Gua Sha for anti-aging: Does it work?

Table of Content:
What is Gua Sha? | Does it help with anti-aging? | Gua Sha vs tretinoin | Gua Sha & tretinoin | How to get a tretinoin prescription? | How to do Gua Sha? | What skin care ingredients can you use? | How long does it take to work?

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What is Gua Sha?

Dr. Aditi Shende, board-certified dermatologist, says that Gua Sha (also known as skin-scraping) is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves stroking the skin with a smooth-edged tool, usually made of jade, rose quartz, or other materials. The purpose of Gua Sha is to promote circulation, relieve muscle tension, and encourage lymphatic drainage. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating pain, inflammation, and muscle stiffness.

Does Gua Sha help with anti-aging?

Dr. Shende says that Gua Sha may help with anti-aging to some extent by promoting better circulation, enhancing lymphatic drainage, and stimulating collagen production, all of which may contribute to a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion. However, there is limited clinical data to support the anti-aging action of gua sha. 

Improved circulation

Gua Sha boosts blood flow to the skin, delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, which helps maintain a glowing, youthful appearance. Better circulation also supports collagen production, which keeps skin firm and smooth.

Lymphatic drainage

Dr. Shende says that by promoting lymphatic drainage, Gua Sha helps reduce puffiness, fluid retention, and toxins in the skin. This can give the face a more contoured, lifted appearance, which can counteract signs of aging such as sagging.

It may reduce fine lines and wrinkles

It is believed that with consistent use, Gua Sha may help smooth fine lines and soften wrinkles by relieving muscle tension and improving skin elasticity, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.

It may help facial sculpting 

Although there is no strong scientific evidence to fully support the claim that Gua Sha provides a lasting lifting effect or sculpts facial muscles, the massaging action of Gua Sha may temporarily enhance facial contours by improving circulation and reducing fluid retention, which can give the appearance of a more defined jawline and cheekbones. However, these effects are generally short-lived and need consistent use to maintain.

Improved product distribution

Gua Sha may help distribute skin care products more evenly across the skin through its massaging action, potentially enhancing their application; this could lead to a smoother application and better absorption at the surface level.

Gua Sha vs tretinoin: What is best for anti-aging?

Dr. Shende says when comparing Gua Sha and tretinoin for anti-aging, tretinoin is generally more effective for addressing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. However, Gua Sha can be a valuable complementary treatment to enhance skin health and appearance. 

*While Gua Sha can complement skin care routines with its effect on reducing facial puffiness, tretinoin remains the gold standard as long term anti-aging treatment due to its clinically proven ability to improve collagen production and improving skin texture.

Can you combine Gua Sha with tretinoin?

If you want to use both tretinoin and Gua Sha in your skincare routine, it’s important to space them out properly. You can do Gua Sha in the morning, when your skin is less sensitive, after applying a gentle moisturizer or facial oil. Apply tretinoin at night, allowing both treatments to work without interfering with each other and giving your skin time to recover. Additionally, ensure your skin stays well-hydrated and moisturized to maintain its barrier function and minimize the risk of irritation from combining these practices.

How to get a tretinoin prescription for anti-aging?

If you want to get a tretinoin prescription for anti-aging you can do a photo-consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin for only $59. Medication renewals are only $39.

How to do Gua Sha on the face?

Dr. Shende says that to perform Gua Sha on the face, you should follow these steps.

• Cleanse your face: Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
• Apply facial oil or moisturizer: Apply a generous amount of facial oil or moisturizer to ensure the tool glides smoothly across your skin. This reduces friction and prevents irritation during the treatment.
• Use a Gua Sha tool: Use a smooth-edged Gua Sha tool made of jade, rose quartz, or another material that feels comfortable. Make sure it’s clean before use.
• Hold the tool at the right angle: Hold the Gua Sha tool at a 15-30 degree angle to your skin (almost flat) so that it doesn’t scrape harshly. The wider part of the tool is used for larger areas, and the curved edges are used for specific contours of the face.
• Begin with the neck: Start at the base of your neck, just above the collarbone, and gently sweep upward toward your jawline. Use light pressure to stimulate lymphatic drainage. Repeat 3-5 times on each side.
• Jawline and chin: Place the tool on the center of your chin and sweep along the jawline toward the ear. This helps define the jaw and reduce tension. Repeat 3-5 times on each side.
• Cheeks: Starting at the center of your face, sweep the tool outward over the cheekbones toward the ears. Use the curved side of the tool for a better fit along the natural contours of your face. Repeat 3-5 times on each side.
• Under the eyes: Be extra gentle in this delicate area. Start from the inner corner of your eye and sweep the tool outward toward the temple. Apply very light pressure to avoid pulling the skin. Repeat 3-5 times on each side.
• Forehead: Begin at the center of your forehead, just above the eyebrows, and sweep the tool upward toward the hairline. For the sides, move from the center of the forehead out toward the temples. Repeat 3-5 times.
• Finish with the neck: Sweep the tool down from the jawline to the base of the neck to help drain any fluid collected during the treatment.

A dermatologist’s tips for effective Gua Sha

• Use gentle pressure: The goal is to stimulate circulation and drainage, not to scrape hard.
• Work symmetrically: Always repeat the same strokes on both sides of the face.
• Clean your tool: After each use, wash your Gua Sha tool with soap and water to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Consult a dermatologist: People with sensitive skin or those with active skin conditions like rosacea or acne may experience irritation while using this. They should consult a dermatologist before incorporating it into their routine

What skin care ingredients can you use before or after gua sha?

Dr. Shende provides you with a list of 6 ingredients you can use before or after doing Gua Sha to potentially enhance your results.

Hyaluronic acid

• Why it’s good: Hydrates and plumps the skin, making it look firmer and smoother.
• When to use: Apply before Gua Sha to provide hydration and ensure smooth tool movement, or after to lock in moisture.

Peptides

• Why it’s good: Peptides help stimulate collagen production, supporting skin firmness and elasticity.
• When to use: Apply before or after Gua Sha to promote long-term skin resilience.

Facial oils (Rosehip oil, squalane)

• Why it’s good: Provides slip for the tool and nourishes the skin with antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
• When to use: Always apply facial oil before Gua Sha to avoid friction and irritation.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3)

• Why it’s good: Reduces inflammation, smooths fine lines, and improves skin texture.
• When to use: Apply after Gua Sha to calm and strengthen the skin barrier.

Vitamin C

• Why it’s good: Boosts collagen production, brightens skin, and fights free radical damage.
• When to use: Best applied after Gua Sha to enhance antioxidant protection and promote skin repair.

Ceramides

• When to use: Use after Gua Sha to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin.
• Why it’s good: Helps restore the skin’s barrier, keeping it hydrated and protected.

How long does Gua Sha take to work?

The time it takes for Gua Sha to show noticeable effects can vary depending on your goals, consistency, and technique. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Immediate effects (1-2 sessions):

• Reduced puffiness: Many people notice an immediate reduction in facial puffiness, especially around the eyes, after just one session. This is due to improved lymphatic drainage.
• Brighter complexion: Enhanced blood flow can result in a more radiant and glowing appearance right after the treatment.
• Muscle tension relief: If you’re using Gua Sha on areas like the neck, you may experience instant relief from tightness or muscle soreness.

Short-term effects (1-2 weeks of regular use):

• More defined facial contours: When used consistently, particularly on the face, Gua Sha can help sculpt and define facial features by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention.
• Smoother skin texture: With regular use, you may begin to notice improvements in skin texture and tone as circulation increases and tension is relieved.

Long-term effects (4-8 weeks or more):

• Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles: Consistent use over several weeks may contribute to softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This happens as improved circulation helps nourish the skin and promote collagen production. There is limited scientific data proving its long term effect in reducing wrinkles.
• Overall skin health: Long-term use can improve overall skin elasticity and health, contributing to a more youthful appearance and preventing future skin issues.

Is Gua Sha good for dull skin?

Gua sha can benefit sallow skin by increasing circulation and stimulating lymphatic drainage, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, reduces puffiness, and promotes a brighter complexion. It also helps relieve stress, which can indirectly improve skin tone, and provides a temporary glow by smoothing fine lines and decreasing fluid retention.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17905355/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755111/

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