A Facial Plastic Surgeon’s Guide to Gua Sha: How to Sculpt and Lift Like a Pro
Gua sha is an ancient technique well-suited for modern skincare routines, with demonstrated anti-aging benefits for skin health and appearance. In today’s article, you’ll learn how to use a gua sha tool with tips from Dr. Paul Nassif, the founder of NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare.
Keep reading as we explore:
- What is gua sha?
- Gua sha benefits for skin health
- How to use gua sha
- A gua sha routine and professional tips
- Gua sha tools for best results (hint: Dr. Nassif recommends surgical stainless steel)
- Should you gua sha before or after skincare? And common mistakes
- Frequency recommendations for a gua sha facial
What Gua Sha Actually Does to the Skin
Gua sha is a facial massage technique that uses a gua sha stone or tool to lift, sculpt, and contour the skin. Gua sha massage works by gently scraping the tool upward and outward over the skin of the neck and face. The process enhances circulation and lymphatic flow, allowing the skin to detoxify and heal.
Skin benefits of gua sha related to improved circulation and detoxification may include:
- Strengthening of facial and neck muscles
- Tighter skin
- Reduced puffiness
- Reduced fine lines
- Improved skin texture
- Increased glow and radiance
- Decreased tension and facial stress
- A more youthful look
Pro Tips for Sculpting and Lifting
Use these tips to get the most from your gua sha face massage.
Tip #1 – Start at the Neck and Move Up
Follow the direction of lymphatic flow, starting at the neck, working upwards, and sweeping from the center of the face outward. Use gentle pressure and repeat each stroke three times. Here is an example sequence:
- Neck – Using the long side, begin at the collarbone, sweep upwards to the jaw on both sides, and then in the middle.
- Jaw – Using the short side, sweep from the chin to the ear.
- Cheek – Using the long side, sweep from the nose to the ear/temple area.
- Eyes – Using the small point, sweep under the eye from the center outward to the hairline.
- Forehead – Using the long end, sweep above the eye to the hairline on each side, then sweep outward from the center of the forehead.
For a gua sha tutorial in pictures, click here.
Tip #2 – Stay Hydrated
Gua sha massage works best on hydrated skin, and staying hydrated helps move lymph. To start, drink enough water, choose hydrating foods, and reduce dehydrating beverages like alcohol.
You can also add a hydrating serum for topical use. We recommend pairing gua sha with NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Serum to help the tool glide over the skin and enhance skin hydration with nourishing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid.
Learn more about Hydro Screen in this article.
Tip #3 – Start with Clean Skin
Begin your skincare routine with your favorite NassifMD® cleanser. Then, use NassifMD® Detox Pads as you usually would or apply a skincare toner. Apply NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Serum and then follow your gua sha routine. Finish with the rest of your skincare routine as you normally would.
Tip #4 – Take Your Time
There is no need to rush through the sequence; you’ll get better results with more time and attention. Consider facial gua sha a nourishing and relaxing ritual. Enjoy the benefits for your skin, but also for your body and mind as you give yourself the gift of self-care.
Tools Surgeons Recommend for Best Results
It’s common to see gua sha tools made from stone, but Dr. Nassif recommends surgical-grade stainless steel, the same material used in plastic surgery tools. Stainless steel keeps a cool temperature, is hypoallergenic, and aids in reducing inflammation and puffiness while promoting circulation.
Gua Sha Stainless Steel Tool is our preferred anti-aging tool for gua sha massage, which helps sculpt and lift the face. The NassifMD® Sculpt & Hydrate Kit contains the stainless steel gua sha and a 1-ounce Hydro Screen Serum.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Gua Sha
It’s hard to go wrong with gua sha as long as you are gentle and the skin is well-hydrated, but nonetheless, here are some mistakes we see:
Skipping the serum– Gua sha tools work better with a gua sha facial oil, which allows the tool to glide smoothly. Facial massage also improves the absorption of the serum. NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Serumis the best facial oil for gua sha.
Working problem areas– Don’t gua sha over acne, open sores, sunburn, or other compromised areas of the skin. Wait until they heal first, but you can use a gua sha tool on the healthy surrounding skin.
Immediately after spa treatments– Hold off on gua sha massage after medical spa treatments, including laser therapy, chemical peels, and injections, allowing the skin to heal first. Work with your medical spa team for personalized guidance.
Rushing through your routine– Take your time – you and your skin are worth it!
How Often Should You Use Gua Sha?
Building new habits and steps into your routine can be challenging and take time. We recommend starting with gua sha techniques once per week. As your skin health improves and your skin responds to the increased circulation, work up to practicing gua sha daily for sustained results.
Gua sha benefits are only as good as your tool, serum, and technique. Invest in your skin health with Gua Sha Stainless Steel Tool and NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Serum. You’ll see the difference right away!
References
- Hamp, A., Anderson, J., Laughter, M. R., Anderson, J. B., Presley, C. L., Rundle, C. W., & Dellavalle, R. P. (2023). Gua-sha, Jade Roller, and Facial Massage: Are there benefits within dermatology?.Journal of cosmetic dermatology,22(2), 700–703.
