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.
The Daily Glow Ritual: How to Support Healthy Skin From the Inside and Out
A simple daily ritual using herbal tea, a lotion candle and Glow Elixir to support healthy, glowing skin from the inside out.
by Amber Boone, Holistic Aesthetician & Founder of Skin Soul Rituals
Glowing skin isn’t only about what you apply topically. It’s about what you drink, what you breathe in, how you slow down, and the rituals you return to day after day. When the body is supported internally and the nervous system is calm, the skin reflects it. Our skin is our biggest protector from outside pollutants which is one of the reasons is so important we support it in multiple ways consistently.
That’s the philosophy behind the Daily Glow Kit. I wanted to create a discovery kit of some of the very first products I created for Skin Soul Rituals. A chance to get to know my brand in a simple, sensory ritual designed to support and nourish our skin and nervous system from the inside out. 10-step routines are so 5 years ago. Now is the time for simplifying, nourishing rituals that support our every day. That we actually enjoy and look forward too.
Why glow is more than skincare
Dullness, dryness, and tired-looking skin are often signs of:
stress and nervous system overload
dehydration and sluggish circulation
lack of consistency, not lack of products
Skin responds best when our body feels supported. That’s why internal rituals and external care work best together.
The Daily Glow Kit was created to gently anchor all three.
What’s inside the Daily Glow Kit
Healthy Skin Tea
Herbal tea supports glow by:
hydrating the body
supporting digestion and circulation
calming the nervous system
When the body is nourished internally, the skin can do what it’s meant to do, repair, renew, and glow naturally.
Drinking tea daily creates a pause. A moment of warmth. A ritual the body recognizes.
Eucalyptus + Mint Lotion Candle
This isn’t your traditional candle.
Made with:
coconut wax, mango butter, shea butter, beeswax and jojoba
rosehip oil and vitamin E
grounding essential oils infused with eucalyptus & mint
As it melts, the lotion candle transforms into a warm, nourishing body balm that:
softens dry or stressed skin
delivers calming aromatherapy
grounds the body through touch
Eucalyptus and mint help clear mental fog and tension, making this especially supportive during evening wind-down or post-shower rituals.
It turns scent into skincare and relaxation into something tangible.
*Never used a lotion candle before, no worries it comes with its own lotion candle ritual card.
Glow Elixir (.5 oz)
Glow Elixir is a hydrating facial oil designed to restore the skin barrier and enhance your natural glow.
Made with:
jojoba oil slow-infused with rose petals and calendula
rosehip oil and vitamin E
grounding essential oils including hinoki, bergamot, and sandalwood
Used daily, Glow Elixir helps:
seal in moisture
support skin resilience
bring softness and luminosity back to the face
This is the perfect hydrating serum that supports your skin barrier. It also makes a great Gua Sha glide. Even a few drops is enough, this is about nourishment, not excess. It provides just the right amount of hydration without feeling greasy.
Ritual Card
The ritual card ties everything together, offering guidance on how to use each element intentionally.
Because results don’t come from owning beautiful things, they come from using them consistently.
How to use the Daily Glow Kit
This ritual can take 5–10 minutes, once or twice a day.
Morning or Evening Ritual:
Brew a cup of Healthy Skin Tea and sip slowly
Light the lotion candle and allow it to melt
Apply Glow Elixir to clean skin
Massage warm lotion into hands, arms, or body
Take a few intentional, mindful breaths
That’s it. Simple. Repeatable. Sustainable. Your Daily Glow Ritual.
Who the Daily Glow Kit is for
This kit is for you if:
your skin looks dull or tired despite “doing all the right things”
you crave simple rituals that actually feel good
you believe glow starts internally
you want consistency without feeling overwhelmed
you’re drawn to holistic, clean, self-care
It’s especially supportive during seasons of stress, transition, or when your skin feels out of sync. It’s also makes the perfect gift.
What to expect with consistency
With daily or near-daily use, many of my customers notice:
improved skin softness and hydration
a brighter, more even-looking complexion
reduced dryness and tightness
a calmer, more grounded feeling overall
Glow builds over time. Through repetition, not intensity. This is your moment to relax and support you.
A ritual you’ll actually return to
The Daily Glow Kit isn’t about chasing perfection.
It’s about creating a small, nourishing rhythm that the body and skin come to trust.
Because when care becomes ritual, glow happens naturally.
Ready to begin the Daily Glow Ritual?
The Daily Glow Kit brings together tea, touch, scent, and skin nourishment. This discovery kit will support healthy skin from the inside and out.
