How to use gua sha is simpler than it looks—and this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through it step by step. If you’ve ever watched someone glide a gua sha stone across their face and thought, “Okay… but how do I actually do that?”, you’re not alone. The good news: a gua sha routine can be simple, relaxing, and beginner-friendly—as long as you use the right pressure, the right direction, and a little slip (oil or serum) so you’re never dragging your skin.
What Is Gua Sha (and Why People Love It)
Gua sha is a facial massage technique using a smooth tool to gently glide along the skin. Many people use it to help reduce the look of puffiness, ease facial tension (hello, tight jaw), and create a refreshed, “lifted” look—especially when done consistently. The key is not force. Think “slow, steady, soothing,” not “scrape and press.”
Before You Start: 4 Quick Rules
- Clean skin first. Wash your face and hands.
- Always use slip. Apply face oil, moisturizer, or a hydrating serum so the tool glides easily.
- Light to medium pressure only. You should feel comfortable—never pain.
- Work “up and out” on the face. Most strokes move from the center outward and/or from bottom to top.
Best Time to Do Gua Sha
Pick a time you can repeat consistently. Many people love it at night (it’s calming), while others do a quick morning session to help the face look more awake. If you do it in the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Before you start: apply a slip-friendly product so the tool glides easily (no tugging). This can be your usual facial oil, serum, or moisturizer. Use light pressure and stop if your skin feels irritated.
How to Use Gua Sha: A 5–8 Minute Routine for Beginners
Go slowly, keep the tool nearly flat (not digging with the edge), and repeat each stroke 3–5 times per side.
Step 1: Start with the neck (don’t skip this)
Gently glide to help everything feel smoother.
- Glide from just behind the ear down the side of the neck toward the collarbone.
- Then glide from the center of the neck outward toward the collarbone.
Step 2: Jawline (tension release)
Slow strokes along the jaw can feel amazing if you clench.
- Place the tool at the center of the chin.
- Glide along the jawline toward the ear, finishing just below the ear.
Step 3: Cheeks (lift up and out)
Keep the motion smooth—no tugging.
- Start beside the nose (mid-cheek area).
- Glide outward toward the ear in one line.
Step 4: Under-eye (ultra gentle)
Use your lightest pressure here.
- Start at the inner corner under the eye.
- Glide outward toward the temple.
Step 5: Forehead (smooth + relax)
Choose one style—or do both if you have time.
- Glide upward from the brow area toward the hairline.
- Or glide from the center of the forehead outward toward the temples.
Finish: Do one gentle stroke behind the ear and down the neck to the collarbone, then take a deep breath.
How Often Should You Use Gua Sha?
- Beginner: 2–3 times per week
- Regular: 4–6 times per week (short sessions)
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Pressing too hard: lighten up—pain or soreness means too much pressure.
- No oil/serum: always add slip so you don’t drag the skin.
- Rushing the strokes: slow = effective and relaxing.
- Skipping the neck: start there so face strokes feel smoother.
- Using the sharp edge: keep the tool flatter against the skin.
When to Avoid Gua Sha
Avoid gua sha on sunburned, irritated, or broken skin. If you recently had a cosmetic procedure, have a skin condition, or you’re unsure—ask a professional first. This post is for general wellness and self-care, not medical advice.
For general skin-safety guidance, you can also review tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
How to Clean Your Gua Sha Tool
- Wash with mild soap and warm water after use.
- Dry it completely.
- Store it somewhere clean.
Quick Recap (Save This)
- Clean face + slip (oil/serum)
- Neck first
- Jaw → cheeks → under-eye (gentle) → forehead
- 3–5 strokes per area, slow and light
- 2–6 times per week
FAQ
How do I use gua sha correctly as a beginner?
Use light pressure, add face oil for slip, start with the neck, then glide along jaw, cheeks, under-eye, and forehead.
How long should a gua sha routine take?
A beginner-friendly routine can take 5–8 minutes. Focus on gentle, slow strokes instead of pressure.
Should I use gua sha every day?
Beginners usually do well with 2–3 times per week. If your skin stays comfortable, you can increase to 4–6 short sessions per week.
Do I need face oil for gua sha?
Yes. Use oil, serum, or moisturizer so the tool glides smoothly. Never do gua sha on dry skin.
What pressure should I use?
Light to medium pressure. It should feel soothing, not painful. Keep the tool nearly flat against the skin.
If you’re building a simple “real life” routine, you may also like:
If your face feels tired, puffy, or tense, let this be a gentle reminder: you don’t need a perfect routine—just a small, consistent one. Even five calm minutes can change how you feel in your own skin.
Save this guide for later, and come back anytime you need a soft reset. You deserve slow, kind care—especially on busy days.
