Material: Green aventurine
What it’s good for: Targets hard-to-reach areas on the face
Pros: Ideal for those with eye bags, fine lines, or dark circles; pair of tools makes sculpting sessions more efficient
Cons: Expensive; may be limited to eye area
Skin by Vee Gua Sha Cryo Sticks
Original photo courtesy of Glamour reviewer Kayla Greaves
Tapping into the power of cryotherapy (a medical treatment using extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue or numb pain), this ice-cold two-in-one wand set is a gua sha game changer for alleviating common skin ailments. Simply store these stainless-steel tools in the freezer before use. However, do not place them on your face right away and wait up to 10 minutes (to avoid freeze burn). Once you put them to work, their frigid temp constricts capillaries to calm and soothe skin, which regulates blood flow and circulation. As a result, it’s helpful with redness, inflammation, rosacea, and generally just feels nice.
Review: I love these sticks. Since I’m using two gua shas at once, it takes me only half the time to wrap up my routine—which is wonderful for someone like me who isn’t interested in spending a ton of time in the bathroom. As an added bonus, the cooling metal helps to curb inflammation and I’ve noticed less facial redness overall. —Kayla Greaves, beauty expert and consultant
Material: Stainless steel
What it’s good for: Reduces redness; soothes irritated skin
- Pros: Beyond face sculpting, it helps calm rosacea; set of two tools speeds up process.
- Cons: Expensive; must remember to freeze them; cold temperature can be uncomfortable.
What is gua sha, exactly?
A gua sha is a smooth, flat stone tool that originates from Chinese medicine. The technique involves gently scraping your face or body in outward strokes for a stimulating massage. The gua sha is shaped with specific angles and thickness to perfectly adapt to the curves of the face, for an effective and easy massage. “A high-quality gua sha massage helps to release tissue buildup that can hold repetitive facial movements in place, causing premature wrinkles, as well as relaxing muscle tension and stimulating blood flow,” says Jaclyn Palmieri, a director of esthetics at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. An effective gua sha treatment can chisel, lift, define facial contours, and make skin look more radiant, she explains. She says you can expect results instantly but you should continue to use the tool daily to maintain them. Note: Gua shas are not the same as face rollers. Rollers focus on the surface layers of skin, while gua shas target deeper muscle layers and can provide a more intense massage, she says.
What are the benefits of gua sha?
The ancient ritual is believed to “stimulate blood circulation and the production of collagen—all essential ingredients for healthy, glowing skin,” says Joseph Carrillo, a facial masseur and founder of Sculpted by Joseph. Says Nicole Ruth, a board-certified dermatologist at WeiserSkinMd: “The increased circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, which results in a brighter, more radiant appearance. By stimulating collagen production, using a gua sha may help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.” Plus, it helps you get the most out of your products because it aids in deeper product penetration—for creams and facial oils—and reduces product waste by ensuring even distribution, says Rachel Liverman, the CEO and founder of Glowbar, a facial studio. When it comes to the body, regular gua sha massages can relax larger muscle groups (like the shoulders, back, and thighs) to reduce soreness and even tone skin, she says.
How does gua sha achieve the “snatched” effect?
If facial puffiness is a concern—especially in areas like under the eyes or chin—sticking to a gua sha routine can help with lymphatic drainage. The massage technique drains excess fluid from the body and subtly sculpts facial contours. It works because the gua sha shape fits the exact areas of the face people need to hit for lymphatic drainage to be most effective. “Professional facial lymphatic drainage massage is amazing for reducing puffiness, facial tension, and sinus pressure, but it’s pricey and requires commitment if you want to maintain the results,” says esthetician Grace Day. “An at-home massage with a gua sha device is the next best thing and can replicate similar results—especially if you can incorporate it into your daily skin care routine.”
