What Does a Gua Sha Do?

Open up any social media platform and you'll likely find a beauty expert talking about the use of a gua sha tool. The claims — such as that it can reduce a double chin — often seem too good to be true, but this little device does have a place in your beauty routine and can help boost skin health. Before we get into that, though, let’s go over the basics. A gua sha is a smooth-edged tool used to gently scrape the skin in an upward and outward motion to promote circulation, lymphatic drainage (helping move fluid from the body), and depuffing in the skin. Think of it like dry brushing, but for your face. While this practice won't completely change your face shape (or remove fat), it can make it appear more sculpted due to its depuffing effect. 

Gua sha is typically done in outward and upward motion, but there are a few ways you can do it that provide extra benefits. Master organic esthetician Katie Sobelman has a few tips on how to gua sha to promote lymphatic drainage. "The main thing to keep in mind when doing gua sha is to keep the tool as flat as possible," she says. "You want as much of the tool in contact with your skin at all times. While you can use the narrow edge of the tool, mostly to increase circulation [by] moving it in a quick back-and forth manner — think erasing lines — ideally you do not use the edge but the larger surface of the tool." You also want the tool to glide over your face, so be sure to use your favorite face serum during any gua sha treatment. 

Sobelman also recommends using light pressure, especially if you're using the tool for lymphatic drainage. You should start your movements at the neck and chest, working up slowly toward the forehead area, and then back down, always gliding from the middle of the face out toward the edges. After "draining" the face, you can use slightly firmer pressure to sculpt, moving similarly but with a slight upward angle. This entire practice should only take about five minutes and should feel nice at all times. Be sure to stop the treatment if anything hurts or even feels uncomfortable.