How to Use a Gua Sha on Your Face
A gua sha is a simple facial massage tool used to glide over the skin, helping to ease facial tension, reduce the appearance of puffiness, and support a more sculpted, radiant-looking complexion.
If you are wondering how to use a gua sha on your face, the most important things to remember are: use light pressure, always apply facial oil first, and move slowly from the centre of the face outwards. The ritual should feel calming, not harsh.
At ESPA, our approach to gua sha is rooted in the Power of Touch. It is not about rushing through a routine or forcing the skin. It is about creating a mindful moment that supports both skin and senses, using gentle technique and naturally powerful skincare.
£40.00
What is a gua sha?
A gua sha is a smooth facial massage tool, traditionally inspired by ancient Chinese massage therapy. Today, a facial gua sha is commonly used as part of a skincare ritual to help glide across the contours of the face, encouraging a refreshed, lifted look.
The ESPA Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool is made from Rose Quartz and shaped to fit the natural curves of the face. It can be used along the jawline, cheekbones, brow area, and neck to create a gentle, spa-inspired facial massage.
For an extra cooling effect, place your gua sha tool in the refrigerator before use. This can feel especially refreshing in the morning, or when the face looks puffy.
What are the benefits of gua sha?
The benefits of gua sha are both physical and sensorial. Used consistently, a gua sha facial may help:
- Reduce the appearance of puffiness
- Ease facial tension, especially around the jaw and brow
- Support a more sculpted-looking jawline and cheek area
- Stimulate the skin through gentle massage
- Help skincare apply more evenly when used with facial oil
- Create a calming moment in your morning or evening routine
The key is technique. Gua sha should never feel painful. You do not need to press hard to get the benefit. In fact, softer pressure is often more effective for a facial massage routine, especially around delicate areas like the eyes and brows.
If you want to understand the lymphatic side of the ritual in more detail, read our lymphatic drainage massage guide.
What oil should you use with a gua sha?
Always use a facial oil or serum with enough slip before using a gua sha. This stops the tool from dragging across the skin and helps the movement feel smooth and comfortable.
A good gua sha oil should allow the tool to glide without tugging. It should also leave the skin feeling nourished, not greasy or overloaded.
For a replenishing ritual, try Tri Active Resilience SOS Skin Clearing Serum. Warm a few drops between your palms, press gently over the face, neck, and décolleté, then begin your gua sha routine.
You can also browse Facial Oils & Serums to find the texture that suits your skin.
£59.00
Before you begin: prep your skin properly
A good gua sha routine starts before the tool touches your face.
Begin with clean skin. Cleanse first to remove makeup, SPF, and daily build-up. Then apply your facial oil or serum. Your skin should feel lightly coated so the tool can glide.
Hold the gua sha almost flat against the skin, rather than using the edge at a sharp angle. This keeps the movement smooth and avoids unnecessary pressure. Move slowly, and repeat each stroke around three times.
Keep your shoulders relaxed and take your time. The ritual should feel soothing and grounding, not rushed.
How to use a gua sha on your face: the ESPA routine
This simple gua sha routine follows the key movements shown in the ESPA application technique. Use light pressure throughout.
Step 1: Jawline sculpt
Using the large inward curve of your gua sha, glide along the jawline from the centre of the chin towards the ear.
Repeat three times on each side.
This movement helps release tension through the jaw, where many people hold tightness, especially after stress or long periods of concentration. Keep the tool close to the jawbone and move slowly.
Step 2: Cheekbone contour
Start at the corner of the nose and sweep the tool outwards, gliding under the cheekbone towards the ear.
Repeat three times on each side.
This movement supports a more lifted and refreshed look through the mid-face. Keep the pressure gentle and avoid pulling the skin. The oil should help the tool glide easily.
Step 3: Brow lift
Using the smaller curve of the gua sha, gently lift and hold the skin directly beneath the beginning of each eyebrow.
Hold for a moment, then release.
This step is designed to ease tension around the brow area. Many people hold tightness here without realising it, especially if they spend a lot of time looking at screens. Keep the pressure very soft around the eye area.
Step 4: Final neck flush
To finish, glide the tool from behind the ear down the side of the neck towards the collarbone.
Repeat three times on each side.
This final step completes the routine by encouraging movement downwards through the neck. It also helps the ritual feel balanced and complete.
Wipe your gua sha clean after each use and keep it in its cotton pouch to protect it.
When should you use a gua sha?
You can use a gua sha in the morning or evening. The best time depends on what you want from the ritual.
Use it in the morning if your face looks puffy, tired, or less defined after sleep. A chilled gua sha can feel especially refreshing at this time.
Use it in the evening if your face feels tense, especially around the jaw, brow, or temples. The slow movements can help turn your skincare routine into a calming wind-down.
You do not need to use gua sha for a long time. A simple five-minute routine is enough for most people.
How often should you use a gua sha?
Most people can use a gua sha two to four times per week. If your skin enjoys it and you are using gentle pressure, you can use it daily.
Start slowly if you are new to gua sha. Try it a few times a week and see how your skin responds. If the skin looks irritated or feels sore afterwards, reduce the pressure or take a break.
Consistency matters more than intensity. A short, gentle routine repeated regularly is better than a long routine done with too much pressure.
Common gua sha mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is using a gua sha on dry skin. Without oil or serum, the tool can drag, which may irritate the skin. Always apply slip first.
Another mistake is pressing too hard. A gua sha facial should not hurt or leave the skin feeling sore. Some temporary pinkness can happen from massage, but the skin should not look inflamed.
Avoid rushing the movements. Slow strokes are easier to control and feel more calming.
Do not use gua sha over broken skin, active blemishes, sunburn, irritation, or areas that feel painful. If you have had recent aesthetic treatments or facial procedures, wait until your practitioner says it is safe.
Gua sha FAQs
Do you use gua sha before or after skincare?
Use gua sha after cleansing and after applying a facial oil or serum. The oil gives the tool slip, so it can glide without pulling.
Can you use gua sha every day?
Yes, some people use it daily. Start with two to four times per week and increase if your skin responds well.
Should gua sha hurt?
No. Gua sha on the face should feel gentle and calming. If it hurts, you are pressing too hard.
Can gua sha help with puffiness?
Yes, gua sha can help reduce the appearance of puffiness, especially when used with light pressure and finished with downward strokes along the neck.
Do I need to put my gua sha in the fridge?
No, but you can. Chilling your gua sha adds a cooling effect that can feel soothing, particularly in the morning.
Build your ESPA gua sha ritual
A simple routine is the easiest to maintain:
- Cleanse your skin.
- Apply a few drops of facial oil.
- Use your gua sha with slow, light strokes.
- Finish by gliding down the neck to the collarbone.
- Wipe your tool clean and store it safely.
Start with the Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool and pair it with your chosen facial oil or serum. For more self-care rituals, explore Face Tools and the full Skincare collection.
Josie is an Online Beauty Editor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Her passions involve all things skincare and beauty and in her free time she likes to travel, read and get her beauty sleep.
