A gua sha is used in a few simple moves, always in the same order. Once you understand the logic – upwards, from the center outwards, with light pressure – the ritual becomes almost automatic. Here's the complete method, area by area.
What do you need before you start?
- A cleansed face with makeup removed.
- A few drops of oil or your usual serum.
- A clean gua sha with perfectly smooth edges.
- Five quiet minutes, in front of a mirror the first time.
How should you hold the gua sha?
Hold it between your thumb and fingers, almost flat against the skin, at an angle of about 15 degrees. The flatter the tool, the gentler the stroke. Keep the pressure light: you're guiding the skin, not pulling it. With a Roselyse heart gua sha, each part has its use: the rounded edges for larger areas, the dip for the jawline and neck, the point for delicate areas.
Step 1: how do you massage the neck?
Start with the neck, from the base up to the jawline, in long vertical strokes. Do three to five strokes on each side, then very gently on the front of the neck. Finish with the back of the neck, from the nape towards the shoulders.
Step 2: how do you work along the jawline?
Place the dip of the heart under your chin so that it frames the jawbone. Glide up to the earlobe, three to five times on each side. Beginners often love this move: it's simple and very pleasant.
Step 3: how do you do the cheeks?
With the large rounded edge, start at the side of the nose and sweep diagonally up towards the ear. Repeat a little higher, under the cheekbone, then over the cheekbone. Always keep the tool almost flat.
Step 4: what about the eye area?
This is the most delicate area: use the point or a small edge, with barely any pressure. Start at the inner corner, under the eye, and glide towards the temple, never over the eyelid. On the brow bone, follow the eyebrow from the center outwards.
Step 5: how do you finish with the forehead?
From the center of the forehead to the temples in horizontal strokes, then from the brow to the hairline in vertical strokes. Finish by resting the gua sha flat on each temple for a few seconds: a little moment of coolness to close the ritual.
How do you adapt the ritual for morning and evening?
In the morning, keep it short: three areas (neck, jawline, cheeks), three strokes each, with a gua sha straight from the fridge for extra coolness. In the evening, take your time: every area, slower strokes, and a few deep breaths between sides. Both versions are detailed minute by minute in the e-book « The 10-Minute Gua Sha Ritual », free with every order.
Is there a set order?
Yes, and that's what makes the ritual easy to remember: always start with the neck, then the jawline, cheeks, eye area and forehead. Working upwards and from the center outwards gives you a logical sequence that you'll soon repeat without thinking. Do one whole side of the face first, then the other: it's easier to keep the right angle.
How long until you feel confident?
Three or four sessions is usually enough. The first few times, watch yourself in a mirror to check the angle of the tool. After that, the movement becomes natural and you can even do it with your eyes closed, which is even more relaxing.
Can you use a gua sha on your décolletage?
Yes, just as gently. Start at the center of the chest and glide towards the shoulders in broad strokes with the large rounded edge. Add a drop of oil if the skin pulls. Simply avoid irritated areas and raised moles, which you should never work over insistently.
Which mistakes should you avoid?
- Working on dry skin or with too little oil.
- Holding the tool upright or pressing hard.
- Rapid back-and-forth strokes: go for slow movements in one direction.
- Going over irritated or broken skin or inflamed spots.
- Sharing your gua sha: one each, just like a toothbrush.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes per area? Three to five is enough. The full ritual takes five minutes.
Morning or evening? Both. We suggest a 5-minute morning routine and a slower evening version in the free e-book.
Can the skin go red? A slight, temporary redness can appear if you press too hard. Lighten the pressure: it should always feel comfortable. If in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Ready to try the 4 moves of the ritual? Discover the heart gua sha
Article written by the Roselyse team. This advice is general and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional: if you have a skin condition, ask a dermatologist.