Irritated Skin - Warmer Tone

How to Use a Gua Sha Sculpting Ritual

How do you use a gua sha tool, what part of the tool goes where, and how does facial oil fit into the ritual?

This note breaks down the basic gua sha technique, how to hold the tool, where each edge works best, and a simple five step ritual you can use at home.

Skin Note: The Simple Summary

A gua sha ritual starts with clean skin, enough facial oil for comfortable glide, and light, slow movements across the face and neck. Hold the tool almost flat against the skin, around a 15° to 45° angle. Begin at the neck, move through the jaw, cheeks, eye area, and forehead, then finish with a few passes back down the neck. The different edges of the gua sha fit different areas of the face, which makes the tool easy to adapt as you move through the ritual.

Your Gua Sha Ritual Starts With Slip

Facial oil gives the gua sha a smooth surface to move across.

For the Sculpting Ritual Kit, start with about 4 to 5 drops of almond oil over clean skin. Spread it across the face and neck before picking up your gua sha.

Your skin should feel comfortable and well lubricated so the tool moves smoothly across the surface.

If one area begins to feel less slippery as you work, add another drop of oil and continue.

How should you hold your gua sha?

Hold the tool at about a 15° to 45° angle, keeping it nearly flat against the skin.

Use light, comfortable pressure and let the oil help the tool glide.

How many passes should I make?

About 3 to 5 slow passes per area is a simple place to start.

Can I use gua sha every day?

You can build the ritual into your routine as often as it feels comfortable for your skin. A few times a week is an easy starting rhythm.

When should I clean my gua sha?

Clean the tool after each use and allow it to dry before storing it.

Start with the Skin Check-In Quiz

Get to Know Your Gua Sha

  • My skin feels off

    Long Smooth Edge

    Use the long edge across larger areas such as the cheeks, neck, and forehead.

  • Congested Skin Real

    Divot

    The divot fits nicely along the jawline.

  • Skincare bag with real products

    Small Curve

    Use the smaller curve around more detailed areas, including beneath the eyes and alongside the nose.

Your Sculpting Ritual

01 Prep

Apply 4 to 5 drops of almond oil over clean skin.

Smooth the oil across the face and neck so your gua sha has plenty of slip.

02 Neck

Begin along the sides of the neck.

Glide the long edge downward toward the collarbone using slow, comfortable strokes.

Repeat about 3 to 5 passes per area.

03 Jaw + Cheeks

Use the divot along the jawline and sweep from the chin toward the ear.

For the cheeks, use the long edge and glide from beside the nose outward toward the ear and temple.

Move slowly and keep the tool close to the skin.

04 Eyes + Forehead

Use the small curve and feather light pressure beneath the eyes, moving from the inner eye toward the temple.

On the forehead, use the long edge and glide from the center outward toward the hairline and temples.

05 Finish

Finish with another few passes down the sides of the neck toward the collarbone.

This brings the ritual back to where it started and gives you a simple finish point.

Your Sculpting Ritual Kit

The 01 Sculpting Ritual Kit includes the three pieces you need to make the ritual easy to reach for:

Jade Gua Sha

The massage tool used throughout the ritual.

Almond Oil

Creates the slip needed for smooth movement across the face and neck.

Satin Scrunchie

Keeps hair comfortably out of the way while you work through the face and neck.

A Few Notes

  • Use 3 to 5 slow passes per area.
  • Keep the gua sha nearly flat against the skin.
  • Use light pressure, especially around the eyes.
  • Add another drop of oil anytime your skin needs more slip.
  • Clean your gua sha after each use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of the gua sha should I use?

The long smooth edge works well for the cheeks, neck, and forehead. The divot fits along the jawline, and the small curve works nicely around the eyes and nose.

How much facial oil should I use?

Start with about 4 to 5 drops. Add another drop if you need more glide as you work.

Can I use a different facial oil?

Yes. Choose a facial oil that works well for your skin and gives the gua sha enough slip to move comfortably.

How many passes should I make?

About 3 to 5 slow passes per area is a simple place to start.

My skin feels off

How Much Pressure Should You Use?

Gua sha works beautifully with light, controlled pressure.

The tool should move smoothly over the skin while staying nearly flat to the surface.

Around delicate areas such as beneath the eyes, use especially light pressure.

The goal is a comfortable facial massage that feels smooth from beginning to end.

Read More Skin + Routine Notes

Where Does Gua Sha Fit in Your Skincare Routine?

Use your gua sha after cleansing and once you have applied enough facial oil for comfortable glide.

A simple evening routine may look like:

Cleanse → Toner → Treatments → Facial Oil + Gua Sha → Moisturizer

Your exact routine may include additional steps depending on your skin and the products you use.

The important piece for gua sha is making sure there is enough slip before you begin.

Ready to Try the Full Ritual?

Use the Sculpting Ritual guide included with your kit for a quick visual reference, or follow the full video to move through the ritual step by step.

A few drops of oil. A few slow passes. A little extra time with your skin.

Review My Routine
Licensed esthetician Kileigh Knott at Back Bar Skincare on Spokane’s South Hill

How Often Can You Use Gua Sha?

Gua sha can fit into your routine a few times a week or more often if your skin enjoys it.

Some people like using it as part of an evening routine. Others reach for it when they want a few extra minutes of facial massage.

Find the rhythm that fits naturally into the skincare routine you already have.

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