How to Use a Gua Sha Stone: Face, Body, Jade Roller & Tools
Last updated 2 July 2026 · 12 min read
Gua sha can feel beautifully soothing, but the best results come from using the right pressure, the right glide and the right tool for the area you are treating. Whether you are using a rose quartz gua sha, jade roller, body scraper or facial massage wand, the goal is not to “scrape hard”. It is to support circulation, reduce puffiness, release tension and help your skincare glide without pulling at the skin.
In this VAMS Beauty guide, we explain how to use a gua sha stone safely, how often you can do gua sha, how to use a jade roller and scraper together and how to use gua sha on the body. We also share the facial oil and tools we love for a gentle, skin-supportive routine.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Gua sha should be done with light to medium pressure on the face, never harsh scraping.
- Most people can use facial gua sha 2 to 4 times weekly, or daily if the skin tolerates it well.
- Always use a facial oil or serum with enough slip so the tool glides smoothly.
- A jade roller is best for cooling and de-puffing, while gua sha is better for tension release and contour-style massage.
- For body gua sha, use a body-specific tool and firmer pressure only on areas that can comfortably tolerate it.
QUICK ANSWER
To use a gua sha stone, apply facial oil to clean skin, hold the tool almost flat against the face and glide it gently from the centre of the face outward and upward. Use 3 to 5 slow strokes per area, working along the neck, jawline, cheeks, under-eyes and forehead. Most people can do facial gua sha 2 to 4 times per week, while body gua sha can be used as needed for areas of tension.
In this article
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional massage technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to glide over the skin. On the face, modern gua sha is usually performed gently with a stone tool to support circulation, reduce the look of puffiness and ease tension in areas like the jaw, cheeks and forehead.
The word “scraper” is sometimes used, but facial gua sha should not feel aggressive. Your face is not a stubborn baking tray. Think slow gliding, soft pressure and enough oil so the tool moves easily without dragging.
Traditional body gua sha can involve firmer pressure, but facial gua sha is much lighter. If you are prone to redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, active acne or sensitivity, gentle pressure is especially important.
What Are the Benefits of Gua Sha?
Gua sha may support skin appearance by encouraging blood flow, reducing temporary fluid retention and relaxing facial tension. It is not a replacement for sunscreen, skincare or professional treatments, but it can be a beautiful support step when used correctly.
| Potential benefit | How gua sha may help |
|---|---|
| Reduced puffiness | Gentle outward strokes may help move excess fluid towards lymphatic drainage pathways. |
| Healthy-looking glow | Massage can temporarily improve surface circulation, giving skin a fresher look. |
| Facial tension relief | Slow strokes along the jaw, temples and forehead can help release tightness. |
| Better product glide | Using facial oil with gua sha encourages a smoother, more mindful skincare routine. |
How Often Can You Do Gua Sha?
Most people can do facial gua sha 2 to 4 times a week. Some people enjoy doing it daily, but daily use is only suitable if your skin is calm, healthy and not easily irritated.
If your skin is sensitive, reactive, acne-prone or rosacea-prone, start with once or twice weekly and keep the pressure very light. Stop if your skin feels hot, sore, bruised, stinging or more inflamed afterwards.
QUICK SUMMARY
You can usually do facial gua sha 2 to 4 times per week. Daily gua sha may be fine for resilient skin, but sensitive, acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin should start slowly. Use light pressure, plenty of slip and avoid gua sha over broken skin, active inflammation, sunburn or painful breakouts.
How to Use Gua Sha on the Face
The safest way to use gua sha on the face is to keep your pressure gentle, your strokes slow and your tool almost flat against the skin. A 15-degree angle is usually more comfortable than holding the tool upright.
Step 1: Cleanse your skin
Start with clean skin so you are not massaging makeup, sunscreen or daily build-up into your pores.
Step 2: Apply a facial oil
Facial oil gives your gua sha tool the slip it needs. For sensitive skin, we love Biobod Barrier Restore Nutrient Oil because it is fragrance-free and designed to support dry, reactive and barrier-stressed skin.
Step 3: Start at the neck
Glide downward along the sides of the neck, then out towards the collarbone. This helps create a soft pathway before moving to the face.
Step 4: Move along the jawline
Use the curved edge to glide from the chin towards the ear. Repeat 3 to 5 times on each side.
Step 5: Sweep across the cheeks
Move from the nose outward towards the ears. Keep the tool flat and the pressure soft.
Step 6: Be extra gentle under the eyes
Use the smallest edge and glide from the inner under-eye area outward. Do not press hard here. This skin is delicate and dramatic.
Step 7: Finish on the forehead
Sweep from the centre of the forehead outward towards the temples, then lightly upward if it feels comfortable.
How to Use a Jade Roller and Scraper Together
A jade roller and gua sha scraper can be used together, but they do slightly different things. A jade roller is best for cooling, de-puffing and quick morning freshness. A gua sha scraper is better for slow massage, jaw tension and more targeted facial contour-style work.
| Tool | Best for | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Jade roller | Cooling, quick de-puffing and a soothing morning massage. | Roll from the centre of the face outward using light pressure. |
| Gua sha scraper | Tension release, facial massage and sculpted-looking definition. | Glide slowly with oil, holding the tool almost flat to the skin. |
For an easy routine, use the roller first to cool and wake up the skin, then use the gua sha stone for slower strokes along the jaw, cheeks and forehead. The Quartz Gua Sha and Roller Set is the set we love for this because it gives you both tools in one simple ritual.
How to Use Gua Sha on Body
Body gua sha is used on larger areas such as the shoulders, arms, legs, thighs, hips and back. The pressure can be firmer than facial gua sha, but it should still feel relieving, not painful.
For body massage, we recommend LAMAV Full Body Bliss, a body tool designed for larger areas where a small facial stone may feel too delicate. Use it with body oil or lotion and glide towards the heart using slow, even strokes.
- Use light to medium pressure on sensitive areas.
- Use firmer pressure only where the body feels comfortable, such as thighs or shoulders.
- Avoid broken skin, bruises, varicose veins, sunburn and irritated rashes.
- Drink water afterwards if the massage feels intense or heat-building.
Where Does the Ayurvedic Kansa Wand Fit In?
The LAMAV Ayurvedic Kansa Wand is not a gua sha stone, but it can sit beautifully within the same facial massage ritual. A Kansa wand has a rounded metal tip that is used in Ayurvedic-inspired facial massage to soothe, cool and relax the skin.
Use the Kansa wand when you want a softer, circular massage rather than the sweeping strokes of gua sha. It is lovely around the cheeks, jaw and forehead when your skin feels tense but you do not want the pulling sensation of a flat stone.
MYTH VS FACT
Myth: Gua sha should leave bruises to work.
Fact: Facial gua sha should not bruise. If your skin is bruising, you are using too much pressure.
Myth: Gua sha permanently lifts the face.
Fact: Gua sha can make the face look temporarily fresher and less puffy, but it does not replace collagen support, sunscreen or professional treatments.
The VAMS Beauty Gua Sha Edit
These are the tools and skincare pairings we love for a gentle, effective gua sha routine.
Shop the gua sha ritual
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can you do gua sha?
Most people can do facial gua sha 2 to 4 times weekly. Daily gua sha may suit resilient skin, but sensitive or reactive skin should start with once or twice weekly.
Can you do gua sha every day?
You can do gua sha every day if your skin tolerates it well and you use gentle pressure. Avoid daily use if your skin feels irritated, bruised, inflamed or tender.
How do you use a jade roller and scraper together?
Use the jade roller first for cooling and de-puffing, then use the gua sha scraper for slower facial massage along the jaw, cheeks and forehead.
What is the best gua sha facial tool?
The best gua sha facial tool is smooth, comfortable to hold and shaped to glide along the face without sharp edges. We love the Quartz Gua Sha and Roller Set because it includes both a roller and gua sha tool.
How do you use gua sha on body?
Apply body oil or lotion, then glide a body gua sha tool over larger areas like thighs, arms and shoulders using slow strokes towards the heart. Use lighter pressure on sensitive areas.
Do you need facial oil for gua sha?
Yes. Facial oil helps the tool glide without pulling at the skin. For sensitive skin, choose a fragrance-free oil with barrier-supportive ingredients.
Can gua sha help with puffiness?
Gua sha may help reduce the look of temporary puffiness by encouraging fluid movement and supporting circulation through gentle massage.
Should gua sha hurt?
No. Facial gua sha should not hurt. If it feels painful or leaves bruising, use less pressure or stop.
Can I use gua sha if I have acne?
Avoid using gua sha over active, inflamed or painful acne. You may use it gently around clear areas, but dragging over breakouts can make irritation worse.
Can I use gua sha with rosacea?
If you have rosacea, use extreme caution. Keep pressure very light, avoid flare-ups and stop if your skin becomes hotter, redder or more reactive.
Should gua sha be done morning or night?
Either is fine. Morning gua sha is lovely for puffiness, while evening gua sha can help release tension before bed.
How long should a gua sha routine take?
A simple facial gua sha routine can take 3 to 8 minutes. Longer is not always better, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Research and References
- DermNet NZ: Sensitive skin
- DermNet NZ: Skin barrier
- Peer-reviewed study: Gua sha and microcirculation
- Peer-reviewed review: Manual lymphatic drainage
- Healthdirect Australia: Bruises
Explore more: beauty tools, facial oils, body care at VAMS Beauty.
Read more on The VAMS Edit: Benefits of Face Oil at Night, What Order Should I Do My Skincare Routine?, Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin and What Does Biocompatible Mean in Skincare?
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Love the look of the deep stone, gorgeous
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