How to Use a Gua Sha on Your Face for Glowing, Youthful Skin

If you’re looking for a natural, needle-free way to rejuvenate your skin and sculpt your face, Gua Sha might be your new secret weapon. 

Gua Sha (pronounced "gwah-shah") is a centuries-old Chinese massage technique that has taken the beauty world by storm – especially among skincare beginners and enthusiasts who want a youthful glow without surgery or pricey spa treatments.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about facial Gua Sha: how to do it (step by step), the benefits (backed by experts and studies), the best tools to use (including Make My Shave’s new Gua Sha Facial Tool), and more. Get ready to lift, sculpt, and glow – naturally!

How to Do a Facial Gua Sha Massage (Step-by-Step)

Before jumping into the Gua Sha process and this relaxing ritual, there's an important step that shouldn't be missed—open your lymphatic system.

Why Open Your Lymphatic System Before Gua Sha?

Gua Sha works by gently moving lymphatic fluid through your face, helping to drain away toxins, reduce swelling, and encourage a brighter, more contoured appearance.

But here’s the key: if your lymphatic system is congested or your pathways aren’t primed, that fluid has nowhere to go. 

That's why opening your lymphatic system—also known as “lymphatic priming”—is so important. Essentially, it creates space for the fluid to flow. 

Think of it like unblocking a drain before pouring water down the sink. 

The benefits of opening your lymphatic system before gua sha include: 

• Enhance drainage and detoxification
• Reduce fluid retention and facial puffiness
• Improve the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients
• Support immune health and circulation
• Amplify the sculpting effects of your Gua Sha practice

How to Open Your Lymphatic System (Face + Upper Body)

This entire priming process takes only 1–2 minutes and makes a world of difference.

Always begin with clean hands and gentle pressure (lymph vessels are very close to the surface of the skin so there's no need to push to hard).

1. Underarms (Axillary Nodes)

Gently massage just beneath your armpits using circular motions or soft pumping with your fingers. Do this for around 10–15 seconds each side. This opens one of the body’s main drainage points.

2. Collarbone / Chest Area

Using flat fingers, lightly stroke downward from just below your ears to your collarbone, and then across the collarbone toward the underarm. This helps “clear the way” for facial fluid drainage.

3. Neck (Cervical Nodes)

With your fingertips, gently stroke downward from under your jawline to the base of your neck. Repeat 5–10 times on each side. This connects facial drainage to the larger lymph vessels.

4. Behind the Ears

Lightly massage or tap the area behind your ears in circular motions. These nodes filter fluid from your scalp and face.

5. Sides of the Face

Using soft, sweeping motions, stroke from the middle of your cheeks out toward your ears, repeating on both sides. This gets the fluid moving toward your drainage points.

Bonus Tip:

For even better results, stay hydrated before and after your Gua Sha ritual—hydration helps lymph fluid move freely and supports your skin's natural detox process.

Now that our lymphatic system is prepped, we're ready to Gua Sha.

How to use Gua Sha on your face for glowing, youthful skin

1. Start with a clean, prepped face: 

Begin with freshly cleansed skin. Apply a few drops of your favourite facial oil or a hydrating serum. (If you're looking for a well-textured, skin nourishing oil, Make My Shave’s Squalane Oil is the ideal formula for hydration, nourishment and texture). 

Using a well-balanced facial oil adds slip to the Gua Sha tool, allowing it to glide easily without pulling your skin.

Bonus Tip: You can warm the tool under warm water for a soothing spa-like touch, or chill it in the fridge for a cooling depuffing effect. Make sure the water is not too hot and dry your gua sha facial tool before use. 

2. Hold the tool at a low angle: 

For best results, hold your Gua Sha tool about 15° to 30° to the skin (almost flat against your face, not perpendicular). The tool’s broad side should hug your skin. 

Use your free hand to support your skin (e.g. hold the skin at your jaw or cheek taut) and use light pressure – Gua Sha is about gentle flow, not force.

A good rule of thumb is to press just enough that you feel a nice massage but it never hurts or pulls.

3. Glide along the contours of your face: 

Using smooth strokes, massage each area of your face, always moving in one direction (not back-and-forth).

Start at the centreof your face and sweep outward and upward for lifting effects. For example, begin at your chin and jawline – gently scrape the tool along your jaw bone toward the ear. 

Next, from the side of your nose, slide the tool over your cheek toward the temple.

For the under-eye area, use a very light touch and the smaller curved side of the tool, gliding from the inner corner of the eye out to the temple. 

On your brow bone, you can press the tool flat and move from the center of your face out toward the hairline. 

Then on the forehead, start above your eyebrows and stroke upward toward the scalp. 

Each stroke can be repeated about 3–10 times. Remember to reapply a bit more oil/serum if needed so the tool never drags uncomfortably.

4. Don’t forget the neck: 

A proper facial Gua Sha routine usually includes the neck to encourage lymphatic drainage. 

After doing the face, gently scrape downward on the sides of your neck (from jawline down to collarbone). 

This helps direct fluids into the lymph nodes that you would have opened during the pre-gua sha phase, and reduces buildup in the face.

You can also massage upward on the back of the neck to relieve tension, but when the goal is drainage, use downward strokes on the side of the neck.

Keep pressure light here as well.

5. Finish up and clean your tool: 

Once you’ve massaged your face and neck, you should feel more relaxed and notice a subtle glow in your complexion. 

There’s no need to rinse your face (you can let the remaining serum absorb). Clean your Gua Sha tool with mild soap and warm water, then dry it thoroughly. 

Cleaning after each use keeps it hygienic, since you don’t want to introduce bacteria to your skin. 

For best results, make Gua Sha a regular ritual – daily or a few times a week. Consistency is key to seeing cumulative benefits. 

And most importantly, enjoy the process! Facial Gua Sha should feel like a calming self-care ritual, not a chore. Take deep breaths, go slowly, and savor the mini face massage at home.

Top Benefits of Gua Sha for Your Skin

Why incorporate Gua Sha into your routine?

This gentle skincare practice isn’t just another beauty fad – it comes with a host of potential benefits for your skin and well-being:

• Boosts circulation and glow: The massage motion of Gua Sha increases microcirculation (blood flow) in the skin. In fact, a study found that Gua Sha treatment increased circulation in surface tissue for over 25 minutes after treatment.
  
  Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, giving you an instant post-massage glow and, over time, a healthier complexion. Many users notice their skin looks more radiant and “awake” after a Gua Sha session.
  
  

• Reduces puffiness and inflammation: If you wake up with a puffy face or under-eye bags, Gua Sha can be a game-changer.
  
  By gently scraping and pushing lymphatic fluid away from the face, it helps reduce swelling and fluid retention. Practitioners find that Gua Sha acts like a natural lymphatic drainage massage – leaving the face less puffy and more contoured.
  
  Even experts note that Gua Sha has been proven to relieve facial tension and reduce puffiness/inflammation. 
  
  

• Relieves muscle tension (and stress): We hold a lot of tension in our facial muscles – think clenched jaws from stress or furrowed brows. Gua Sha helps release that tension by massaging tight areas.
  
  This can ease symptoms like jaw pain or headaches and even help with sinus pressure relief when you use the tool around the brow and cheekbone area.
  
  By smoothing knotted muscles, Gua Sha promotes relaxation. It’s not only a beauty treatment but also a form of self-care that can melt away stress. Many users find it’s a calming ritual that leaves them feeling refreshed and less tense.
  
  

• Natural lifting and sculpting: While Gua Sha isn’t a permanent facelift, regular practice can give a temporary lifting effect.
  
  By boosting circulation and reducing fluid buildup, it helps accentuate your facial contours. Over time, you might notice a more toned appearance – such as a sharper jawline or higher cheekbones – especially in the hours after a session when the face is less puffy.
  
  Think of it as a gentle workout for your face that, with consistency, supports a firmer look. (Bonus: improved circulation may also support collagen production indirectly, contributing to skin elasticity in the long run.)
  
  

• Enhanced skincare absorption: An added perk of massaging with Gua Sha is that it can help your skincare products work better. As you glide the tool, you’re essentially helping your facial oil or serum penetrate deeper.
  
  The increased blood flow also means those active ingredients are circulated more efficiently. So that nourishing serum you applied isn’t just sitting on the surface – Gua Sha helps “push” it in and boosts its efficacy. This can make your skin care routine more effective overall.
  
  

• Safe & gentle for a natural glow: Unlike aggressive treatments or injectables, Gua Sha is very gentle when done correctly. There’s no downtime – you might just have a slight rosy flush that fades quickly.
  
  It’s suitable for most skin types, even sensitive skin, because you control the pressure. Just remember not to scrape over active breakouts, broken skin, or irritations (always avoid areas that are inflamed or wounded).
  
  When performed with light pressure, facial Gua Sha should not bruise or hurt – it’s all gain, no pain. This makes it an appealing natural alternative to more invasive anti-aging methods.
  
  

Choosing the Best Gua Sha Tool (Materials & Tips)

Not all Gua Sha tools are the same. They come in different materials (and shapes), which can affect your experience. The key is that it’s a tool you can keep clean and in good condition (no chips or cracks). That said, here’s a look at common Gua Sha tool materials and how to pick what’s best for you:

• Jade Gua Sha: Traditional Gua Sha tools from Chinese medicine are often carved from jade stone. Jade has a naturally cool touch and has been used for centuries for its balancing energy.
  A jade Gua Sha feels smooth on the skin and can help calm irritation (the coolness can constrict blood vessels a bit). However, keep in mind jade is a porous stone – it might not stay as cold as metal, and if you drop it, it can break or chip. If you love tradition and the feel of a stone, jade is a beautiful choice, but handle it with care.
  
  

• Rose Quartz (and other crystals): Rose quartz Gua Sha tools have become very popular thanks to that insta-worthy pink hue. Like jade, rose quartz stays cool and is ultra-smooth on the skin. Some people attribute metaphysical properties to these crystals (rose quartz is said to promote love and healing energy), but in practical terms they work much like jade.
  Other gemstones used for Gua Sha include amethyst, black obsidian, and aventurine – each with their own look. These all provide a similar massage effect; choosing among them can boil down to aesthetic preference or any “energy” you feel drawn to. Just like jade, gemstone tools can crack if dropped, so treat them gently. Also, be sure to wash them after use, as stones can harbor bacteria in microscopic pores.
  
  

• Stainless Steel Gua Sha (Make My Shave’s pick): A modern upgrade that’s gaining fans is the stainless steel Gua Sha. Make My Shave’s new Gua Sha Facial Tool is made of premium stainless steel, and it comes with some big advantages. 
  First, it’s unbreakable – no worries about dropping it on the bathroom floor. It’s also non-porous and won’t absorb oils or bacteria, making it super hygienic and easy to clean.
  
  Stainless steel has the benefit of being highly temperature-responsive: it naturally stays cool to the touch, or you can chill it for an extra de-puffing kick. Want a warm, relaxing massage? Run it under warm water and it will quickly adapt to a soothing warm temperature. The weight of a metal tool gives a nice pressure without you having to push hard, and it glides like a dream. Plus, Make My Shave’s stainless steel Gua Sha is designed with ergonomic curves to hug the contours of your face perfectly (so it reaches every area from jawline to under-eye).
  If you’re looking for a tool that’s durable, eco-friendly, and luxurious, stainless steel is a top choice.

Top Tip: Metal tools are often ideal for sensitive skin because you can keep them extra clean and there’s no risk of microscopic cracks or rough edges.

Tool shape: Most facial Gua Sha tools, whether stone or steel, have a similar “flat pebble with curves” shape – often resembling a heart or wing. This shape isn’t just pretty; the various angles and notches are designed to fit different parts of your face.

For example, the divot or V-shape is great for hugging your jawline or brow bone, while the longer curved side sweeps along cheeks and forehead. When choosing a tool, make sure it has smooth, well-polished edges (no rough corners). 

If a tool ever chips or develops a sharp edge, stop using it to avoid scratching your skin. Ultimately, the best tool is one that feels comfortable in your hand and on your face. If you invest in a quality Gua Sha (like Make My Shave’s stainless steel version), it can literally last you a lifetime of beauty rituals.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Gua Sha

To wrap up, here are some extra tips and best practices to ensure your Gua Sha routine is safe and effective:

• Always use slip (never on bare dry skin): We can’t stress this enough – apply a facial oil, serum, or moisturizer before using your Gua Sha. This prevents tugging on your skin. The tool should glide, not drag. If you feel pulling, add more product. This not only protects your skin’s barrier but also makes the massage more enjoyable.
  

   

• Use gentle, slow strokes: It’s a common misconception that pressing harder will yield better results – in truth, gentle technique wins here. Light to medium pressure is all you need for lymphatic drainage and muscle relief. Move slowly and mindfully. Going too fast or using force can irritate the skin and won’t give better outcomes. A slight redness or warmth on the skin is normal (that’s blood flow increasing), but stop if you feel pain or see bruising. Remember: with Gua Sha, it’s about consistency (doing it regularly), not intensity.

   

• Keep it clean and cool: Make it a habit to wash your Gua Sha tool after each use (warm water and mild soap, then dry). This keeps bacteria at bay and your skin happy. For an extra refreshing morning routine, store your tool in the fridge – a cold Gua Sha feels amazing on puffy morning skin and can enhance the de-puffing effect. If you prefer a relaxing wind-down at night, a warm Gua Sha massage can help relieve tension. (Just test the temperature on your wrist first – it should be comfortably warm, never hot.)
  

   

• Be patient and enjoy the ritual: While some benefits (like glow and reduced puffiness) can be seen immediately after a session, the real magic of Gua Sha comes with regular practice. Think of it like yoga for your face – you’ll gain more flexibility and tone over time. Try to do it a few times a week, or even daily if you can. Many people incorporate Gua Sha in their morning routine to reduce sleep-induced puffiness, or at night to release the day’s tension. Find a time that you can stick with. Play some calming music, take a deep breath, and use this as me-time. The more you enjoy the process, the more likely you’ll stick to it – and your skin will thank you for that long-term commitment.
  

   

• Know when to skip it: Gua Sha is generally very safe, but there are times to pause. Avoid using Gua Sha on areas with active acne breakouts, open cuts, or sunburn – you don’t want to spread bacteria or further irritate damaged skin. If you have had recent fillers or Botox, consult your doctor about how long to wait before massaging the area. And if you have a condition that affects your blood circulation or you’re on blood thinners, it’s wise to check with a healthcare professional before starting Gua Sha (just to be extra safe). Essentially, listen to your body: if something doesn’t feel right, give your face a rest.
  
  

Facial Gua Sha is a simple yet powerful technique to naturally enhance your skin. With just a few minutes of gentle massage, you can boost your circulation, relax away tension, and achieve a fresh-faced glow – all without stepping into a spa or using invasive treatments.

It’s an approachable routine for beginners and a beloved ritual for seasoned skincare lovers. So why not carve out a little time for this age-old beauty secret? All you need is a quality tool (we’re partial to Make My Shave’s durable stainless steel Gua Sha) and a little patience.

Your complexion will be brighter, your face will feel more lifted, and you might just find a moment of zen in the process. Happy Gua Sha-ing, and enjoy the radiant results of this natural facelift in your daily skincare routine!