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From TikTok GRWMs to celebrity skincare shelves, gua sha tools and jade rollers are everywhere – but are they beauty game changers or just a really good self-care moment?
Summary
1What is gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian practice that’s inspired the facial massage tools now trending across beauty and skincare social media.
2Is gua sha the same as a jade roller?
No. A jade roller is a handheld facial roller with rolling stone heads that glide over the skin. A gua sha tool is usually a flat-edged tool.
3Do jade rollers and gua sha work?
Facial rollers and gua sha tools can help create a temporarily fresher, more de-puffed appearance – especially when used cold.
Whether you’ve spotted a facial roller tucked into someone’s gym bag or watched endless ‘gua sha before and after’ videos online – facial massage tools are everywhere right now. While they won’t completely transform your face overnight – they can feel relaxing, cooling and help temporarily reduce the look of puffiness as part of your skincare routine. Think of them less as miracle tools and more as beauty accessories that make your skincare ritual feel a little more spa-like.
What is gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian practice that’s inspired the facial massage tools now trending across beauty and skincare social media. Modern gua sha tools are usually smooth, flat stones designed to glide across the face using gentle pressure.
“Some people prefer jade rollers for quick morning de-puffing, while gua sha is often used as part of a longer skincare ritual”
In skincare routines, gua sha is typically used alongside facial oils or serums to help the tool move smoothly over the skin. Many people use it as part of their morning or evening ritual for the relaxing massage experience and cooling sensation. You’ll usually find gua sha tools made from materials like jade, stainless steel or rose quartz, although the material itself doesn’t necessarily change the skincare results.
Is gua sha the same as a jade roller?
A jade roller is a handheld facial roller with rolling stone heads that glide over the skin. A gua sha tool is usually a flat-edged tool designed for slower, more sculpting-style massage movements. Some people prefer jade rollers for quick morning de-puffing, while gua sha is often used as part of a longer skincare ritual. Both are types of facial massage tools, but they create slightly different experiences:
- jade rollers tend to feel quick, cooling and easy to use
- gua sha tools are often used with slower massage techniques and more targeted movements
Do jade rollers and gua sha work?
Facial rollers and gua sha tools can help create a temporarily fresher, more de-puffed appearance1 – especially when used cold or paired with a relaxing facial massage routine. However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. There’s limited evidence that jade rollers or gua sha tools can permanently change face shape, erase wrinkles or deliver dramatic long-term anti-ageing results. Consistency, hydration, sleep and your overall skincare routine are still the biggest factors when it comes to skin health and appearance. Think of them more like:
- a relaxing skincare ritual
- a way to gently massage the face
- a cooling addition to your routine
- a tool that may temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness
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How to use a gua sha
If you’re new to gua sha, the key is to keep it gentle. You don’t need to press hard for it to feel effective. You only need a few minutes and lighter pressure usually feels more comfortable than intense scraping or dragging. Pro tip: try storing your gua sha tool in the fridge for an extra cooling effect in the morning.
Step-by-step gua sha routine:
- Start with clean skin and apply a facial oil or serum first so the tool glides comfortably without dragging the skin
- Begin at the neck using light pressure, glide the gua sha tool upward along the sides of the neck
- Move to the jawline – sweep outward from the chin toward the ears
- Massage the cheeks, glide from the centre of the face outward toward the hairline
- Use gentle movements under the eyes, being extra delicate around this area and avoid pulling the skin
- Finish on the forehead and sweep upward from the brows toward the hairline
How to use a jade roller
Jade rollers are simple to use and work well for quick morning skincare routines. Many people like using a face roller straight from the fridge for an extra refreshing feel.
Step-by-step jade roller routine
- Apply your serum, moisturiser or facial oil
- Start rolling from the centre of the face outward
- Use upward motions along the cheeks and forehead
- Roll gently under the eyes using the smaller end
- Finish by rolling downward along the neck
What are the benefits of gua sha and jade rollers?
| Gua sha | Jade roller |
|---|---|
| Firmer pressure | Gentle rolling |
| More sculpting-style massage | Cooling/light massage |
| Requires technique | Easier for beginners |
| Usually used with oil | Can be used with skincare |
| Popular for tension release | Popular for de-puffing |
Gua sha before and after: what can you realistically expect?
Online ‘gua sha before and after’ videos can sometimes make the results look dramatic, especially with good lighting, angles and consistent use. Results are usually subtle and temporary rather than permanent or transformative. Realistically, most people notice:
- skin looking temporarily fresher
- reduced appearance of puffiness
- a post-massage glow
- a more relaxing skincare experience
Gua sha and jade roller FAQs
Yes, if you want to. A chilled jade roller or gua sha tool can feel extra cooling and refreshing on the skin, especially in the morning.
Some people find gua sha helps temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness, particularly around the face and under-eye area.
That’s a personal preference. Some people use gua sha daily, while others use it a few times a week as part of their skincare routine.
Yes – facial oils or serums are commonly used with gua sha tools to help them glide smoothly across the skin.
You can, as long as you’re using gentle pressure and your skin feels comfortable. If your skin becomes irritated, take a break and reduce frequency.
The final say
Gua sha tools and jade rollers might not be miracle skincare devices, but they’ve earned their place in modern beauty routines for a reason. From morning de-puffing sessions to slow, relaxing evening skincare rituals, facial massage tools can make your routine feel more intentional.
So, if your skincare routine has officially entered its self-care era, there’s plenty more beauty inspiration to explore. K-beauty is taking over social feeds and our K-beauty edit breaks down the products and trends everyone’s talking about. Or if you’re looking to refresh your beauty shelf more consciously, we’ve rounded up some beauty picks with recyclability in mind – spotlighting feel-good favourites with sustainability on the radar, too.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Ahn SH, Hwang UJ, Han HS, Kim JH, Lee HJ, Jeon YR, et al. Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of cosmetic dermatology [Internet]. 2025 Jun;24(6):e70236. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40439289/
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