How Often Should You Gua Sha?
Earlier this week, I shared a post all about gua sha tools, and today we’re covering how often you should gua sha. Gua sha is one of my favorite face treatments. This simple yet effective practice can support everything from reducing puffiness to improving circulation and even encouraging long-term skin tightening. But as with any skincare ritual, consistency is key. Using gua sha regularly is what helps you see results, but not everyone is familiar with exactly how often to practice it.
That’s why today I’m sharing a guide on how often you should gua sha to make the most of its benefits, along with tips and best practices to help you build a routine that fits into your lifestyle.
How Often Should You Gua Sha?
The answer depends on your goals, your skin’s sensitivity, and how gua sha fits into your weekly routine. Let’s talk about what gua sha is and how it works so you can decide on the best frequency for your skin.
Some people enjoy daily use of gua sha as part of their morning or evening skincare routine, while others prefer to use it a few times a week for more targeted results. I am in the daily camp myself, but I’ve been using gua sha for years, and my skin is accustomed to it. This post will guide you through the background of gua sha, how it works, and expert recommendations on the right rhythm for practice. Hopefully, you’ll get a better picture of what will work for you!
What Is Gua Sha?
I shared some of this in my gua sha tools post earlier this week, but ICYMI: Gua sha is an ancient technique from China that has been used for centuries as a healing practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Originally performed with smooth stones or other natural tools, gua sha was designed to improve circulation, promote healing, and relieve tension throughout the body.
Modern skincare has adopted gua sha in a gentler form, most commonly as facial gua sha. A smooth-edged tool, often made of rose quartz, jade, or stainless steel, is used in gentle upward and outward strokes across the face or body. This type of gua sha massage encourages lymphatic drainage, helps reducing puffiness, and can leave the skin looking refreshed with a natural glow.
If you’re curious about the broader benefits of gua sha, I’ve covered them in detail in another post.
How Does Gua Sha Work?
At its core, gua sha works by applying gentle pressure and a rhythmic stroking motion to the skin, encouraging fluids to move and circulation to improve. Here are the main ways it supports the skin and body:
Boosts Circulation
The techniques of gua sha help increase blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Over time, this can support a healthier complexion and promote healing.
Encourages Lymphatic Drainage
By guiding fluids toward the lymph nodes, gua sha acts as a natural lymphatic drainage massage. This helps reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes and jawline. Learn about the gua sha tools for lymphatic drainage.
Relieves Tension
A gua sha massage therapist would tell you it’s also wonderful for releasing tightness in the face, neck, and shoulders. Regular practice can help ease jaw clenching and other forms of muscular strain. (And if you’re ever able to get a professional gua sha treatment, it’s so relaxing and I found it even better for relieving tension than what I can do at home)
Supports Skin Renewal
Consistent gua sha can encourage collagen production, which supports firmness and tightening of the skin, leading to that signature post-gua sha glow.
How Often to Gua Sha
So, how often should you gua sha? Most experts recommend starting with 3 to 4 times per week, especially if your skin is new to the practice. This allows you to enjoy the gua sha benefits without risking irritation.
Once your skin has adjusted and you’ve mastered the right techniques, you can move up to daily use if desired. Daily gua sha can be especially effective for those targeting puffiness, tension, or dullness.
That said, your skin’s sensitivity should always be the deciding factor. If you notice skin irritation, it may mean you’re applying too much pressure, skipping your serum or oil application, or simply need to scale back to a few times a week. I’ll also note that though I believe gua sha is safe for most skin types, if you have rosacea or any other condition that’s more prone to inflammation, I would especially take your time adding this to your routine.
When to Gua Sha
Anytime is a good time to gua sha! The best time is whenever it fits comfortably into your day. Some people love doing it in the morning to depuff and refresh their complexion. Others prefer it at night as part of a relaxing weekly routine that helps release tension. I usually do it at night because I can take my time with it, and I love how it helps relax tension before bed. I also feel like it helps mitigate puffiness for the next morning but if you truly want to target morning puffiness, it’s probably best to do it in the morning.
You’ll also want to think about your overall skincare routine. Gua sha is a great prep for hydration and nourishing moisturizers. I always feel like my skin is glowing after I’ve completed gua sha and applied my skincare. Also, don’t forget sun protection during the day to protect your skin after stimulating it with gua sha.
How to Use Gua Sha
Now that we’ve covered frequency and timing, here are some practical tips for getting the most from your gua sha practice.
Always Start With Clean Skin
Using gua sha on clean skin helps prevent buildup and ensures the tool glides smoothly. Apply a serum or oil application first to reduce friction.
Apply the Right Pressure
Gentle pressure is key. Too much force can lead to skin irritation or bruising, while light but consistent strokes will help encourage lymphatic drainage effectively.
Follow the Correct Stroking Motion
Move your tool in an upward and outward stroking motion, starting from the center of your face and moving toward the lymph nodes. On the neck, sweep down toward the collarbone.
Incorporate Full Body Gua Sha
Don’t stop at the face. Full body gua sha with larger tools can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and even support recovery after workouts. This is my favorite body gua sha tool. You can read more about full-body gua sha in my post here.
Prioritize Hygiene
Regularly sanitizing tools is essential to prevent bacteria buildup. Wash your gua sha tool with gentle soap and warm water after every use, and dry it thoroughly.
Support With Skincare
After gua sha, finish with hydration through moisturizers and seal everything in with sun protection during the day. This helps protect your skin barrier and maintain results.
Isn’t Gua Sha The Best?
So, how often should you gua sha? The sweet spot is typically a few times a week, with the option of daily use once your skin adjusts. By tailoring the frequency to your needs, practicing the right techniques, and choosing the best tools, gua sha can easily become one of the most rewarding steps in your skincare routine.
With regular practice, you’ll enjoy not only visible results like reducing puffiness and a refreshed glow, but also deeper benefits like improved circulation, tension release, and support for your lymphatic drainage system.
*Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.
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