If you’ve already nailed the basics of your skincare routine—cleanse, treat, moisturise, protect—you might be wondering what’s next. The answer? Guasha. This centuries-old technique isn’t just another beauty trend; it’s a minimalist way to support your skin’s health from the outside in—by combining targeted massage with the skincare you already love.
Done regularly, Guasha can:
- Relax muscles: Helps to ease tension in the face and neck.
- Stimulate lymphatic drainage: Aids in flushing out toxins and reducing puffiness.
- Increase blood flow: Enhances circulation, promoting a healthy glow.
- Release the fascia: Helps to free tight connective tissue for improved skin elasticity.
- Optimise the skincare's penetration and effectiveness: Prepares the skin to absorb products more effectively.
Skincare Isn’t Just About Products
We spend a lot of time (and money) choosing the right serums, creams, and SPF—and that matters. But healthy, glowing skin isn’t only about what you apply—it's also about how you treat your skin. Facial tension, poor circulation, and stagnant lymph can all dull your glow, no matter how good your routine is. That’s where gua sha comes in.
Think of it as fitness for your face—low-effort, high-impact, and easy to add to your routine.
But here’s the catch: the wrong tool can make it feel gimmicky or ineffective. So let’s break down how to choose the right shape and material for your skin goals.
What Shape of Guasha Tool Works Best for the Face?
There are dozens of shapes out there, but only a few that are truly skin-friendly and easy to use for home massage:
💗 Heart-Shaped
Best for beginners and multitaskers. The curves fit most facial contours—especially cheekbones, jawline, and under-eyes—making this the go-to shape for a full-face routine.
🔺 Winged or Triangular
Perfect for those who want a bit more structure and grip, especially when massaging the neck, forehead, or around the brow area.
🚫 Skip This: Rollers & Unpolished Scrapers
While rollers feel soothing, they don’t offer the same sculpting benefits as a Guasha tool. And rough, oddly shaped or synthetic Guasha tools can tug or irritate your skin—not the vibe.
TL;DR: If you’re buying one tool, choose a smooth, polished heart shape. It’s versatile, beginner-friendly, and works.
What Guasha Material Is Best for Your Skin Type + Lifestyle?
Now let’s talk stones vs. metals. The material of your tool can affect not only your skin, but also your experience.
Here’s how to choose based on skin concerns, durability, and feel:
🧊 Cool Stones
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Rose Quartz: Naturally cooling and calming. A favourite for sensitive skin and those prone to puffiness.
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Amethyst: Antioxidant-rich and slightly firmer. Great for acne-prone or inflamed skin.
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Jade: The traditional choice. Slightly softer than other stones, perfect for a gentler massage.
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Aventurine & White Quartz: Balancing and firming, suitable for all skin types.
🔥 Warm Stones
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Black Obsidian: Ideal for warm massage. Helps relax muscles and boost circulation—perfect if you carry tension in your jaw or forehead.
🧱 Breakability Ranking (Most Fragile to Most Durable)
- Obsidian
- Amethyst
- Rose Quartz
- Aventurine
- White Quartz
- Crystal Quartz
- Jade
- Serpentine (Antigorite)
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
🧲 Metal Tools (For the Practical Minimalist)
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Stainless Steel: Ultra-durable, non-porous, and naturally cooling. Ideal for pros, travel, or if you’re clumsy.
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Copper: Naturally antimicrobial and slightly warming—great for detox massage—but it does require more care to avoid oxidation.
TL;DR:
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Choose stone if you love rituals and sensory experiences.
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Choose stainless steel if you’re low-maintenance and want a pro-grade, ultra-clean tool.
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Choose copper if you want antimicrobial benefits and a warming effect.
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Warm vs. Cool Guasha: Which Is Better?
There’s no rule here—it depends on your skin’s mood and needs.
🔥 Warm Guasha
- Relaxes tight muscles
- Boosts circulation
- Enhances product penetration
How-to: Run the tool under warm water or wrap it in a warm towel. Ideal with black obsidian or copper.
❄️ Cool Guasha
- Calms inflammation
- De-puffs and tightens
- Minimizes redness
How-to: Keep your stone in the fridge. Works best with jade, rose quartz, or amethyst.
➡️ Alternate both if you like. It’s about tuning into your skin.
Watch Out for Low-Quality Tools
Not all Guasha tools are created equal.
Avoid anything made of wood, that feels like plastic, has jagged edges, or doesn’t clearly state the material.
Look for:
- Naturally cool-to-the-touch surface
- Even polished edges
- Authentic stone or medical-grade metal
How to Use a Gua Sha Tool
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Never Use on Dry Skin
Always use your Guasha tool on lubricated skin to avoid friction and redness. Use a facial oil for a smooth glide and to protect the skin. Aromatic facial oils can enhance the experience, offering a relaxing and holistic treatment.
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Hold the Tool Correctly
Depending on the shape of your Guasha tool, hold it with the curved side against your face. Glide it gently in one direction only, always moving upwards and outwards. Avoid back-and-forth motions.
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Follow the Strokes (Read HERE all about face Massage Techniques with Guasha)
- Start at the neck, moving upwards toward the jawline.
- Sweep along the jawline outward to the ears.
- Glide across the cheeks, moving from the nose outward toward the temples.
- For the under-eye area, use very light pressure and move horizontally outward toward the temples.
- On the forehead, start at the centre and glide outward toward the temples.
- Don’t forget the final strokes downward along the neck to flush out toxins.
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Avoid Using Damaged Tools
Never use a Guasha tool if it’s chipped or damaged, as it could cause micro-tears in your skin.
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Skip Broken Skin or Acne
Avoid using Guasha on broken skin, active acne, or pustules to prevent irritation or spreading bacteria.
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Use Gentle Pressure
Be especially cautious around the delicate eye area. Strong pressure can cause bruising or tear the skin by friction.
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Hygiene Matters
After every use, wash your Guasha tool with warm water and antibacterial soap. Before each use, ensure the tool is clean to avoid introducing bacteria to your skin.
Best Time for Guasha Massage
The evening is the ideal time to massage your face with a Gua Sha tool. After just a few minutes of massage, even with regular pressure, your skin may appear slightly reddened for 10–15 minutes. This is a normal response caused by the stimulation of blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The gentle pressure of the Gua Sha creates a temporary, controlled trauma that involves the skin’s surface and deeper muscle tissues. Don’t worry—this redness is temporary. Within an hour or two, the skin will reabsorb excess fluids, reducing puffiness, and you’ll notice your face feeling firmer, tighter, and visibly refreshed. This ancient practice allows your skin time to heal, leaving you to wake up with a lifted and more relaxed face.
Care and Maintenance: Preserving Your Gua Sha
Proper care extends the life of your gua sha and maintains its effectiveness:
- Wash gently with mild soap after each use
- Dry thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth
- Store in a cool, dry location
- Regularly inspect for any chips or structural changes
Guasha isn’t a miracle tool—but it is one of the simplest, most effective ways to bring a holistic dimension to your skincare. Whether you’re looking to sculpt, de-puff, or simply de-stress, the right gua sha tool turns a few mindful minutes into real results.
And with the right shape and material, you’ll want to use it.
Nourish your skin with our aromatic oils, AZUR, SHAANT, or KORU. Give your face a workout and a boost of vitality with a Guasha tool while enjoying a wonderful aromatic facial. The result? Toned, firmer, and healthier skin and a happy mood.
- Gua Sha tools are sold separately
