How Often Should You Do Gua Sha for Visible Results?

by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals

As an aesthetician, one of the most common questions I hear about gua sha is:

“How often should I actually be doing this to see results?”

And the honest answer is refreshing, you don’t need to do gua sha every single day for it to work. Consistency matters but pressure and intention also play a role in getting results.

When gua sha is done correctly, it supports lymphatic flow, releases facial tension, and improves circulation. All of which contribute to a more sculpted, lifted, and radiant appearance over time.

Let’s break down what works.

How Gua Sha Works (Why Frequency Matters)

Gua sha isn’t about forcing change in the face. It’s a gentle approach and works by:

• Encouraging lymphatic drainage

• Relaxing overworked facial muscles

• Supporting circulation and glow

• Helping fluid move where it naturally wants to go

Because these systems respond best to gentle, repeated signals, gua sha delivers results through regular practice, not intensity.

How Often Should You Do Gua Sha?

The sweet spot for visible results:

By practicing 3-5x per week you’ll see visible changes to your face.

This frequency:

• Keeps lymph moving

• Prevents fluid buildup

• Allows facial muscles to soften and rebalance

• Avoids irritation or over-stimulation

For most people, this is where results start to build to feel noticeable and sustainable. It becomes a part of your daily skincare routine that you really enjoy.

Can You Do Gua Sha Every Day?

Yes, absolutely if your using the right technique.

Daily gua sha works well if:

• You’re using very light pressure

• You’re moving slowly

• You’re using enough face oil for slip

This is especially helpful if you experience:

• Morning puffiness, it’s great for de-puffing the face and underneath the eyes.

• Jaw or neck tension, this works great to release tightness and tension

• Sinus congestion

That said, daily gua sha isn’t required to see results. Many people see beautiful changes with just a few intentional sessions per week.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Most people notice:

• Reduced puffiness right away with best results being in 1–2 weeks

• Improved glow immediately as it works on creating improved circulation with best results in 2–3 weeks

• Subtle sculpting and definition is more of a long game approach so it takes a little longer and typically can see results within 4–6 weeks

The biggest changes come from cumulative practice, not chasing instant results.

Think of gua sha like yoga for your face, the benefits build quietly over time.

Signs You’re Doing Gua Sha Too Often (or Too Hard)

More isn’t always better.

If you notice:

• Redness that lingers

• Tenderness or irritation

• Breakouts from friction

• Feeling rushed or stressed during practice

That’s your cue to slow down, take a breath and lighten your pressure.

Gua sha should feel calming, not aggressive. It’s a slow, feel good practice.

Morning vs Evening: Does Timing Affect Frequency?

Yes, timing can help you use gua sha more effectively.

Morning gua sha best for:

• Reducing puffiness

• Boosting circulation

• Great for lighter, shorter sessions

Evening gua sha best for:

• Releasing tension

• Supporting relaxation

• Ideal for deeper muscle release

Many people find:

• For Morning or Evening I would do 5–10 minutes 3-5x week. The best time is when you will do it so pick your favorite and stick to a routine.

You don’t necessarily need long sessions, you need consistent ones.

Why Face Oil Makes a Difference

Proper slip is essential. When you find the right facial oil it all comes together. If you want to learn more about the best oil to use for gua sha. Read this blog next: Best Facial Oil for Gua Sha

Using a nourishing face oil:

• Prevents tugging

• Protects the skin barrier

• Allows the tool to glide smoothly

• Makes your ritual practice more enjoyable

This is why gua sha works best as part of a complete ritual practice, not just a stone on dry skin.

A Simple Weekly Gua Sha Schedule

If you want an easy rhythm to follow, try this:

• 3 evenings ( Monday-Wednesday-Friday) per week: full 5–10 minute ritual

• Optional mornings: quick de-puffing as needed

This balance delivers visible results without feeling overwhelming. It’s easy to make a routine.

Why Consistency Beats Perfection

The biggest mistake people make with gua sha isn’t technique, it’s inconsistency.

You don’t need:

• Perfect strokes, you will get better as you go

• Long routines, make the most of 3 minutes if that’s all you have

• Daily commitment, make this a non-negotiable in your self-care routine

You need a routine that feels good enough to return to again and again.

That’s where results come from.

Supporting Results with the Right Tools

Using a well-designed gua sha stone and a supportive face oil makes consistency easier, especially if you’re working with mature or sensitive skin.

The Glow & Lift Kit was created to support gentle, effective gua sha rituals that fit into real life so results can build naturally over time.

Explore the Glow & Lift Kit to support your gua sha practice with intention and ease.

Final Thoughts

So, how often should you do gua sha for visible results?

3–5 times per week.

Gentle pressure.

Consistent rhythm.

A ritual practice you’ll enjoy.

That’s the formula.

And when gua sha becomes something you look forward to, your skin reflects it.

New to gua sha? If you’re looking for guidance, check out my 5 day video series. It’s 5-days of guided gua sha tutorials led by me. You’ll be a pro in no time. Sign up here and start your gua sha journey. Gua Sha Foundations.

Best Face Oil for Gua Sha (And Why Slip Matters)

by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals

If you’ve ever tried gua sha and thought, “This doesn’t feel right,” the problem can be your stone (they matter too) but oftentimes, it’s the oil.

One of the most overlooked (and most important) parts of an effective gua sha routine is slip. Without it, gua sha can pull the skin, irritate the barrier, and actually work against the results you’re trying to achieve.

So what is the best face oil for gua sha and why does slip matter so much? Let’s break it down.

Why Slip Matters When Doing Gua Sha

Slip refers to how smoothly your gua sha tool glides across the skin.

Proper slip:

• Prevents tugging and dragging

• Protects the skin barrier

• Allows even pressure and controlled strokes

• Makes gua sha feel calming instead of harsh

Without enough slip, gua sha can:

• Create friction and irritation

• Trigger redness or inflammation

• Stress the skin instead of supporting it

Gua sha should never feel scratchy, dry or as if it’s dragging on your skin. If it does, your oil isn’t doing its job.

What Makes a Face Oil Good for Gua Sha?

Not all face oils are created equal especially for facial massage.

The best face oil for gua sha should:

1. Have Medium-to-Long Slip

You want an oil that doesn’t disappear instantly and doesn’t sit heavy on the skin.

Too fast-absorbing = dragging

Too thick = clogged or greasy feeling

The sweet spot is cushioned glide with control.

2. Support the Skin Barrier

Gua sha works best on healthy, resilient skin.

Look for oils rich in:

• Fatty acids

• Antioxidants

• Barrier-supporting lipids

This helps the skin stay calm while you work deeper facial muscles and fascia.

3. Be Non-Irritating

Because gua sha increases circulation, it can amplify whatever you put on your skin.

Avoid:

• Synthetic fragrance

• Harsh essential oils (the amount and the blend can make a big difference)

• Drying alcohols (just say “no”)

Especially if you’re doing evening gua sha or working the jaw and neck.

4. Feel Good Enough to Stay Consistent

This matters more than people realize.

If your oil:

• Smells overwhelming

• Feels sticky

• Breaks you out

You won’t stick with the ritual and consistency is where results come from.

The Best Types of Oils for Gua Sha

Some oils naturally perform better for facial massage and gua sha

• Jojoba oil – mimics the skin’s natural sebum with excellent slip

• Squalane – lightweight but cushioning

• Meadowfoam seed oil – long glide, stable

• Rosehip (in small amounts) – supportive, but better blended

Minimal, intentional blends tend to work best for gua sha because they balance slip, absorption, and skin support without overwhelming the skin. Jojoba oil is often considered the best face oil for gua sha because it provides consistent slip without feeling heavy.

Morning vs Evening: Does Oil Choice Matters

Yes, it can especially if you gua sha at night.

• Morning gua sha: lighter application, focused on lymphatic drainage

• Evening gua sha: slightly richer oil, deeper muscle release

In the evening, you want an oil that stays present long enough to complete your routine without reapplying. Ideally you’ll find one that supports both am/pm.

Why Face Oil Is Essential for Sculpting Results

If your goal is:

• Facial sculpting

• Lifting appearance

• Jaw and cheek definition

Then a good quality oil is a non-negotiable.

Sculpting requires:

• Slow strokes

• Intentional pressure

• Repeated passes

None of that works without consistent slip.

Think of face oil as the foundation of gua sha not an optional add-on.

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Gua Sha Ritual

The best face oil for gua sha:

• Allows your tool to glide effortlessly

• Supports your skin barrier

• Feels luxurious enough to use consistently

• Enhances the ritual, not just the result

When paired with a thoughtfully designed gua sha tool, the right oil turns gua sha from a technique into a ritual.

Final Thoughts

Slip isn’t just about comfort, it’s about effectiveness.

If gua sha feels uncomfortable, inconsistent, or irritating, changing your oil can completely transform your results.

Choose an oil that works with your skin, not against it and let the ritual do what it’s meant to do.

Morning vs Evening Gua Sha: When Is the Best Time?

by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals

One of the most searched questions about gua sha is surprisingly simple:

Is it better to do gua sha in the morning or in the evening?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all and that’s actually a good thing.

The best time to do gua sha depends on what your face and nervous system need most, because morning and evening gua sha serve very different purposes.

Let’s break it down so you can choose the right timing or use both for visible, sustainable results.

Why Timing Matters with Gua Sha

Gua sha works by supporting:

• Lymphatic drainage

• Circulation

• Muscle release

• Nervous system regulation

Your body processes fluid, tension, and stress differently in the morning than it does at night. That’s why when you do gua sha can change how it works.

Understanding this is what creating an intentional facial ritual is all about.

Morning Gua Sha: Best for Puffiness & Glow

Morning gua sha is ideal if you wake up with:

• Facial puffiness

• Under-eye swelling

• Sinus congestion

• A dull or tired complexion

Benefits of morning gua sha:

• Helps move lymphatic fluid that builds up overnight

• Reduces puffiness and swelling

• Boosts circulation for a natural glow

• Helps the face look more refreshed and awake

Morning sessions should be short, light, and gentle.

How long?

5-10 minutes is ideal for your morning gua sha routine.

This isn’t the time for de-puffing and a little sculpting.

Evening Gua Sha: Best for Tension, Sculpting & Relaxation

Evening gua sha works on a deeper level.

Throughout the day, facial muscles hold:

• Jaw clenching

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Stress patterns that affect the face

Benefits of evening gua sha:

• Releases facial and jaw tension

• Supports natural lifting and sculpting

• Encourages deeper lymphatic flow

• Helps calm the nervous system before sleep

Evening gua sha is where long-term results are built.

How long?

5–10 minutes, 3–5 times per week.

This is when you typically can be a little slower and intentional with your ritual.

Morning vs Evening Gua Sha: Key Differences

Morning Gua Sha

Best for: Puffiness, swelling, morning glow

• Uses very light pressure

• Focuses on lymphatic drainage

• Helps move fluid that builds up overnight

• Leaves the skin looking refreshed and awake

• Takes just 5-10 minutes

Morning gua sha works best when it’s quick, gentle, and calming.

Evening Gua Sha

Best for: Tension release, sculpting, relaxation

• Uses slower, more intentional strokes

• Helps release jaw, neck, and facial tension

• Supports natural lifting and definition over time

• Encourages deeper lymphatic flow

• Calms the nervous system before sleep

• Takes about 5–10 minutes

Evening gua sha is where tightness and tension release happen and it’s a great way to relax the mind and nervous system before bed.

Key Takeaway

If you’re choosing just one time of day, evening gua sha delivers the most visible sculpting and lifting results. Morning gua sha is a beautiful add-on for de-puffing and glow.

Both are going to be effective they just support different goals. I typically fit my gua sha routine in during the morning simply because that’s when I know I will get it done and be consistent. Do what works for you.

So… When Is the Best Time to Do Gua Sha?

Here’s the honest answer:

• Evening gua sha delivers the most long-term sculpting and lifting results.

• Morning gua sha is a powerful add-on for de-puffing, glow & sculpting.

If you only choose one:

• Choose the one that you will be most consistent with. That’s key.

If you want the full benefit:

• Doing a gua sha routine 3–5 times per week is what will get you the best results.

Gua Sha Ritual Kit

Can You Do Gua Sha Both Morning and Night?

Yes, as long as your pressure stays gentle.

A balanced routine might look like:

• Evening: intentional sculpting ritual

• Morning: quick lymphatic refresh and de-puffing ritual

You don’t need to do a full routine twice a day. Try an am or pm session see which one feels good to you and which one fits best into your routine. If you skip a few days, don’t beat yourself up over it just start again. That’s the beauty of ritual and gua sha you can always start where you are.

Why Face Oil Is Essential (Especially at Night)

Using gua sha without enough slip can cause:

• Tugging

• Irritation

• Micro-stress to the skin

A nourishing face oil:

• Protects the skin barrier

• Allows smooth, effective strokes

• Makes the ritual enjoyable enough to stay consistent

This is why gua sha works best when paired with a thoughtfully formulated oil and not rushed on dry skin.

Turning Gua Sha into a Ritual (Not a Task)

Gua sha shows the best results when it becomes something you want to do. Because let’s be real we don’t need another task on our to-do list. Once you get in the habit of gua sha, I’m convinced you’ll be hooked not only by the results you see but by the way it makes you feel.

Evening gua sha pairs beautifully with:

• A calming face oil

• Soft lighting or candlelight

• Slow breathing

• Quiet music or silence

This supports your skin and your nervous system.

Supporting Results with the Right Tools

The Glow & Sculpt Kit was created to support both morning and evening gua sha with a tool designed for gentle effectiveness and an oil that provides the right slip for mature, sensitive skin.

Explore the Glow & Sculpt Kit and build a gua sha ritual that works for you whether thats morning or night.

FAQ

So, morning vs evening gua sha, when is the best time?

Evening is best for sculpting and tension release.

Morning is best for de-puffing and glow.

You don’t have to choose perfectly. You can even switch it up. Try them both.

The key is to be consistent. This is what matters most and that’s where you will see your best results.

Gua Sha in Your 40s: What You Need to Know for Lifting, Sculpting & Healthy Skin

by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals

If you’re in your 40s and wondering whether gua sha is still worth doing or if it can actually help with sagging, puffiness, or loss of definition. The answer is yes, but how you do it matters more than ever.

Gua sha in your 40s requires a different approach than in your 20s or 30s. One that prioritizes lymphatic flow, muscle release, and consistency.

Gua sha isn’t about aggressive scraping or chasing instant results. In your 40s, it becomes a ritual for lymphatic flow, muscle balance, and long-term skin health.

Here’s what you need to know to get real results without irritating your skin or wasting time.

Does Gua Sha Work in Your 40s?

Yes, and in many ways, gua sha becomes more effective in your 40s because:

• Lymphatic flow naturally slows with age

• Facial muscles can hold chronic tension

• Puffiness and dullness become more noticeable

• Skin benefits from consistent circulation support

Gua sha works by:

• Encouraging lymphatic drainage

• Releasing facial muscle tension

• Supporting circulation and glow

• Helping sculpt and define the face over time

When done correctly, gua sha supports natural lifting, not artificial results.

Skin Soul Rituals Glow & Sculpt Kit

What Changes About Gua Sha as You Age?

In your 20s and 30s, gua sha is often taught as a quick sculpting tool.

In your 40s, it needs to be:

• Slower

• Gentler

• More intentional

Pressure should be light, not forceful. You’re guiding fluid and relaxing muscles, not trying to “push” the face into shape.

This is where many people go wrong.

Common Gua Sha Mistakes Women in Their 40s Make

If gua sha hasn’t worked for you, it’s often because of one of these:

• Using too much pressure

• Skipping face oil (this causes tugging)

• Moving too quickly

• Only focusing on the jawline

• Expecting instant results instead of cumulative change

Consistency beats intensity every time.

This is why technique matters so much and why many people don’t see results at first.

If you want guidance without overthinking it, the free Gua Sha Foundations video series shows you exactly how to practice safely and effectively.

Get instant access to the video series.

The Best Gua Sha Routine for Your 40s

The most effective gua sha routine focuses on release first, sculpt second.

A simple approach:

1. Start at the neck and shoulders (this opens lymphatic pathways)

2. Move slowly along the jaw and cheeks

3. Finish with gentle lifting strokes on the forehead

4. Keep sessions short but consistent (5–10 minutes)

Doing gua sha 3–5 times per week delivers better results than doing it aggressively once in a while.

Why Face Oil Matters More in Your 40s

As skin matures, natural oil production declines which is why even if you had oily skin in your 20’s it can become dry in your 40’s and 50’s. Hormonal changes can effect changes in our skin as well.

Using the right face oil:

• Prevents dragging and irritation

• Supports the skin barrier

• Enhances glow

• Allows the gua sha tool to glide properly

Look for oils that are:

• Lightweight but nourishing

• Absorbable without clogging

• Supportive of mature skin

This is why a gua sha ritual kit not just a stone makes such a difference.

Skin Soul Rituals Glow Elixir

Gua Sha vs Injectables: A Natural Alternative

Many women in their 40s are looking for:

• Natural lifting

• Healthier skin tone

• Less dependence on injectables

While gua sha won’t replicate Botox, it does support:

• Better muscle balance

• Improved circulation

• A healthier, more lifted appearance over time

It’s about working with your face, not against it.

Turning Gua Sha Into a Ritual

Gua sha works best when it’s something you enjoy.

Pair it with:

• A nourishing face oil

• Slow breathing

• Soft lighting or candlelight

• A calm mindset

This turns skincare into nervous system care, which shows up on your face just as much as any product.

Why the Glow & Sculpt Kit Supports Gua Sha Results

The Glow & Sculpt Kit was designed to support gua sha in a way that’s:

• Gentle

• Effective

• Sustainable for long-term use

It pairs a high-quality gua sha tool with a face oil that provides the right slip and nourishment for mature skin, making it easier to stay consistent and see results over time.

Explore the Glow & Sculpt Kit and begin a facial ritual that supports natural lifting and radiant skin.

Final Thoughts

Gua sha in your 40s isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about supporting your skin’s natural intelligence.

With the right technique, pressure, and products, gua sha becomes one of the most powerful tools for glow, sculpting, and self-care.

And when practiced consistently, the results compound.

Gua sha works best when it feels intuitive and supportive, not confusing. If you’d like a gentle walkthrough you can follow at your own pace, the Gua Sha Foundations video series is a great place to start. Gua Sha Foundation Here.