Gua Sha, a traditional technique rooted in Chinese medicine, has now become a beloved daily ritual among skincare enthusiasts. It promotes blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and facial muscle relaxation—helping the skin naturally glow. But what are the real differences about gua sha before and after? And when is the best time to do it? These are factors worth considering.
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool—commonly made from jade or rose quartz—to stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow. Historically, various stones or even ceramic spoons were used; nowadays, people prefer tools made from natural stone or metal. When used on the face, the technique is gentle and focuses on reducing puffiness, brightening the complexion, and defining facial contours.
Before starting, apply a facial serum or oil to reduce friction and help the tool glide smoothly. Scraping is typically done from the center of the face outward, aiming to release tension, soothe the nerves, and promote energy (Qi) flow. With consistent use, Gua Sha can improve skin texture, tone, and radiance.
Benefits of Morning Gua Sha
Gua Sha stimulates lymphatic drainage, which can effectively reduce facial puffiness. Doing it in the morning not only improves your skin’s condition but also awakens your face for the day ahead. Key benefits include:
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Reduces sleep-induced swelling and puffiness
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Enhances blood circulation and brightens complexion
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Awakens facial muscles and relieves overnight stiffness
Recommended Routine:
After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum or facial oil. Use upward, gentle strokes, focusing on puffy areas such as under the eyes and the jawline. Just a few minutes can tighten and refresh the skin, making it a great prep for makeup. Keep the tool at about a 30-degree angle and use light pressure.
Benefits of Evening Gua Sha
Besides reducing puffiness, evening Gua Sha is ideal for relaxation and mental unwinding, while supporting overnight skin repair. Benefits include:
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Relieves facial muscle tension accumulated during the day
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Boosts absorption and effectiveness of skincare products
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Promotes skin’s natural repair and metabolism at night
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Helps ease the mind and improve sleep quality
Recommended Routine:
After cleansing, apply a nourishing serum or night cream. Find a quiet space with soft lighting and match your strokes with deep, calming breaths. Focus on tension areas such as the forehead, temples, and jawline to end your day on a relaxing note. After the session, cleanse your face again, as leftover product can harbor bacteria that may harm your skin.
Morning vs. Evening Gua Sha: Which to Choose?
As discussed, morning and evening Gua Sha serve different purposes. Your choice should depend on your personal goals and lifestyle. In fact, facial Gua Sha doesn’t have to be either/or—you can even incorporate both for enhanced benefits.
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Morning Gua Sha: Best for depuffing, brightening, and energizing your skin to start the day fresh.
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Evening Gua Sha: Ideal for deep relaxation, improving product absorption, and supporting recovery during sleep.
How to Integrate Gua Sha Into Your Routine
The key is consistency. In today’s fast-paced world, many seek instant results. But when it comes to beauty, Gua Sha’s effects are gradual and long-term.
Whether you choose morning or night, regular and proper use will bring noticeable improvement. A basic Gua Sha routine includes:
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Cleansing: Remove dirt and oil with warm water to relax the skin.
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Apply serum or oil: Use products suited to your skin type to avoid dry scraping, which can irritate or damage skin.
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Scraping: Use gentle, upward strokes from the center of the face outward. You can find tutorials on YouTube for technique guidance.
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Target areas: Focus on puffy or tense areas like under-eyes, nose sides, and jawline. Adjust the frequency based on personal needs.
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Hydration afterward: Apply a moisturizer to lock in benefits and keep skin supple.
Common Mistakes Gua Sha Before And After
Although Gua Sha doesn’t require advanced skills, many people make avoidable mistakes that limit its effectiveness:
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Too much pressure: Use light pressure for facial Gua Sha to avoid bruising or redness. Heavier pressure is more suitable for body Gua Sha.
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Dry scraping: Never use the tool without applying oil, as it can pull the skin and damage the barrier, even causing broken capillaries.
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Inconsistent routine: Sporadic use won’t yield visible results—consistency is crucial.
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Unclean tools: Always clean your Gua Sha tool after each use to prevent bacteria buildup and breakouts. For stone or crystal tools, avoid harsh cleaners—use alcohol to disinfect instead.
Gua Sha is not just a skincare technique—it’s a lifestyle of self-care. Take a few minutes each day to reconnect with your body, and you’ll awaken your skin’s most natural and healthy glow.
While the difference gua sha before and after might not be immediate, long-term use will surprise you with the results. You can document your daily Gua Sha routine with photos or videos. Compare the before-and-after in a few months, and you may be amazed by the transformation.
