Top 10 Gua Sha Facial Tools

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If you stay up to date with skincare trends, you've likely come across a gua sha tool on at least one of your social media timelines. Gua sha is the latest Eastern beauty technique to go mainstream, and lately, its gained some significant traction thanks to viral TikToks showcasing its transformative results. Like its close cousin, the jade roller, the gua sha's origin dates back to ancient Chinese medicine. Jade rollers and gua shas both stimulate lymphatic drainage and promote blood circulation, but the critical difference between them is the shape of each tool and the mechanism of each technique.

In short, the gua sha process requires a flat, handheld tool, traditionally made of jade. In Chinese culture, the jade stone represents luck and prosperity. Revered as a stone containing healing properties, jade is considered a Yin stone that's championed for its cooling properties known to alleviate inflammation, hence why the material is so commonly used in cosmetic tools.

The Western-adopted version of the gua sha method promotes lymphatic drainage and eliminates bloating, often contributed to interstitial fluid. This fluid collects underneath the surface of the skin and makes the face appear puffy. A gua sha tool uses a scraping motion to push and redirect the build-up of interstitial fluids into the lymphatic system—and eventually back into the bloodstream, where they're cleaned. With regular use, gua shas promote energy and blood flow by boosting circulation and ridding the skin of toxins.

Although gua sha is a non-invasive practice, it delivers impressive skin benefits like:

• Increased collagen production

• Softening of fine lines and wrinkles

• Stimulated circulation

• Decreased inflammation

• Reduction of dark circles

• Temporarily increased skin tightness

• Brightened complexion

• Sculpted facial muscles

How To Use A Gua Sha Tool

Gua shas use a scraping motion to sculpt the face and promote lymphatic drainage. To glide across the face and work their magic, they require the skin to have some slip. We recommend applying a quarter-sized amount of your favorite facial oil to cleansed skin before you get to work with your gua sha. Start by using the curved side of the tool, and glide it across your skin with short, stroking motions in one direction. When you reach your jawline and chin, glide the tool up your neck and outwards. Repeat the same movement on your cheeks, forehead, and underneath the eyes up to five times per area.

The frequency of your gua sha usage should be dependent on your skin's type and tolerance levels. Once a week is the recommended amount, but once you familiarize yourself with the practice, you can use your gua sha anywhere from two times a week to daily.

Gua shas come in a ton of different shapes and sizes. When choosing the shape of your gua sha tool, look for options with a couple of different ridges and curves—this will optimize versatility. Various contours make it easier to target and chisel out areas of the face like jawlines and cheekbones.

Our Method For Finding The Best Gua Sha Tools

Since we’re all for testing out the buzziest skin trends—especially ones lauded as the natural alternative to facelifts—we turned to our data-backed algorithm to round up the Top 10 gua sha facial tools on the market. Our algorithm factors in rave reviews, social media buzz, and best-seller lists to discover and rank the best products out there. From expert-developed options by renowned acupuncturists to affordable alternatives on Amazon, keep scrolling to shop the buzziest gua sha tools you can buy right now.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Blackhead Removal Tools for more top-rated finds. Opening image: @wildling