Gua Sha 101: Unlock Your Glow and Sculpt Like a Pro

Hey bestie, let’s talk skincare—specifically, the kind of skincare that feels like a mini spa treatment at home. Ever heard of gua sha? If not, buckle up because this little beauty tool is about to become your new best friend. Think of it as a facial massage, lymphatic drainage, and sculpting treatment all rolled into one chic stone. Oh, and did I mention it’s super relaxing? Let’s get into what gua sha is, why it’s worth the hype, and how to use it for that next-level glow.

What Is Gua Sha?

Gua sha (pronounced “gwah-shah”) comes from ancient Chinese medicine, where it’s been used for centuries to promote healing. Traditionally, it’s a scraping technique used on the body to boost circulation, but don’t worry—we’re keeping it gentle for your gorgeous face. The gua sha tool is typically made from jade or rose quartz (because why not be luxurious?) you can also find metal ones (which is my go to) and shaped to glide along your skin for a soothing, sculpting massage.

The Benefits of Gua Sha

So, why should you add gua sha to your routine? Simply, because it works wonders for your skin and overall well-being. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Sculpts and Defines Your Face
   Want more snatched cheekbones and a sharper jawline? Regular gua sha massage can help reduce puffiness and give you that naturally contoured look.

2. Boosts Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
   Bye-bye, bloat! Gua sha encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps flush out toxins and de-puff your face. Better circulation also means a healthy, radiant glow.

3. Relieves Tension
   Feeling tightness in your jaw or forehead from stress? Gua sha gently relieves tension, relaxing those facial muscles that hold all your worries.

4. Reduces Fine Lines
   With consistent use, gua sha can smooth fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.

How to Use Gua Sha Like a Pro

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make the most of your gua sha routine:

1. Start with Clean Skin and Oil
   First things first, cleanse your skin and apply a facial oil or serum. Trust me, you want the tool to glide smoothly to avoid tugging.

2. Open the Gland’s

   Before working on your face, gently massage the lymphatic drainage points to "open" the flow. Start at the collarbone, under your arms, and along the sides of your neck. Use your middle finger and first finger each side of your ear’s and make small circlers here. To open the glands in you face, use both first fingers and gently pulse down either side of your nose. Lastly, use both thumbs to push gently underneath the brown bone. This preps your body to flush out toxins more effectively. I personally like to count between 10-20 pulses/small circles to open up these areas.

3. Follow the Flow
   Always work from the center of your face outward. Start at your jawline, move up to your cheeks, then your forehead. Use gentle, upward strokes. I do between 7-10 passes on each area. Be sure that each pass you make, you follow the gua sha over your ears, down your neck or into the hairline to get that built up fluid moving out of the face.

4. Don’t Skip Your Neck
   For optimal drainage, use your gua sha tool on your neck as well. Glide downward from your jaw to your collarbone. You can also start at the mid-line of your chest and gua sha out to your arm pits. This will really help pop that collar bone.

5. Be Consistent
   Like anything good, gua sha works best with regular practice. Make it a few times a week (or even daily!) to see real results.

My Personal Practice

Now, this is just my personal preference, but I love doing gua sha first thing in the morning—especially since I usually wake up with a puffy face (relatable, right?). My go-to routine is super simple: after my shower and before makeup, I take a few minutes to de-puff and get my glow on. Trust me, with practice, you’ll speed through your routine in no time. And consistency? That’s the magic, soon, it won’t take more than a few passes to get things flowing.

While I’m in the shower, I like to "open" my lymphatic glands by gently massaging under my arms, along my neck, behind my ears, next to my nose, and under my brow bone. Then it’s game time! I warm up my Metal Gua Sha tool by running it under hot water (total luxury), apply my favorite facial oil (CEO Glow), and get to work. Everyone’s face is different, but my trouble spots are my jawline and under my cheekbones, so I spend extra time there. Find your areas, follow your flow, and watch the magic happen.

The Perfect Pairings for Gua Sha

Looking for products to level up your gua sha routine? Here are my top picks:

Luxury Facial Oil

Okay we like Luxury, but luxury on a budget plz. Always. This CEO Glow is the perfect morning boost, with energizing Vitamin C and Hydrating Turmeric.

A Jade Gua Sha

NGl I have broken a few of these, if you drop the crystal ones lets just say they don’t bounce… However! Jade crystals are known for cooling and calming properties, making it perfect for soothing inflammation.

Hair & Wrist Bands

If you’re like me and you hate the feeling of water running down your arms and making sleeves wet or dripping off your elbows (honestly even the though upsets me idk why, anyone else?) Then you have to get these wrist bands. Also this head band is perfect for keeping your hair our the way without creating a dent, also the pressure behind the ears encourages the glands to stay open.

Takeaways

Gua sha isn’t just a skincare trend—it’s a timeless ritual that promotes beauty, relaxation, and wellness. It’s easy, it’s effective, and it makes you feel like the queen you are. So grab your favorite oil, find a comfy spot, and get ready to glow. Your skin will thank you!