Gua shas: I’m willing to bet they’ve been all over your TikTok and IG feeds, with influencers and celebs claiming they’ll miraculously “contour the face” and “smooth wrinkles.” But as much as I wish a gua sha facial could give me a defined and lifted face in under 60 seconds, take it from dermatologist Karan Lal, MD: “Gua shas will not snatch the face”—at least, not permanently. They can, however, massage your face to help decrease fluid retention, leaving you looking (temporarily) less puffy and more glowy.
Though the medical efficacy of gua sha is limited, the technique has been a sworn-by staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, meaning it’s definitely worth playing around with in your own skincare routine. And to help you figure out the best tools to try, I personally tested and reviewed a dozen gua sha stones on myself, as well as chatted with Dr. Lal and gathered tips from Sandra Lanshin Chiu, an expert in Chinese medicine and holistic healing. But before we dive in, here’s a little sneak peek of my favorite ones right now…
Our top picks for the best gua sha tools in 2023:
Want to know more? Cool, because I’ve highlighted some of the best gua sha tools around.
Rena Chris Gua Sha Facial Tool
Shop here, Dhs51
Just learning about facial gua sha and want a quality tool without spending a ton of money? Pop this Amazon bestseller in your cart. Made with 100 percent jade stone for only 51 bucks (which is v inexpensive for this quality), this tool is a steal.
- Stone type: Jade
Mount Lai, The Jade Eye Massage Tool
Shop here, Dhs62
There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and the jump scare that follows when you see how puffy your eyes are from zero sleep the night before. Instead of rummaging through your freezer for that pack of frozen peas, get yourself this eye-de-puffing tool that works wondersss on those bags.
- Stone type: Rose quartz
Detox mode – Body Gua Sha Tool
Shop here, Dhs55
Think the gua sha ritual is exclusive to the face? Think again! This gua sha tool by Detox Mode is expertly crafted with an extra-large design for the larger areas of your body. Don’t know where to start? Well, pop this bb in your cart and check out a few YouTube tutorials. You’ll be hooked, promise.
- Material: Wood
Odacite crystal contour Gua Sha
Shop here, Dhs165
If you’re clumsy like your girl, and the thought of holding a delicate gua sha tool covered in oil scares you a bit, you need to get yourself the Odacité Crystal Contour Gua Sha which is larger than most tools and will give you that extra grip you need.
- Stone type: Blue sodalite
Monpure London – Scalp Gua Sha
Shop here, Dhs195
FYI!!! Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face. This means you shouldn’t be neglecting it, and nothing is better than a good scalp massage. The Scalp Gua Sha should be used on dry hair pre- or post-wash.
- Stone type: Jade
Skin Gym – Cleo Bian Stone Gua Sha
Shop here, Dhs220
Made with multiple edges for an incredibly unique gua sha experience, this stone is a great option for beginners and pros alike. Though it may take a little bit of getting used to, take it from me, the different sides offer such a relaxing and therapeutic feeling. My favorite? The ridges that feel like a literal facial massage.
- Stone type: Bian
Crystal Gua Sha Spoon
Shop here, Dhs131
Love the feeling of a jade roller and now want to dip into the gua sha world? This dual-ended tool gives you a little bit of both. Roll the large side along the larger planes of your face, and the smaller end gently under your eyes, temples, and around the brows.
- Stone type: Jade
How do you use a gua sha?
You use a facial gua sha by “gently applying oil on your skin and using the tool in an intentional firm fashion in to out—nose to ear, chin to ear, chin to eye, eyebrow to hairline, clavicle to jawline,” Dr. Lal says. Need a visual? Don’t worry, I gotchu. Check out this YouTube tutorial by Chiu.
How to choose the best gua sha tool:
Pay attention to the shape
“Stone quality, design, and craftsmanship matter when choosing a tool,” Chiu has told Cosmo. “As with any product you use on your face, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Dr. Lal agrees: You want to find a tool that is ergonomic for you—it shouldn’t be awkward or painful, he explains.
Purchase an oil
“Start with a hydrating mist or alcohol-free toner followed by a facial oil or a moisturizer to prep your skin and get the necessary ‘glide,'” Chiu told Cosmo. “Skin that isn’t freshly hydrated may result in some ‘sha,’ or red marks—they’re not permanent, but it’s not what you’re going for.”
Keep it clean
Not cleaning your gua sha is as bad (dare I say, worse?) as not cleaning your makeup brushes. “I recommend using soap and water to get rid of oils [after using the gua sha]. And then I would spray 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to disinfect the gua sha before use,” says Dr. Lal. Your gua sha tools can harbor bacteria and dirt, which means that if they’re not cleaned properly, that gunk can be transferred to your face and cause skin irritation and/or breakouts. So keep it clean, people!
Via Cosmopolitan US