When it comes to skincare, one on-trend tool that promises to depuff, sculpt, and keep your face radiant is the gua sha! Gua sha is a beauty tool similar to facial rollers but designed with multiple shapes and edges for a deeper massage. It is also made from different stones and crystals that claim to have specific energies and healing properties.
But how do you know if gua sha tools are effective, and if so, which one is right for you? Ahead, we uncovered the benefits of using gua sha tools, which type you should choose, and some of the most popular ones to try, including where to get your hands on them. We even asked a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, for some of her comments and tips!
Quick List - Top Gua Sha Tools
Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas is a board-certified dermatologist from the Philippines. She enjoys teaching and gives lectures here and abroad. She is also very active in social media educating the public and correcting misinformation online. Her other special interests include aesthetic and procedural dermatology such as cosmeceuticals, injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Gua sha tools have been gaining popularity among self-care enthusiasts, especially those seeking more ways to relax and pamper themselves while at home. Below are some benefits of gua sha tools.
Gua sha, pronounced as gwah-shah, is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice that involves massaging the tool over your face in long, gentle strokes. It is meant to relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage to remove toxins.
Gua sha is one of the oldest known forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments that can be done at home or in a clinical setting. It claims to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage, remove toxins from the skin, smoothen fine lines, stimulate collagen and elastin production, increase skin turnover, improve dark circles and eye bags, ease tension headaches, calm inflammation, heal breakouts, brighten the skin, and create an overall feeling of positivity and relaxation.
Typically made from semi-precious stones such as jade or rose quartz, gua sha has seemingly endless benefits. Gua sha enthusiasts have noticed fewer wrinkles and fine lines, firmer skin, and an overall glowing and healthy-looking complexion.
These stone tools are also proven to reduce inflammation, treat chronic pain, and boost the efficacy of skincare products. Experts recommend doing gua sha anywhere between twice or thrice a week to every day. It's an easy and natural way to give yourself a facelift without having to go to a fancy spa.
Gua literally means “to scrape” or “to scratch,” while Sha means “sand, sharkskin,” or “red, raised millet-sized rash,” referring to how your skin feels after the treatment—rough like sand or sharkskin. Currently, gua sha is a facial technique that involves gentle strokes and light pressure to stimulate and energize the facial muscles and fascia, with the goal of relaxation and without causing bruises.
Gua sha tools have become game-changers when it comes to health and wellness because of their healing properties and possible skin benefits. Depending on your purpose, gua sha tools may come in different shapes and types of stones. Browse through the buying guide below to learn about the factors to consider when choosing the gua sha tool that's perfect for you.
Gua sha tools are usually made from mineral-rich stones and crystals, all having specific intentions and energetic properties.
Rose quartz is the most common type of stone used in gua sha tools. Naturally relaxing, this gemstone is especially good to use on sensitive and delicate skin. Its light rosy color is not only beautiful but is said to contain a small charge that awakens the skin's natural glow. Rose quartz gua shas are immensely popular as they relate to the heart chakra, which promotes feelings of peace, purity, and healing.
When it comes to the material of the tool, I would say that it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference. I would pick rose quartz that is dolphin-shaped and is a bit heavy because I like it cold on my face, and the weight gives me better control when I use it.
Jade has long been used as a healing tool in traditional Chinese medicine. Considered a symbol of health and prosperity, jade is believed to bring luck, create balance, and absorb negative energy.
When it comes to skin benefits, jade stones are naturally cool to the touch and remain cool even after being applied to the skin. A jade gua sha can then reduce swelling, stimulate blood flow, and soothe inflammation, allergies, and sunburn.
Jade is actually one of my favorite stones. I have been wearing one on my wrist since 2010 and have not removed it since. It is a cool stone and, in my experience, stays cooler longer than the other stones, especially when used in gua sha because repeated strokes cause some build-up of heat in the skin. It is said to be a protective stone with healing properties.
Bian stones are matte black stones originating from the mountains of China. Being deemed a "supercharged" stone, bian stones were created by meteorites hitting the Earth during the Cretaceous period.
Made up of 40 minerals and other elements, this type of stone effectively releases tension and eases muscle fatigue. It targets almost any area of the body, making it suitable to use not only on the face but also on the back, neck, and thoracic region.
I have not personally tried the Bian stone, although it piqued my curiosity when I read about how some groups claim it to be one of the best stones for gua sha due to its long history of use in Chinese medicine. When used properly, it is said to aid in healing and improve health and well-being.
Gua sha tools come in a range of shapes and sizes, each designed to target different areas of the face and body.
Dolphin-shaped gua sha tools are perhaps the most popular in the market. Their concave and convex sides can be used on the brow bone and eye area, while the V-shaped corner flawlessly fits the jawline. Dolphin-shaped gua shas can also be used for bulkier areas of the body that demand more intense massaging.
When choosing gua sha tools, it is important to find one that is smooth and rounded, easy and comfortable to hold, and allows the user to evenly and correctly apply the strokes on the skin. Find one with varying contours and curves along its edges so that you can treat the different angles of the face. I prefer the dolphin-shaped one because I find it easier to control and glide over different areas of my face, plus it is also easy to use on the body.
Wing or fin-shaped tools are often preferred for their size and portability. They normally have a broader base, so they're convenient to use on larger curved areas such as the chin. Their compact size also gives a comfortable grip and better, more controlled pressure on the skin.
The wing-shaped gua sha tool is probably my second choice after the dolphin-shaped one. However, I find the wavy end or the ridges quite awkward and do not know where to use them. But the concave and convex sides make it easy to use on several parts of the face and body.
Heart-shaped gua shas are beautifully aesthetic and incredibly functional tools. Their distinct shape allows for deeper stimulation to relax facial muscles and decrease stress levels. Heart-shaped gua shas are typically bigger in size, making them ideal for areas such as your forehead and cheekbones.
When I first got my gua-sha tool, I originally thought that it was a heart-shaped one that I bought. However, I was told that it was dolphin-shaped and not heart-shaped. This would probably look the cutest, but in terms of functionality, it is limited to a few parts of the face and body.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | Shape | Best for | |||||
1 | Sace Lady Jade Gua Sha|01 | ![]() | Lightweight and Durable Gua Sha Tool That Relieves Facial Tension | Jade | Dolphin-Shaped | Face, Neck, Whole Body | |
2 | Deciniee Natural Rose Quartz Jade Gua Sha | ![]() | Comes in a Variety of Shapes to Promote Overall Well-Being | Rose Quartz, Jade | Dolphin-Shaped, Wing-Shaped, Heart-Shaped | Face, Neck, Whole Body | |
3 | Jade Roller Pinas Natural Stone Gua Sha | ![]() | A Top-Rated Gua Sha Tool With Various Stones to Choose From | Rose Quartz, Jade | Dolphin-Shaped | Face | |
4 | Pure Culture Phoenix Jade Gua Sha | ![]() | Chinese Jade Gua Sha Tool That Gives You a Natural Glow | Jade | Dolphin-Shaped | Face, Hairline | |
5 | K.SKIN Natural Rose Quartz Gua Sha Jade Roller Set | ![]() | A Gua Sha Tool and Facial Roller Set That Helps Tighten Your Skin | Rose Quartz, Jade | Dolphin-Shaped | Face, Neck, Whole Body | |
6 | Mount Lai The Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool | ![]() | Premium Quality Gua Sha Tool for All Skin Types | Rose Quartz | Dolphin-Shaped | Face, Hairline, Ear, Jawline | |
7 | Beauty By Earth Jade Gua Sha | ![]() | With Rounded Grooves for Smoother Scraping | Jade | Dolphin-Shaped | Face, Hairline, Ear, Jawline, Neck | |
8 | Aceology Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Massager | ![]() | Provides Gentle Pressure for a Soothing Facial Massage | Rose Quartz | Dolphin-Shaped | Face, Ear, Jawline, Neck, Chest | |
9 | Revolution Skincare Rose Quartz Gua Sha | ![]() | Three-Shaped Facial Tool to Invigorate the Skin | Rose Quartz | Wing-Shaped | Forehead, Cheekbones, Chin, Neck | |
10 | Jardin Strawberry Gua Sha|White Jade | ![]() | High-Quality Rose Quartz to Redefine Your Jawline | Rose Quartz | Dolphin-Shaped | Face, Jawline, Neckline, Collarbone |
Stone | Jade |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Neck, Whole Body |
Stone | Rose Quartz, Jade |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped, Wing-Shaped, Heart-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Neck, Whole Body |
Stone | Rose Quartz, Jade |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face |
Stone | Jade |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Hairline |
Stone | Rose Quartz, Jade |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Neck, Whole Body |
Enhance your skincare routine with this high-quality beauty tool from Mount Lai! Suitable for all skin types, this rose quartz gua sha boosts skin firmness and elasticity and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also lifts and smoothens the skin for an effortless radiance and glow.
Known as the "stone of love", rose quartz promotes feelings of self-love, healing, and acceptance. It's also a naturally calming stone, so this gua sha is the ideal tool for those much-needed self-care days. Users love how beginner-friendly and cooling this stone is on their faces!
Stone | Rose Quartz |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Hairline, Ear, Jawline |
Stone | Jade |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Hairline, Ear, Jawline, Neck |
Stone | Rose Quartz |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Ear, Jawline, Neck, Chest |
Stone | Rose Quartz |
---|---|
Shape | Wing-Shaped |
Best for | Forehead, Cheekbones, Chin, Neck |
Stone | Rose Quartz |
---|---|
Shape | Dolphin-Shaped |
Best for | Face, Jawline, Neckline, Collarbone |
Have some more queries about gua sha? Below, Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas answers some of the most asked questions on the web about gua sha tools.
I must say that gua sha strokes are relaxing and can relieve muscle tension (especially when I tried it on my shoulders and back). When done repeatedly, it stimulates blood circulation, which may improve delivery and exchange of oxygen and nutrients. It also promotes lymphatic drainage that may result in less puffiness and give you a glowing and brighter complexion. However, it does not help with acne.
The best time to use it is when you think it will serve its purpose or what you intend it to be used for. For instance, I like using it in the evening as a means of relaxation. When I do it around this time, I do not have to rush, and I feel that my face muscles are relaxed and ready to go to bed. Others may find it beneficial to do it in the morning since it can also stimulate blood circulation, giving them more radiant skin.
I would not advise doing this every day, especially if you’re just starting and are not sure how to do it properly. Start with once a week, get comfortable doing it, familiarize yourself with the tool, and once you find the right strokes, you can probably do it 2-3 times a week depending on preference and tolerance.
Apply just enough serum or face oil so that the tool glides easier and more smoothly across your face. Most who do this allot 3-5 minutes of gentle massage and light pressure.
Looking for more products to upgrade your self-care routine? Go on and treat yourself to some of our recommended skincare items, from facial rollers to oils used for gua sha.
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Author: Marion Angeli Flores
Re-editor: R. Embuido
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Sace Lady|Jade Gua Sha|01
No. 2: Deciniee|Natural Rose Quartz Jade Gua Sha
No. 3: Jade Roller Pinas|Natural Stone Gua Sha
No. 4: Pure Culture|Phoenix Jade Gua Sha
No. 5: K.SKIN|Natural Rose Quartz Gua Sha Jade Roller Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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