Eastern beauty practices, particularly those rooted in Korean and Chinese skincare traditions, have gained prominence in recent years.

One traditional Chinese practice currently blowing up worldwide is gua sha, which involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin until tiny, rash-like dots called petechiae appear.

This healing method is said to relieve tension and stress on the face, chin, and neck, promote lymphatic drainage, and potentially enhance the absorption of skincare products.

Skincare benefits

The gua sha tools is a small, flat stone that, when used correctly, can reduce many skin concerns. 

Practitioners believe gently scraping the skin using the gua sha tool helps promote blood circulation and drains trapped fluid under the skin, which can reduce bloating and swelling.

Trapped fluid under the skin being released can also tighten your facial muscles, giving you more sculpted features. This can be a great addition to your morning routine if your face tends to look a bit swollen and puffy after waking up.

Working the gua sha tool across your undereye sections in long swipes is also thought to help diminish dark circles and puffy eyes.

How to gua sha 

Now that we know the skincare benefits of gua sha, how exactly do you do it?

After applying your serum, moisturizer, and/or face oil, gently press the gua sha tool on your skin and stroke it in long swipes in areas you want some relief. For areas you don't have too many concerns in, it's best to stick to short swipes.

You can use the tool on your jaw and neck as well to help lower tension in these areas.

While using the tool, you might notice redness, red marks or slight bruising, but this is perfectly normal. If you want to avoid bruising, reduce the pressure of your strokes.

It's best to avoid on any spots on the face where you have rashes or sunburn as this may cause irritation.

Where to buy a gua sha tool

Gua sha tools are widely available, with major retailers like Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Target stocking them.

When purchasing a gua sha tool, keep in mind that they are crafted from natural stones like jade or rose quartz, and it's prudent to research which stones work for your skin type.

Given the plethora of brands offering this tool, it's best to go for a heart-shaped one, which is the most commonly used and recommended for beginners.

Aside from purchasing the tool, you can also get a gua sha facial at a spa or clinic. This is recommended for people trying the technique for the first time, as specialists can provide personalized advice based on your skin type.