Gua Sha FAQ: How Often, Best Tools & Does It Really Work?
Gua sha has gone from an ancient healing technique to a modern skincare ritual, and for good reason. Gua sha can enhance the appearance and texture of your skin.
Indeed, gua sha has become somewhat viral. Social media is flooded with guides and how-to tutorials, but noise often just leads to more confusion.
How often should you do it?
Does the tool matter?
Is it safe for sensitive or hormonal skin?
And can it really help with ageing skin?
Let’s clear it all up.
Here are the most common gua sha questions I get on my DMs, workshops and conversations at my treatment room from women navigating skin changes, busy lives, sensitivity, and more.
How often should I do gua sha at home?
Ideally, three to five times per week.
That’s the sweet spot where your skin gets consistent stimulation and benefits without you becoming overwhelmed.
Think of gua sha like exercise for your face:
- Once a month → nice, but minimal impact
- A few times a week → visible, cumulative results
- Every single day → lovely if you enjoy it, but not essential
Consistency matters far more than intensity or length of an individual session.
Can I do gua sha every day?
Yes.
Daily gua sha can be beautiful for:
- Lymphatic drainage
- Morning puffiness
- Jaw tension
- Stress regulation
But it should always feel:
- Slow
- Gentle
- Non-irritating
Take a break if you're not feeling well or have inflamed acne, rosacea or psoriasis.
“I don’t have time for it…”
Good news: you don’t need a 30-minute ritual.
A gua sha routine can take 3–5 minutes.
My favourite approach for busy days:
- 3 minutes in the morning or evening
- Focus on neck, jaw, cheeks
- A few slow strokes per area
- Done
It’s all about creating a tiny ritual your nervous system and skin start to crave.
Does the shape or material of the tool matter?
Short answer: yes – a lot.
Natural stone stays cool, glides smoothly, feels calming on the skin, and is easy to keep clean. Your tool should also be rounded on the edges and comfortable to hold. I recommend Jenny Nordic heart-shaped Black Obsidian Gua Sha Stone.
Material
Look for:
- Real jade
- Obsidian
- Rose quartz
- Bian stone
- Stainless steel
Avoid:
- Plastic
- Resin
- Cheap metal
- Wood
Shape
A good tool should have:
- Curves that fit your jaw and cheekbones
- A smooth edge (no sharp angles)
- Feels nice to hold in your hand
Can I do gua sha if I have rosacea, acne, or broken capillaries?
Yes – with modifications.
Rosacea / very sensitive skin
- Use extremely light pressure
- Avoid aggressive scraping
- Focus on lymphatic drainage
- Use a soothing oil or balm
- Work around affected areas
Acne
- Avoid active, inflamed breakouts
- Work around affected areas
- Clean your tool thoroughly
Broken capillaries
- Gentle only
- No redness should remain after
- If skin stays flushed → pressure is too strong
When done properly, gua sha can actually support barrier repair and reduce inflammation over time.
Can gua sha replace Botox or fillers?
No.
They work in completely different ways:
- Injectables paralyse or fill.
- Gua sha improves circulation, lymph flow, muscle tone, fascia health, and skin function.
Gua sha won’t freeze wrinkles.
What it can do:
- Improve skin quality
- Soften tension lines
- Lift and define naturally, short-term
- Support collagen production long-term
Will the results last?
They last as long as you keep practising.
You’ll notice:
Immediately
- Less puffiness
- More glow
- Better definition
Over time
- Firmer-looking skin
- Improved tone and texture
- Less tension
- More balanced facial muscles
If you stop completely, your skin simply returns to baseline, just like stopping exercise. Read more about the difference between gua sha and injectables here.
Can gua sha help dark under-eye circles?
It depends on the cause.
Gua sha helps most with:
- Fluid retention
- Puffiness
- Poor circulation
It won’t change:
- Genetic pigmentation
- Deep structural hollows
But many women see:
- Brighter eyes
- Less morning swelling
- A fresher overall look
Use a very light touch and a small curved edge for this area.
Is gua sha good during perimenopause?
Yes. It’s one of the best tools you can use.
Perimenopause often brings:
- Sudden dryness
- Dullness
- Puffiness
- Sensitivity
- Loss of firmness
- Increased facial tension
Gua sha supports:
- Circulation to sluggish skin
- Lymphatic drainage when fluid retention increases
- Nervous system regulation (huge for hormonal balance)
- Product absorption
It’s skincare and self-regulation in one ritual.
What oil is best for gua sha?
The best oil for gua sha provides good slip, supports the skin barrier and doesn’t clog the pores. Try Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum, designed with gua sha and face massage in mind to nourish your skin.
For gua sha, avoid anything that absorbs too quickly. Your tool should glide, not drag.
Is gua sha really anti-ageing or just temporary?
Both – depending on how you use it.
Temporary benefits
- De-puffing
- Glow
- Definition
Long-term benefits (with consistency)
- Improved microcirculation
- Healthier fascia
- Better muscle tone
- Increased collagen stimulation
- Stronger skin barrier
Gua sha helps your skin function better, which naturally makes it look better. Learn gua sha at home with our self-paced gua sha course.
What’s the difference between at-home gua sha and a professional treatment?
At home
- Maintenance
- Daily or weekly support
- Stress relief
- Lymphatic drainage
- Habit building
Professional treatment
- Deeper fascia work
- More advanced sculpting
- Personalised technique
- Stronger lifting effects
- Deeper relaxation
You need both for optimal results. Experience Jenny Nordic Gua Sha Facial - book here.
Final thoughts
For me, gua sha isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about understanding your skin, working with your biology, supporting your hormones, and creating simple rituals that calm your nervous system, so you can age in a way that feels powerful, grounded, and confident rather than frightening.
Five minutes. A simple tool. A few drops of oil.
That’s often all it takes to start seeing (and feeling) a real difference.
