How to Use a Gua Sha on the Face and Body
A gua sha ritual can be more than a facial massage. With gentle pressure, a smooth glide and a few mindful minutes, it can become a full-body moment of care, from jawline to shoulders, from arms to legs.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use a gua sha on both the face and body, what to apply beforehand for comfort, how often to use it, and the simple techniques that help your skin feel cared for and look refreshed.
What is a gua sha tool used for?
Gua sha is a massage technique performed with a smooth tool. In modern routines, it is commonly used for a gentle face and body massage. Many people enjoy it for the way it can help the skin look more energised, feel less tense, and appear less puffy, especially when used consistently and with light to medium pressure.
What to apply before gua sha, face and body
Always use a product that gives slip so the tool glides.
For the face, a facial oil, serum or moisturiser that does not dry too quickly works well.
For the body, a body oil, shower oil, body cream or balm can create a comfortable glide.
If the tool drags at any point, add more product. The massage should feel smooth and soothing, never scratchy.
Products to use with your Face Gua Sha
EXPERT TREATMENTS TO USE WITH YOUR BODY GUA SHA
Almond Milk Concentrate
Smoothing & Softening
Enriched with Almond Milk and Sweet Almond Oil from Provence, it delivers long-lasting hydration, improves suppleness, and visibly firms the skin.
Almond Supple Skin Oil
Moisturising and Nourishing
Enriched with almond oil and omegas, envelopes the skin with a subtle and mouth-watering scent of fresh almonds while leaving a delicious satiny-smooth finish.
Immortelle Divine Pro-Youth Body Balm
Anti-Ageing & Firming
With 3 expertly blended ingredients, it visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and restores firmness and elasticity to the skin.
HOW TO USE A GUA SHA ON THE FACE? STEP BY STEP
View this instructional video which demonstrates the various techniques for using a Gua Sha face sculpting tool to massage and contour your face, including the eyes, jawline, forehead, and cheeks. The benefits of the Gua Sha include the stimulation of collagen production to promote a healthy glow.
Keep the tool almost flat to the skin. Use light pressure, especially around the eyes.
Neck
Sweep upwards from the side of the neck towards the jaw. Repeat several slow strokes per side.
Jawline
Start at the chin and glide along the jaw towards the ear. Move slowly and keep the pressure gentle.
Cheeks
Glide from the side of the nose outwards towards the temple. Repeat on both sides.
Under-eye
Use the lightest pressure. Sweep from the inner corner out towards the temple.
Forehead
Glide from the centre of the forehead outwards towards the temples.
Back (optional)
If you can reach comfortably, glide from the centre of the lower back outwards. Otherwise, keep this area for professional massage or assisted use.
How to use a gua sha on the body, step by step
For body massage, you can use slightly more pressure than on the face, but it should still feel comfortable. Work with long, slow strokes. If you are aiming for a de-puffed, lighter-feeling result, many routines follow an “up and out” direction towards the nearest lymph node areas.
Shoulders and neck tension
Sweep from the top of the shoulder towards the neck, then down the side of the neck with gentle pressure. Repeat slowly.
Arms
Glide from wrist to elbow, then elbow to shoulder. Use long strokes, and repeat on each section.
Stomach
Use very gentle pressure. Glide in slow strokes across the abdomen, keeping movements comfortable.
Hips and thighs
Glide from knee towards thigh, then from mid-thigh towards the hip. Repeat with slow, steady strokes.
Calves and legs
Glide from ankle towards knee, then knee towards upper leg. This is a popular area for a lighter-feeling massage after a long day.
Tips and Tricks
- Avoid cold environments, make sure the room you are in is warm during your massage, especially in the winter.
- When using the Gua Sha stone, try to keep it positioned at 15 degrees to your skin.
- Before use, refrigerate your Gua Sha stone for at least 10 minutes or run it through extra cold water.
- After use, clean the Gua Sha under running water and then store it in a clean and dry place.
- Drink plenty of water following a Gua Sha, in order to flush out toxins.
- Do not take cold showers or baths within a half hour of finishing your massage.
- Avoid heavy pressure on the face and under-eye and avoid using the tool overdry and irritated skin, inflamed areas, or painful bruises.
FAQ
Can you use gua sha on the body?
Yes. With enough slip and comfortable pressure, gua sha can be used on the body, especially on shoulders, arms and legs.
Is gua sha better on the face or body?
They serve different needs. Facial gua sha is typically lighter and more delicate. Body gua sha can be slightly firmer and is often used on larger areas like thighs or calves.
What should I apply for body gua sha?
Choose a product with good glide, such as a body oil, shower oil, cream or balm, so the tool moves smoothly.
How to clean your gua sha tool
Wash with mild soap and water after use, rinse well, then pat dry. Store it somewhere clean and dry.
How often should you use gua sha?
Start two to four times per week. Increase if your skin and body enjoy it. Reduce frequency if your skin is sensitised. Consistency matters more than pressure.
