Oct 23, 2025
Categories
Skin Care
Let’s be honest — gua sha has been everywhere lately, and it looks like it’s sticking around. Search “gua sha” on TikTok and you’ll find countless before-and-after clips showing what this small tool can do. A regular gua sha routine is said to soften fine lines, calm inflammation, and help define the face (hello, cheekbones). It can also ease the tightness that comes from too much screen time — aka “tech neck.” Read on for our face-and-neck gua sha guide, with tips from Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar on how to use the tool correctly.
Table of Contents
– What Is Gua Sha?
– Does Gua Sha Work?
– Benefits for the Face & Neck
– Gua Sha Techniques
– Recommended Products
– Quick Guide: Gua Sha for Face & Neck
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is an old technique that uses a flat stone to massage the skin, boost circulation, and release tension. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for centuries. Originally a full-body practice for easing pain and inflammation, gua sha involved scraping a smooth tool (like a stone, coin, or spoon) across the skin to bring blood flow to an area.
Classic gua sha tools were made from jade or bian stone, but now you’ll find options in rose quartz, stainless steel, and more. Shape matters: pick a tool that feels good in your hand and follows the curves of your face. Tools with several edges and curves make it easier to glide along the neck, jawline, cheekbones, and under the eyes.
Does Gua Sha Actually Work?
With all the buzz, does gua sha live up to the hype? We think it can. Beyond smoothing the skin, many people find it relaxing and helpful for lowering stress and releasing body tension. Like any skincare habit, consistency matters. Start with gua sha two to three times a week, then build up to daily if you like.
Research offers encouraging signs. One study in the Journal of Science and Healing found that gua sha can boost skin microcirculation by up to 400%, which may give the skin a healthy glow. Another clinical trial on facial massage plus an anti-aging cream showed that daily massage helped the cream’s effects and made wrinkles look smoother after eight weeks. Dermatologist Dr. Dray discusses this study in detail for those wanting a professional take. As always, keep realistic expectations when trying a new routine.
Benefits for the Face & Neck
According to acupuncturist Sandra Lanshin Chiu, gua sha can help most skin types and concerns, even acne. She explains that congested skin has poor circulation, which leads to swelling and inflammation. Facial gua sha supports lymphatic drainage and improves blood flow and overall energy circulation.
Key benefits include:
– Sculpting and contouring the face
– Helping products absorb better
– Relaxing muscles and easing tension
– Reducing puffiness
Lanshin’s team emphasizes the neck: it’s the pathway that brings nutrients up to the face and carries waste away. Long hours on phones and computers can tighten neck muscles and affect how the neck works. Regular gua sha can ease that tension, improve circulation, and — when done properly over time — help reduce visible signs of aging.
Gua Sha Techniques for Face & Neck
For a visual demo, watch Natalie’s In The Mix video. Here’s her step-by-step guide:
– Apply 4–10 drops of facial oil.
– Start at the base of the neck and gently glide the tool upward toward the jawline on both sides.
– From the middle of the chin, sweep outward toward the ear.
– Move across the cheeks and finish at the hairline.
– Glide over the eyebrow and up to the hairline.
– Sweep from between the brows up to the hairline.
– Sweep upward from the middle of the forehead to the hairline.
– Repeat on the other side of the face.
– Do each move up to 10 times before moving on.
– Finish by sweeping from the top of the jaw (under the ear) down to the collarbone to encourage lymphatic drainage.
Products to Use for Gua Sha
Start with a serum, oil, or moisturizer that gives enough slip so the tool glides without tugging. If you feel pulling or irritation, add more product. We recommend our Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck for a smooth gua sha experience.
Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
This ultra-hydrating oil helps protect skin from drying pollutants, supports elasticity, and smooths the look of fine lines. It blends seabuckthorn, rosehip, and jojoba oils to target dryness and reveal a glowing look. If the oil absorbs too quickly as you work, spritz a facial mist to rehydrate the skin.
Product Picks
– Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
Deeply hydrating facial oil
$118.00
(172)
Facial Recovery Oil
Called “liquid gold” by many customers, this oil adds glide and moisture for gua sha. It’s suitable for all skin types and uses herbs and nourishing oils to leave skin smoother, softer, and more even.
– Facial Recovery Oil
Luxurious oil for all skin types
$85.00
(205)
Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck
This richer cream is best for drier skin, thanks to ingredients like evening primrose oil, shea butter, and our Argan Stem Cell Complex. Pair it with a toner for extra hydration and slip during gua sha.
We suggest the Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist — a plumping toner with a Natural Retinol Alternative, Swiss green apple, and coconut water, suitable for all skin types. It’s a customer favorite and has even been mentioned in Olivia Culpo’s nighttime routine in Harper’s Bazaar. Using gua sha after applying cream and toner can help active ingredients soak in deeper for better smoothing effects.
Product Picks
– Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck
Restorative cream for face & neck
$77.00
(331)
– Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist
Plumping toner for all skin types
$39.00
(124)
Gua Sha: All Your Questions Answered
How does gua sha help with tech neck?
Gua sha can loosen tight neck and shoulder muscles from long periods on phones and computers. Gliding the tool along the neck boosts circulation, eases stiffness, and reduces tension.
Which way should I move the tool on the neck?
Always glide upward toward the jawline for lifting benefits, then finish by sweeping down to the collarbone to drain lymphatic fluid.
Can gua sha replace professional facials?
Gua sha can help extend the effects of facials but doesn’t replace professional treatments. Think of it as a regular at-home practice that complements spa services.
Which products work best with gua sha on the neck?
Richer creams or oils are ideal for the neck since this skin can be delicate and dry. Look for hydrating formulas with antioxidants or age-correcting ingredients.
How long until I see results?
Many people notice less puffiness after the first few sessions. More visible contouring and smoother-looking skin usually show up after several weeks of steady use.
Ready to upgrade your skincare routine? Our estheticians can help you choose products made for your skin. Book now at your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner.