The traditional gua sha technique originated in China is now popular all over the world, which is closely related to its non-invasive beauty method. So, how about gua sha for face fat? Can it reshape your face and give you a more three-dimensional facial shape? Today, we will use the correlation between facial fat and gua sha, combined with certain experimental data to tell you whether guasha can really slim your face. In addition, we will also tell you the correct way to use it and what precautions to take. Now let’s officially enter today’s article.
1. The Concept of “Face Fat” & Its Common Causes
First, we need to distinguish different types of “face fat”. Facial fat mainly manifests in two types. One is the accumulation of facial fat caused by obesity, and the other is the swelling caused by the obstruction of facial detoxification function. Common causes are as follows：
- Improper diet. Facial edema caused by a high salt and sugar intake over a long period of time.
- Excessive body fat. Obesity caused by a lack of exercise and overeating. This condition manifests as overall obesity, not just in the face.
- With aging, facial skin loses elasticity, causing subcutaneous fat to sag, giving the appearance of facial fat.
- Impaired facial lymphatic drainage due to sleep, stress, and hormonal changes can lead to facial edema.
Understanding the different causes of facial fat can help us tailor the treatment to achieve the best results.
2. Analysis of the Therapeutic Principle of Gua Sha for Face Fat
If you know about gua sha, you will know that it is to treat certain symptoms by promoting metabolism, improving the body’s qi and blood and lymphatic detoxification function. The mechanism of guasha is as follows：
- Improves lymphatic drainage. This helps eliminate facial swelling caused by impaired detoxification.
- Promotes blood circulation and microcirculation, which can tighten the skin to a certain extent.
- Relaxes facial muscles and fascia, creating a lifting effect and a softer facial shape.
The above three mechanisms are the main principles of gua sha to treat facial obesity. If you compare it with the causes of facial obesity, you may find that it seems to have nothing to do with the phenomenon of obese facial swelling, and this is indeed the case.
3. What is the actual effect of Gua Sha for Face Fat?
If the purpose is to reduce fat, gua sha has no direct and clear effect on facial obesity, whether from clinical data or personal experience. However, it can reduce edema by promoting local microcirculation, guiding tissue fluid backflow and relaxing muscle tension.
Related Research and Sources：
- A randomized controlled trial (2025)compared facial gua sha with facial roller massage for 10 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. Both groups showed a reduction in facial surface distance (appearance): the average reduction in key facial measurements in the gua sha group was approximately 2.23–40 mm; the reduction in the roller group was approximately 2.75–3.26 mm. Gua Sha significantly reduced muscle tension (frequency -2.02 Hz, dynamic stiffness -56.46 N/m), while roller massage improved skin elasticity (increases in R2 and R7). Note: This study assessed appearance/muscle and skin parameters and did not measure changes in fat content. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that gua sha for face fat reduction is effective. [1]
- Edema Evidence Chain (Analogous/Indirect):Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) has been shown in multiple studies to accelerate swelling reduction and reduce facial measurements in the management of edema after maxillofacial and orthognathic surgery (with faster reduction compared to placebo), supporting the “improvement of appearance through fluid return” approach. This is consistent with the “drainage pathway” emphasized in many facial guasha tutorials. However, it should be noted that this is an extrapolation of adjacent techniques and only represents a possible similarity between the two, not a direct proof that “gua sha” equals MLD. [2]
Based on research data, gua sha has a theoretical effect on facial edema caused by lymphatic drainage and circulation. Social media and user blog posts also indicate that guasha significantly reduces morning facial puffiness.
4. Guidelines for the use of Gua Sha
Gua Sha Tool Selection：
We recommend natural materials like crystal and jade, as well as metals like stainless steel. These offer the following advantages over materials like buffalo horn and plastic:
- Stronger texture and increased hardness.
- The material offers a stronger cooling effect, which can also be effective in relieving facial swelling.
- Safer materials. Plastics may contain harmful substances that may be secreted onto the skin during use, potentially harming skin health.
- As for the appearance, choose a gua sha tool with smooth edges. The recommended size is 10 cm or less; 8 cm is the most common size on the market.
How to use Gua Sha：
- Cleanse your face and apply an essential oil or lotion (such as jojoba oil or rosehip oil) to enhance glide.
- Scrape from bottom to top, from inside to outside (referring to lymphatic flow).
- Key areas: jawline, tear troughs, apples of the cheeks, under the cheekbones, etc.
- 5–10 times in each direction, using moderate pressure.
- Recommended frequency: 3–5 times per week for 4–6 weeks to evaluate results.
Gua Sha for Face Fat Potential Risks and Precautions
- Avoid performing gua sha on areas with trauma, bruises, or acne to prevent inflammation.
- People with skin allergies should use this technique with caution and only under the guidance and observation of a professional.
- Pay attention to the frequency of guasha; excessive gua sha can damage the skin.
- Disinfect gua sha tools before and after use.
Conclusion
Whether gua sha for face fat is effective for treating facial obesity depends largely on the underlying cause. Research data and user experience suggest that gua sha therapy does have some therapeutic effect on facial edema, but it is ineffective for fat-related obesity.
If you’re looking to slim your face, we don’t recommend using guasha therapy as a primary treatment, but rather as a supplementary method. Dietary control, exercise, and a regular sleep and rest schedule are the best options.
