If you’ve been scrolling through skincare content on social media lately, chances are you’ve come across the smooth, curved tool known as gua sha. From claims of “face lifting” and “jaw sculpting” to “lymphatic drainage” and “de-puffing,” gua sha has become a buzzword in the world of facial wellness.
But is gua sha really the miracle method it’s made out to be? Or is it simply one of many tools that can be used—but with caution?
In this post, we’re taking an honest look at gua sha for the face, who it’s good for, who should skip it, and why we believe that—especially in professional settings—the hands and fingers will always do a better job.
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese technique that involves scraping a smooth-edged tool across the skin to stimulate circulation and energy flow. While it was originally used on the body (and more vigorously), it has since been adapted into a gentler form for facial use.
Searches like “gua sha for face benefits,” “how to use gua sha,” and “gua sha before and after” are exploding on Google, and it’s easy to see why—gua sha is inexpensive, easy to find, and widely promoted as a non-invasive lifting tool.
What Are the Supposed Benefits?
Gua sha tools are typically used on the face and neck to help:
- Improve lymphatic drainage
- Reduce puffiness
- Soften muscle tension
- Temporarily enhance facial contours
- Boost circulation
- Relax the jaw and brow area
Some even claim that long-term use can help with anti-aging and sculpting—especially along the jawline and cheekbones.
While these effects are possible to some degree, the results depend on how the tool is used, how often, and whether it’s appropriate for the person’s face shape and skin condition.
Why Gua Sha Isn’t for Everyone
Let’s get into the not-so-glamorous side of gua sha—because yes, there are cases where it may do more harm than good.
Skinny or angular faces may lose volume faster
For people with naturally lean faces or already prominent bone structure, regular scraping (especially with pressure) may actually contribute to volume loss. Gua sha is intended to increase drainage and circulation, but for someone with very little fat or collagen cushion, that constant stimulation might accelerate the appearance of hollowness.
Not appropriate after facial surgery
This is a big one. Post-op swelling (from facelifts, rhinoplasty, etc.) often leads people to look for “at-home lymphatic drainage” techniques, and gua sha frequently pops up. But here’s the truth: it’s not a safe option during the healing phase.
Gua sha involves scraping over tissue, which can disrupt the healing process, cause irritation, or interfere with scar tissue remodeling. After surgery, gentle, precise, manual lymphatic drainage done by a trained professional is the safest way to reduce swelling and improve recovery.
May cause broken capillaries and irritation
Especially for those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or thin skin, the pressure and scraping motion can actually lead to:
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Broken capillaries
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin barrier damage
If you’re using the tool daily without proper technique or too much force, it’s easy to do more harm than good.
Why Hands Are More Intelligent Than Tools
We always say: Tools are tools—but hands are intuitive. Whether we’re working on a client or teaching advanced facial massage, here’s why we put our full trust in skilled hands:
- Your hands can feel tension, puffiness, adhesions, and asymmetry in a way a tool can’t.
- You can adjust pressure moment by moment based on the tissue’s response.
- Hands allow for 3D work—lifting, stretching, lengthening fascia, and relaxing overworked muscles, not just gliding on the surface.
This is the foundation of our Reconstructive Facelift Massage, and it’s why so many professionals and clients are moving beyond gimmicky tools and returning to skilled, hands-on work.
So Should You Use Gua Sha?
If you’re curious about trying it at home, here’s our honest advice:
Try it occasionally if you want to de-puff in the morning or unwind before bed. Use a light pressure, plenty of slip (never drag dry skin!), and avoid the under-eye area.
Avoid it if:
- You’ve recently had facial surgery
- You have very thin skin, sensitive skin, or broken capillaries (telangiectasia)
- Your face is already lean or angular
- You’re trying to treat deeper muscle tension (gua sha only addresses the surface)
A More Effective Alternative
Want results that last longer and go deeper?
Hands-on techniques like:
- Reconstructive Facelift Massage
- Myofascial release (Our Reconstructive Facelift actually includes this)
- Manual lymphatic drainage
…can sculpt, lift, release tension, and respect your natural structure—all without scraping or tugging. These methods are not only safer for sensitive skin and post-surgical faces, but they also build long-term benefits like better circulation, collagen support, and muscular balance.
Learn more about facial massage techniques we use at Via Skincare.
Final Thoughts
Gua sha for the face isn’t all bad. It has its place—mainly in short, gentle sessions as part of an at-home ritual. But when it comes to real results, facial rejuvenation, and post-surgical recovery, there’s just no substitute for the hands.
If you’re in Los Angeles and want to explore the benefits of customized facial massage that respects your anatomy and goals, we are here for you. Let’s ditch the trends and do what really works.
