Gua sha has been part of skincare routines for centuries, and the appeal is simple: a few slow, deliberate strokes across your face can feel genuinely relaxing at the start or end of a day. If you've never tried it, here's a beginner-friendly way to begin.
What you'll need
A gua sha stone and roller set, a few drops of facial oil or your usual moisturizer so the tool glides instead of dragging, and a couple of quiet minutes. A soft headband keeps hair out of the way.
The 5-minute routine
1. Prep your skin. Cleanse, then apply a thin layer of oil or moisturizer so the stone glides smoothly.
2. Start at the neck. Using light pressure, sweep the flat edge downward along the sides of your neck a few times to warm up.
3. Jaw and cheeks. Glide from the center of your face outward toward your ears — along the jaw, then across the cheeks. Three to five slow strokes per area is plenty.
4. Brow and forehead. Sweep gently from the center of your brow outward and up toward your hairline.
5. Finish cool. A facial ice roller straight from the freezer is a refreshing way to end — or keep your jade roller in the fridge for the same effect.
A few gentle tips
Keep the pressure light — this should feel soothing, never harsh. Clean your tool after each use, and remember that consistency matters more than intensity. A few relaxed minutes a few times a week beats one aggressive session.
Ready to build your own routine? Explore our skincare & facial tools — and take 15% off your first order with code REST15.