Gua Sha Face Massage vs. Jade Roller: The Ultimate Comparison

Gua Sha Face Massage vs. Jade Roller: Everything You Need to Know About the Gua Sha Beauty Stone

The Gua Sha has become the new favourite beauty tool of beauty fans worldwide. It’s even challenging the Jade Roller for the top spot as the most beloved beauty aid. But what exactly does scraping massage with the wave-shaped gemstone do, and how does its application differ from the classic Jade Roller massage?

Where Does the Gua Sha Massage Come From?

Similar to the face massage with the Jade Roller, the Gua Sha massage is more than just a hyped new beauty technique for skin beautification. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Gua Sha method has been used for thousands of years to treat numerous ailments. The therapeutic purpose of the treatment is reflected in the stone's name: "Gua" means "scrape," and "Sha" refers to "acute disease" in Chinese, pronounced "Quasha."

What Does the Classic Gua Sha Massage Do?

Using the traditional Gua Sha massage, specific areas of the skin are scraped, activating reflex zones and so-called meridians—channels through which life energy (Chi) flows. This treatment is mainly used in Chinese medicine to prevent diseases, stimulate circulation, boost lymph flow, and eliminate toxins.

The positive effects of the classic Gua Sha massage are even scientifically proven: Studies have shown that Gua Sha can successfully alleviate neck pain and chronic back pain.

However, the traditional form of Gua Sha is not for the faint-hearted, as images online show. The scraping is done with such pressure that clear marks of treatment remain.

What Does the Gua Sha Face Massage Do?

Fortunately, the Gua Sha face massage is much gentler. The stone is lightly dragged from the center of the face outwards and upwards.

The Gua Sha method for the face operates on the same mechanisms as the Gua Sha massage for the body and is believed to be similarly effective: It boosts circulation in the face and stimulates lymph flow—helping to flush out accumulated toxins under the skin and reduce blackheads and blemishes. It can also significantly reduce morning puffiness.

In Summary, the Gua Sha Massage:

• Stimulates circulation and lymph flow
• Aids toxin removal
• Promotes clear skin
• Relieves persistent tension in the face
• Improves skin elasticity
• Enhances and lifts the natural contours of your face
• Creates glowing skin
• Reduces swelling

How to Perform the Gua Sha Massage

Don’t worry—the Gua Sha application is simple. With a bit of practice, you'll quickly discover which massage technique works best for you. For preparation, make sure to clean your face thoroughly. To ensure the stone glides smoothly, apply your favourite skin oil. (The massage should never be performed on dry skin, as it could irritate sensitive facial skin.)

Preparation:

• Cleanse your face thoroughly and apply facial oil to help the stone glide smoothly.
• Use gentle pressure with three to five repetitions on each side, scraping as flat as possible.

Eyes:

• Use the tips of the Gua Sha. Place it at the inner corner of the eyelids and under the eyes, gently moving towards the temples.

Cheeks and Chin:

• Use the broad, inward-curved side. Start at the chin and stroke upwards towards the hairline. Move upwards towards the mouth and nose, sweeping towards the ears.

Forehead:

• Use the broad, outward or inward-curved end of the stone. Place it in the center of the forehead and stroke horizontally towards the temples and upwards to the hairline.

Neck:

• Use the broad, outward-curved end of the Gua Sha. Start at the base of the neck and move the stone slowly upwards towards the chin.

Cleaning & Care:

• Clean the Gua Sha with a damp cloth and allow it to dry.

TIP: Massage your face both morning and evening with different goals in mind. In the morning, focus on reducing puffiness and creating a fresh glow, and in the evening, focus on relieving tension.

Our favourite Gua Sha tutorial comes from New York skincare blogger Gothamista, showing you how it's done correctly.

Gua Sha vs. Jade Roller

Both tools use gemstones for face massage, so the effects may seem similar at first glance. However, a closer look reveals subtle but important differences.

First, the similarities: Like the Jade Roller, the Gua Sha promotes circulation and lymph flow. Toxins that have built up under the skin are more easily flushed out, promoting clear, radiant skin. It can also effectively reduce morning puffiness with the right technique.

The main difference lies in the fact that mastering the Gua Sha massage technique takes some practice, while you can simply roll away with a Jade Roller. With Gua Sha, you apply the pressure yourself—unlike the Jade Roller, which uses its design and weight to do the work for you.

But don’t let that intimidate you: After a brief practice phase, you’ll quickly get the hang of it and feel like a pro (promise!).

Also, what seems like a disadvantage at first is actually an advantage. With Gua Sha, you have far more opportunities to creatively massage your face, reaching all pressure points and contours. In contrast, the Jade Roller’s mechanical design can feel somewhat restrictive, especially for intense users.

When to Prefer Gua Sha:

• If you want to relieve facial tension
• If you want to reach all the contours and pressure points of your face
• If you primarily want to lift your facial contours
• If you're willing to invest some time in perfecting the right technique

When to Choose the Jade Roller: If you just want to quickly reduce puffiness in your eyes without learning a new beauty routine, the roller is the right tool for you!

Which Stone Is Best? When choosing a stone, it mainly comes down to personal preference. The stones differ in their physical properties and supposed healing effects (if you believe in them). What's important is that you use a genuine, pure Gua Sha.

Rose Quartz Gua Sha: Rose quartz has an especially smooth surface and is ideal for sensitive skin. It's also naturally cooling and stimulating. On a spiritual level, rose quartz represents self-love and harmony. If you believe in the metaphysical properties of stones, this pink stone can help restore your balance and fill up your self-love reserves.

In natural medicine, rose quartz is known as a natural remedy for headaches and acne-prone skin. If you suffer from frequent headaches or breakouts, a rose quartz Gua Sha might be your best bet.

Meaning of Amethyst

For centuries, the power of crystal therapy has been extolled by those in the know. From keeping crystals in your bedroom to wearing them around your neck. The power of these beautiful stones is said to help with many aspects of our lives. Amethyst is known as the stone to allow to find balance and free oneself from anxiety and stress.

The Healing Power of Amethyst

Amethyst healing properties are as plentiful. It is thought of mostly as a protective stone. As it is linked to the crown chakra, it is helpful in purifying the mind and clearing it of negative thoughts. This includes the negativity of stress and anxiety, which is why many meditate with amethyst so as to rid themselves of that darkness. Amethyst healing properties are especially useful in regards to work-related stress, because the stone is also associated with abundance. Therefore relieving stress while emanating prosperity. The amethyst properties which facilitate intuition and communication can also be applied to increase work effectiveness.

The stone can also be used in body massage. And we have sourced the finest sculpting Amethyst Massage Stones to help you upgrade your skincare application for smooth, toned and refreshed skin. What to do when not using the stone for skincare? Many people like to hold on to amethyst, to help them feel calm and at peace.

Enjoy the healing and sculpting benefits of using Amethyst Gua Sha to massage your skin from NAYA Skincare. Use the stone alongside your nightly NAYA Skincare routine to enhance the benefits of the bioactive and sustainably-sourced ingredients. Draining away puffiness, toxins and boost skin’s circulation, lymphatic drainage to bringing back your natural glow.

Application

Discover here how you can apply the gua sha in your everyday skincare routine. 

NAYA Amethyst Gua Sha

These qualities make the amethyst the perfect stone for your Gua Sha beauty massage—especially when combined with the right skincare, like a facial oil. On an energetic level, Amethyst is particularly known for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects.

No matter which stone you ultimately choose, the massage benefits are similarly effective across almost all stones. At the same time, the Gua Sha helps transform your beauty routine into a soothing self-care ritual—and effortlessly brings a radiant glow to your skin!

Make the most of your stone with our top tips!

For a cooling facial massage, place your stone in the fridge for an hour before your treatment, or even place in a bowl of iced water. Use the same massage routine with NAYA’s Cleansing Oil when undertaking a double cleanse to boost your skin’s radiance and glow. Enhance the power of crystal therapy by placing the stones under your pillow or next to your bed for a feeling of peace and tranquillity.

Purchase our Amethyst Gua Sha now.