparation

Before you start: clean skin, slip and pressure

Most problems with facial gua sha come from three things: a dry tool dragging on skin, too much pressure, and a tool held too upright. A few minutes of preparation avoids all three.

Start clean

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Cleanse your face as you normally would and pat it dry.
  3. Rinse the tool, dry it, and run a fingertip along each edge to check for chips.
  4. Tie or clip your hair back so it doesn't catch under the tool.

Evening suits many people, since there is no makeup to remove halfway through and no rush. Any time you can spare five to ten quiet minutes works.

Choose a slip product

"Slip" is anything that lets the tool glide instead of dragging. Never use a tool on dry skin. Common choices:

  • A facial oil. Gives the longest glide. A few drops are enough for the face and neck.
  • A serum or moisturizer. Works if it stays slippery for a few minutes. Thin, fast-absorbing products may need a second layer partway through.
  • A balm. Warm a small amount between your fingers first.

The safest slip is a product you already use on your face without problems. If you want to try something new, patch test it first. Avoid using strong active products as your slip, such as exfoliating acids or retinoids, since working them into the skin with a tool can be harsh. If you use prescription skin products, ask your dermatologist whether a tool routine suits you.

How much pressure

Facial gua sha uses light pressure. A useful guide is the pressure you would use to spread a lotion. The skin should move a little with the tool without being pulled or stretched.

About right

  • The tool glides smoothly.
  • It feels like a slow massage.
  • Any pink flush fades within minutes.

Too firm

  • The skin drags or bunches.
  • It stings, burns or aches.
  • Marks or redness stay after you stop.

Before your first session, try a few strokes on the inside of your forearm. It shows you how the edge feels and how little pressure you need.

Angle and speed

Hold the tool almost flat, at roughly 15 degrees to the skin. The flatter the tool, the more of the edge touches the skin and the softer it feels. Move slowly, about the speed of a calm breath out for each stroke, and lift the tool at the end of each stroke rather than dragging it back.

When to skip

Skip the session on any area with broken skin, a cut, sunburn, a rash, active breakouts or a cold sore, and after any cosmetic procedure until whoever did it says it is fine. The sensitive skin page has the full list. When you are ready, go on to the step by step technique.