Gua Sha 101: Everything You Need to Know About the Face-Sculpting Technique

If you’re anything like me and were gifted with a naturally round face, you’ve likely looked into every option for adding definition to your features, from filler to contour to firming masks and more. For me and many others, filler or other cosmetic treatments aren’t in the cards just yet, so the next hottest option for face snatching that continues to arise across social media is the infamous gua sha.

If you’re on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve definitely seen users toting the benefits that using a gua sha has had on different areas of their face, from their jawline to cheekbones, chin and more. While the results are incredible, many people (myself included) are left with tons of questions about how gua shas work and how to do it correctly. Does the type of gua sha matter? Do you apply your skin care before or after? How long should you gua sha for and how much pressure should you apply?

If you’ve ever found yourself pondering any of these questions, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, skin-care experts walk us through all things gua sha to help kickstart your face-snatching journey the right way.

As medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson explains, “Gua sha originates from traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for centuries to promote circulation, relieve tension and improve the appearance of the skin. It involves gently stroking the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation and improve the skin’s complexion.” Expert aesthetician and founder of Educate Your Skin, Nerida Joy, adds, “Gua Sha-ing dates back to the Stone Age from ancient China where smooth stones were used as a form of medicine to heal and relieve pain on certain areas of the body.”