Does Your Gua Sha Stone Actually Matter: An Aestheticians Honest Guide
Does your gua sha stone actually matter? Yes, more than you think. From material and weight to shape and craftsmanship, the right tool can improve results, protect your skin, and elevate your facial sculpting ritual.
by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals
I’ve been a licensed aesthetician for over a decade now. I fell in love with Gua Sha early on because of the results and the way it feels. Gua sha has become popular in skincare, but at its core, it’s a practice is rooted in touch, rhythm, and intention. It’s stayed around for a reason.
And in your gua sha practice, the stone you work with matters.
Not all gua sha stones are created equal. So I’m going to break it down in this blog today.
Your tool comes into direct contact with your skin, fascia, lymphatic system, and even your nervous system. It becomes part of the experience. Because of that, the material it’s made from, and the integrity behind it deserves consideration.
What Makes One Stone Different From Another
Many gua sha tools on the market are mass-produced from dyed glass or synthetic materials. They may look beautiful, but not all tools offer the same experience or results.
Some of our favorite Gua Sha Stones
Weight & Feel
Natural stone carries a different weight and presence than lightweight imitations. That subtle weight helps create steady, controlled movements rather than rushed or uneven pressure.
Temperature
Natural stone holds coolness longer, which can feel calming and soothing on the skin especially during a slow, mindful ritual. This cooling effect also makes it supportive for de-puffing and encouraging circulation for a healthy glow.
Shape & Function
A well-designed stone supports the natural curvatures of the face and neck. It should glide along contours without tugging and allow for sculpting, lifting, and lymphatic movements with ease.
We’ll talk more about shape below, because this is where results truly change.
Authenticity
We prioritize natural stone because we believe materials carry integrity. Authentic sourcing takes more time and care, but it aligns with how we approach everything we create from our formulations to tools.
The Energetic Side of Ritual
For centuries, stones have been used in practices connected to grounding and balance. Whether you see this through an energetic lens, emotional awareness, or simply the psychology of intention, the materials we use affect how we feel.
When something feels meaningful, we return to it.
And consistency is where the real results happen.
Why Gua Sha Stone Shape Matters More Than You Think
Facial gua sha works by:
• Encouraging stuck lymphatic drainage
• Releasing facial tightness and tension
• Supporting circulation and contour
Your face isn’t flat and a poorly designed stone can’t properly follow facial anatomy.
When the shape is wrong:
Pressure is uneven
Movements feel clunky
Certain areas get skipped
Results are inconsistent
A well-designed stone should fit your face, not force your face to adapt to it.
Best Gua Sha Stone Shapes (What To Look For)
1. Curved Edge (Jawline + Cheekbones)
A long, smooth curve is essential for sculpting the jawline, lifting the cheeks, and releasing masseter tension.
Why it matters: Flat or overly sharp edges can irritate skin and limit lift.
2. Notched or U-Shape (Jaw + Chin Area)
A gentle notch allows you to sculpt both sides of the jaw evenly and create definition without excessive pressure.
Especially helpful for beginners learning placement.
3. Small Tip/ Or Edged Corner (Under-Eyes + Delicate Areas)
A small tip or edged tip supports under-eye lymphatic drainage and temple work without irritation.
The best tips increase the risk of broken capillaries and sensitivity.
4. Broad Flat Side (Neck + Lymphatic Prep)
The neck is where gua sha should begin but many stones ignore this.
A flat surface allows for gentle lymphatic opening and smooth neck work. One of my favorites.
Materials: What to Know
Natural stone supports durability and glide, but results come from technique and shape.
High-quality stones:
• Feel smooth against the skin
• Have consistent weight
• Don’t drag or snag
• May vary slightly in color or translucency (this is normal)
What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Stone
If you’re new to gua sha, choose a stone with:
Multiple usable edges
Rounded, smooth contours
A shape that works for jaw, cheeks, eyes and neck
A comfortable grip
The goal is for it to be easy to use and choosing these qualities in a stone will help you get off to a good start. Some of my favorites I’m currently working with are white jade, moss agate and green aventurine.
Natural Variation Is Part of the Beauty
It’s also important to note that natural stones are not always perfectly uniform. Variations in color, veining, and translucency are signs of authenticity.
Your tool is uniquely yours.
How to Clean & Care for Your Gua Sha Stone
Your gua sha tool touches your skin, oil, lymphatic fluid, and hands, so keeping it clean isn’t optional. A well-cared-for stone not only lasts longer, it protects your skin and keeps your ritual feeling fresh and hygienic.
Remember to Clean Your Stones After Every Use with a Gentle Cleanser
After Every Use (Quick Clean)
Rinse with lukewarm water
Avoid hot water, extreme temperature changes can stress natural stone.Use a gentle cleanser
A mild soap, facial cleanser, or natural dish soap works well. Rub with your fingers, not a rough cloth.Rinse thoroughly
Make sure no residue from oils or cleanser remains.Dry completely
Pat dry with a clean towel and allow it to air dry before storing.
Weekly Deep Clean
If you use facial oils regularly (especially thicker oils), give your stone a deeper clean once a week.
Wash with gentle soap and warm (not hot) water
Use a soft toothbrush to clean edges and grooves
Rinse well and dry fully
This prevents oil buildup that can make the tool slippery or dull.
What Not to Do
Natural stone is strong, but it isn’t indestructible.
Avoid:
Boiling water
Soaking for long periods
Harsh chemicals or alcohol
Dropping it on hard surfaces
These can weaken the stone, fade its finish, or cause cracks.
Storage Matters Too
Store your gua sha tool:
In a dry place
In a soft pouch or box
Away from moisture or steam (like the shower)
Keeping it protected prevents chips and keeps your ritual feeling intentional rather than tossed in a drawer.
Final Thoughts: The Right Tool Supports the Ritual
Gua sha isn’t about collecting tools, it’s about choosing one that supports your face, your hands, and your consistency.
When the shape works with your facial anatomy:
• Results come faster
• The ritual feels intuitive
• You’re more likely to stay consistent
And consistency is where transformation happens.
Our goal is to help you create a ritual you actually look forward to returning to.
Our Favorite Gua Sha Kit.
Gua Sha for Beginners: How to Start & See Results
New to gua sha? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down how to start, what tools matter, and how to see real lifting and sculpting results.
by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals
If you’re new to gua sha and wondering whether it actually works or maybe how to do it to see results, you’re not alone.
Gua sha has exploded in popularity over the last few years and some may believe it’s just a trend but as a licensed aesthetician with over a decade of experience I can confidently say, it works!
When done correctly, gua sha can lift, sculpt, de-puff, and support healthy skin aging, it requires a few things to get started, the right tools, technique and consistency are key to getting results. But don’t worry we’ll go over everything you need and if you would like further guidance, sign up for my Gua Sha Foundations video series. It will teach you a step-by-step guided gua sha routine.
In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn:
What gua sha actually does
How to start safely and effectively
Common mistakes beginners make
How to see visible results faster
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian healing technique that involves gently gliding a smooth stone across the skin to stimulate circulation, support lymphatic drainage, and release facial tension.
Originally used on the body, facial gua sha is a refined, gentle version designed to:
Reduce puffiness
Improve circulation
Support collagen production
Sculpt facial contours
Relax tight facial muscles
Unlike quick fixes, gua sha works with your skin, not against it.
Does Gua Sha Really Work?
Yes, when done correctly and consistently you can see and feel great results.
Gua sha works by:
Encouraging lymphatic drainage (which reduces puffiness)
Increasing blood flow (which supports glow and vitality)
Releasing muscle tension (which softens lines caused by facial holding patterns)
Many people don’t see results because they:
Use too much pressure
Skip lymphatic preparation
Use poor-quality tools
Don’t follow a consistent routine
When gua sha is approached as a ritual, not a trend, results will follow.
What You Need to Start Gua Sha (Beginner Essentials)
Before you begin, gather these essentials:
1. A High-Quality Gua Sha Stone
Not all stones are created equal. A well-shaped, smooth stone makes a huge difference in results and comfort.
Look for:
Smooth edges (no sharp corners)
Natural stone (each piece will vary slightly)
Shapes that fit the jawline, cheekbones, and neck (bonus if it has a perforated edge side)
2. A Facial Oil or Serum
Never perform gua sha on dry skin. This can cause irritation and tugging neither feel good or are good for the skin.
A nourishing oil helps:
Protect your skin barrier
Improves gua sha glide
Enhance overall results
3. Clean Skin
Always start with freshly cleansed face and neck to avoid pushing impurities deeper into the pores.
Curated Gua Sha Kit
How to Do Gua Sha for Beginners (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Lymphatic System
This step is often skipped, but it’s essential. Start by opening up the lymphatic drainage points, righat above your collar bone. Use the pads of your fingertips and lightly tap for 10-15 seconds. You lightly tap all across the face to increase circulation and prep for gua sha.
Start with light strokes at the neck and collarbone to encourage lymphatic flow. This creates a pathway for fluid to drain properly. Be gentle when working with the neck and face, with light strokes down the neck. Lymphatic drainage does not need heavy pressure, the pressure is light to move lymph.
Step 2: Apply Facial Oil
Use enough oil so the stone glides effortlessly across the skin. Depending on your oil, 2-3 drops is typically enough. You don’t want your stone to drag or tug at the skin.
Step 3: Hold the Stone at a Low Angle
Keep the gua sha tool nearly flat against the skin (about 15 degrees). More pressure does not mean better results. Light pressure is key to lymphatic flow.
Step 4: Work in Upward and Outward Motions
Move slowly and intentionally:
Neck → Jawline → Cheeks → Under-eyes → Forehead
Always work outward toward the ears or downward toward lymphatic drainage points
Step 5: Keep It Short and Consistent
5-10 minutes a day is plenty of time when done correctly. 3-5 passes per section is ideal as well as making sure your getting in 3-5x per week for results.
Common Gua Sha Mistakes Beginners Make
If you’re not seeing results, check for these common issues:
Using too much pressure
Skipping the neck and lymphatic prep
Using a low-quality or poorly shaped stone
Practicing inconsistently
Expecting instant results
Gua sha is cumulative and your results will improve with time. You’ll notice de-puffing immediately but sculpting and lifting take some consistency and time.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Most beginners notice:
Reduced puffiness immediately after use
Improved glow within 1–2 weeks
More sculpted contours after 3–4 weeks of consistent practice
Like any holistic ritual, gua sha works best when practiced regularly.
How to Get Better Results Faster
To maximize your results:
Pair gua sha with a nourishing facial oil
Follow a structured routine (Gua Sha Foundations here)
Use a stone designed specifically for gua sha
Stay consistent, even 3–5 minutes matters
This is why curated kits often outperform random tools.
A Simple Way to Get Started
If you’re new to gua sha and want a guided, beginner-friendly setup, a ritual kit that includes:
A properly shaped gua sha stone
A barrier-supporting facial oil
Step-by-step guidance
The Glow & Sculpt Ritual Kit can remove the guesswork and help you see results faster.
Final Thoughts: Gua Sha Is a Practice, Not a Trend
Gua sha isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
When practiced intentionally, it becomes more than skincare.
It’s a ritual that supports your skin, nervous system, and confidence.
Start slow. Stay consistent. Trust the process.
Gua Sha in Your 40s: What You Need to Know for Lifting, Sculpting & Healthy Skin
Gua sha in your 40s is about lifting and flow. Learn how to sculpt, lift, and support mature skin with a gentle, effective facial ritual designed to work with your face, not against it.
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.
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:
Start at the neck and shoulders (this opens lymphatic pathways)
Move slowly along the jaw and cheeks
Finish with gentle lifting strokes on the forehead
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.
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.
How Gua Sha Sculpts and De-puffs and Supports Lymphatic Flow
Learn how circulation, consistency, and Gua Sha can naturally lift, de-puff, and restore glow, without Botox or injectables.
by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like gravity is quietly taking over more puffiness, deeper lines, tension in the jaw or temples, you’re not imagining it.
Modern stress, poor circulation, and constant facial tension all show up on the face. And for many people, the answer they’re offered is injectables or aggressive treatments. I know this because I worked in Medical Aesthetics for over a decade.
But there is another way.
A way rooted in circulation, consistency, and gentle lifting, not freezing or forcing.
That’s where the Glow & Lift Kit comes in.
Why glow and lifting start with circulation (not force)
True glow doesn’t come from harsh actives or chasing instant fixes.
It comes from movement.
When circulation slows as we age, the face can appear:
dull or flat
puffy, especially in the morning (this is a struggle for me)
tense around the jaw, temples, and brow
more pronounced in areas like marionette lines and the “11s”
Facial tension restricts lymphatic flow, which is why puffiness and heaviness linger.
Gua Sha works because it:
encourages lymphatic drainage
increases blood flow
releases held tension
gently lifts through repeated movement over time
Glow follows circulation. Lift follows consistency.
The role of oil in facial sculpting
Gua Sha should never be done on dry skin because it allows to much tugging and pulling.
The right facial oil:
allows the tool to glide without pulling
supports the skin barrier
nourishes the skin during the ritual
enhances results instead of irritating the skin
Glow Elixir was created specifically for this purpose.
Glow Elixir for Barrier Repair and Hydration
What makes Glow Elixir different
Glow Elixir is a hydrating facial oil designed to restore the skin barrier, not overload it.
It’s made with:
Jojoba oil, slow-infused with rose petals and calendula to calm and nourish
Rosehip oil to support skin renewal and radiance
Vitamin E for barrier protection
Hinoki, bergamot, and sandalwood. Hinoki is known for its antibacterial properties, Bergamot helps to brighten and fade dark spots and Sandalwood works to target those fine lines and wrinkles. Its a trio, hand chosen by me for it’s active but nourishing effects.
All organic. All very intentional.
This blend supports:
smoother glide during your Gua Sha practice
softer, more supple skin
reduced irritation (even those with irritated or sensitive skin have been able to use this in their skincare regimen)
long-term glow through barrier health
Why the Glow & Lift Kit works as a system
The Glow & Lift Kit pairs Glow Elixir with an Ocean Agate Gua Sha tool, chosen for its calming energy and ergonomic shape.
Together, they address:
puffiness and fluid stagnation
facial tension (jaw, temples, forehead)
dullness and lack of definition
the desire for lifting without injectables
This kit is especially loved by people looking for natural alternatives to Botox and fillers — those who want results without disconnecting from their face. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with injectables. I did them for years but as I’m getting older I no longer wanted to spend the money or have something injected in my face. I simply wanted a natural way to feel confident and still look my best without going that route which is why the Glow & Lift Kit was created.
What to expect: before and after (realistic + honest)
Before using the kit
Many people notice:
waking up puffy
dull or tired-looking skin
deeper-looking marionette lines
forehead lines that feel “set in”
tension along the jaw and temples
After consistent use
Results happen in layers:
Immediately
visible depuffing
skin looks brighter and more awake
tension begins to release
With consistency (3–5x weekly)
softened appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
more sculpted jawline and cheek definition
reduced heaviness in the lower face
skin looks lifted, not frozen
Depuffing is fast.
Sculpting comes from repetition — and that’s where the magic is.
Learn proper Gua Sha technique (this matters)
Gua Sha works best when done correctly.
That’s why the Glow & Lift Kit includes access to a 5-Day Gua Sha Foundations series, where you’ll learn:
how to hold the tool correctly
proper pressure (gentle > aggressive)
techniques to sculpt the jawline
how to depuff and lift without irritation
This education is key — results come from how you practice, not just the tool.
Glow & Sculpt Ritual Kit
A ritual, not a routine
This isn’t about chasing perfection or erasing expression lines.
It’s about:
reconnecting with your face
releasing tension you didn’t realize you were holding
supporting circulation instead of fighting aging
choosing consistency over extremes
The Glow & Lift Kit is designed to become a ritual you return to, not another product that sits unused. You will savor each and every session and even look forward to them. It feels that good and once you see the results you’ll be locked in.
Is the Glow & Lift Kit right for you?
This kit is for you if:
you want lifting and sculpting without injectables
you struggle with puffiness or facial tension
you’re drawn to natural, holistic skincare
you believe glow comes from circulation
you’re willing to be consistent, not aggressive
Are you Ready to begin the Glow & Lift Ritual?
The Glow & Lift Kit combines Glow Elixir, an Ocean Agate Gua Sha tool, and guided support and education to help you sculpt, de-puff, and restore your natural glow.