If you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling beauty TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen someone gliding a smooth, curved, (usually) pretty pastel pink stone across their cheekbones, jawline, or neck. Generally, with the promise of an “instant facelift.” That sculpting tool is called gua sha. And, according to fans (among them Gwyneth Paltrow, Elle Macpherson, Kendall Jenner, Meghan Markle and Hailey Bieber) , it’s the secret to snatched jawlines and glowing complexions. But is it just another fleeting trend, or a ritual that actually delivers? To find out, we asked naturopath and Clemence Organics founder Bridget Carmady to break down the facts behind the facial phenomenon.
“Gua Sha is from Traditional Chinese Medicine and was used to stimulate blood flow and release stagnant energy,” explains Bridget. “‘Gua’ means to scrape and ‘sha’ is the redness that you experience when you move it across your skin.”
That scraping might sound intense, but the practice – done correctly – is surprisingly soothing. “It’s definitely a mix of both skincare and self-care,” she says. “It offers benefits to the skin and so it can be an important part of skin care. When you use the gua sha it actually feels great and so this part is a bit more self-care.”
The science behind the sculpt
While the technique’s popularity might be driven by influencers and aestheticists, there’s a reason so many people swear by it. “It definitely has benefits,” Bridget insists. “These include helping to improve skin health by boosting circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling, and releasing muscle tension. This can make the face appear lifted and more ‘fresh,’ giving the same appearance as a mini facelift.”
And that depuffing effect is not just marketing spin. “The physical act of moving the gua sha across your skin assists with the movement of lymphatic fluid, which can in turn help reduce puffiness,” she explains. “Our lymphatic system sits very close to the surface of the skin. And so, the act of gua sha creates movement of lymph fluid, moving it from the tissues into the lymphatic vessels.”
However, Bridget admits that scientifically speaking, the jury’s still out on long-term results. “There are no scientific studies to show any long-term benefits of gua sha,” she says. “Having said this, users report that consistent use does promote overall skin health and improved appearance over time.”
Technique matters (very much)
Like most good skincare, consistency and technique make all the difference. “Correct use of a gua sha is key to its effectiveness,” Bridget notes. “Common mistakes people make include not using enough lubrication to provide ease of movement, not pressing hard enough (or sometimes too hard), moving the gua sha in the direction against the lymphatic flow and not cleaning the stone.”
As for timing, don’t stress if your schedule is already full. “It doesn’t really matter what time of day you use your gua sha. Effects are cumulative,” she adds. “Preferably both morning and night. I think that consistency is key with gua sha. It’s best done at least twice daily, consistently for weeks, if not months, to see maximum benefit.”
Even a quick two-minute ritual, though, is better than nothing. “Yes definitely still worth doing even if you’re short on time,” says Bridget. “Two minutes is enough time to have a simple gua sha routine that will give results.”
Finding your perfect match
If you’ve ever shopped for a gua sha tool, you’ll know there’s a dizzying array of shapes and stones – jade, rose quartz, stainless steel, and now even moonstone. So, does it matter what you choose? “Yes it can make a difference,” Bridget confirms. “Different crystals are said to contain different benefits. And so, you should choose a type of crystal that suits your skin needs.”
Her own creation, the Clemence Organics Moonstone Gua Sha, is a modern twist on this ancient ritual. “It’s unique in that it’s made from Moonstone,” says Bridget. “Moonstone is believed to benefit skin by rebalancing hormones, reducing toxins, and aiding detoxification and cell regeneration, which can lead to reduced redness, inflammation, and a brighter, more even complexion. It’s thought to help skin heal and retain moisture, and it can be used to promote a radiant and youthful glow.”
The tool’s distinctive sculpted shape also provides more coverage across the skin and helps reach delicate areas like the cheekbones, under-eye, and jawline. When paired with the Clémence Repair Serum (or your favourite moisturiser or spritz), it promises the perfect amount of slip for a smooth, effective ritual.
So… Does Gua Sha work?
If you ask Bridget, the answer’s clear. “Fact. Having personally been using gua sha for many months now, I notice the difference in my skin. It has helped reduce puffiness and given me more facial tone. I highly recommend it.”
Just be mindful that not everyone’s skin is suited to the technique. “Gua Sha should be avoided by people with open wounds, sunburn, severe acne, active eczema or psoriasis, rosacea, or other inflamed or irritated skin conditions,” Bridget cautions. “It should also be avoided by those taking blood thinners, with blood clotting disorders, or who have recently had injectables or surgery.”
So, is gua sha the real deal or just another TikTok trend influenced by a Kardashian-adjacent with youth – and an expensve skin therapist on speed dial? According to this expert – and centuries of tradition – it’s a little bit of both: an ancient ritual reimagined for the modern beauty lover. And if glowing skin, a few minutes of mindfulness, and a subtly sculpted jawline come with it, that’s a trend worth keeping.