How to Use a Gua Sha: A Simple Five Minute Ritual

I'll be honest. The first gua sha I owned sat on my bathroom shelf looking pretty for about three months before I worked out what to do with it. I'd watched a few videos, got confused about angles and directions, and put it back down.

So here's the simple version. No complicated face maps. Just five calm minutes, a little oil and a stone.

What is a gua sha?

A gua sha is a smooth, flat stone used to massage the face. The shape has curves and edges that fit around the jaw, cheekbones and brow. Ours is made from amethyst, and because it's natural crystal, every one is a little different.

Used gently, it turns putting on your facial oil into a few minutes of proper self-care. Most people find it relaxing, and skin is often left looking refreshed and less puffy afterwards.

The one rule: always use oil

Never use a gua sha on dry skin. The stone needs to glide, not drag. A few drops of facial oil or serum gives it that slip, and the massage helps you work the oil into your skin at the same time.

I use our Lavender and Frankincense Facial Serum, which is a blend of plant oils. If your skin is on the drier side, especially in winter, a little Face Soufflé works beautifully too.

How I use my gua sha: from the top down

I always start at the top of my face and work my way down, finishing with long strokes down the neck. Working downwards gently guides everything towards the neck, and it's a lovely, calming way to finish.

1. Cleanse. Start with clean skin. A cleansing balm is lovely in the evening.
2. Apply your oil. Warm 3 to 4 drops between your palms and press it over your face and neck. Add a little more if the stone starts to drag.
3. Hold the stone almost flat. Keep it nearly flat against your skin, at a low angle, rather than digging the edge in.
4. Forehead. Start in the middle of your forehead and sweep out towards your temples, three to five times.
5. Brows. Glide gently along your brow bone from the inner corner out towards your temple.
6. Under the eyes. Use the gentlest pressure here. Glide very lightly from the inner corner outwards towards your temple.
7. Cheeks. Sweep from beside your nose out across your cheek towards your ear.
8. Along the jaw. Use the notched edge and glide from your chin out towards your ear, three to five times on each side.
9. Finish with the neck. From just below your ear, sweep slowly down the side of your neck towards your collarbone. Repeat a few times on each side.

Keep the pressure light and take your time. It should feel soothing, never sore.

How often should you use it?

There's no need to overdo it. A few times a week is plenty, and even once a week is a lovely way to slow down. I like it in the evening when I'm winding down, but it's great in the morning too if you wake up looking a little puffy.

A few gentle reminders

• Skip any areas with broken skin, spots or irritation.
• Light pressure is enough. Pink is fine, red and sore is too much.
• Wash your stone with warm soapy water after each use and let it dry.
• Store it somewhere it won't get knocked. Natural stone can chip.

Make it a ritual

For me the real benefit is the five minutes. It's time for you, at the end of a long day, with your phone somewhere else.

If you'd like to try it, buy the Amethyst Gua Sha with our Facial Serum or Face Soufflé and you'll get 20% off the gua sha. The discount comes off automatically at checkout.

Lynn