Here's How Gua Sha Can Completely Redefine the Contours of Your Face

Gua sha translates to "scraping" in Chinese, which makes sense, as the tools used in the massage technique are dragged against skin, which is believed to improve circulation and the flow of energy throughout your body. For your face, that means less inflammation and tighter-looking contours of the face.

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When gua sha is performed, the pressure is applied to skin in long and short upward strokes with one of the crystal tools. You'll need to prep skin with a face oil so the crystal slips across it more easily, and applying light pressure helps the ingredients absorb into the skin. It also helps with lymphatic drainage, according to Erica Randlette, an esthetician at Treatment by Lanshin: "Adding a little pressure releases tension in muscles."

Medium pressure can help temporarily lift and sculpt the skin, but Randlette advises to be careful not to use too heavy a hand. "You're working with the subtle energies of the body," she said.

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As the ancient Chinese practice becomes more mainstream and permeates the collections of well-known skincare brands, picking which tool to purchase might prove confusing. "Different shapes do different things," said Sandra Lanshin Chiu, the founder of Treatment by Lanshin. "You would look at the shape and decide if it's going to give you the effect you're looking for."

For example, if you are looking to define the contours of your face, you want a tool that looks like it has two prongs or a V-shaped divot. "This contours the jawline, brow bone, even the cheekbone, and relaxes muscles when combined with a certain technique because it pinches the muscle," Chiu said.

The jagged edges on the sides of gua sha tools are called combs and are meant to refine skin's texture. "You couldn't comb your hair with it, but this edge is for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles," Chiu said. With this edge, there is a special technique to using it: "It's very light pressure, and fast."

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There aren't many, but it is important to note that the results of gua sha — refined contours and smoother skin — only last as long as you keep up with it. For one of our editors, who underwent a 60-minute treatment, the results lasted four days.

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