Hi everyone! I was midway through a Gua Sha massage recently when I realized how little we actually talk about skincare tools, especially outside of the usual product reviews. So I thought I’d share my own experience, especially for anyone curious about incorporating Gua Sha into their routine.

Before purchasing mine, I spent a lot of time Googling reviews and scrolling through before-and-after photos. Many people swore by it for facial sculpting and symmetry as something I was particularly interested in, since I have slightly uneven features. I’d also read about its potential benefits for lymphatic drainage and overall self-care, and that appealed to me just as much as the aesthetic results.

A Bit About Me

I’m 29, with combination skin that leans acne-prone. I live in a coastal climate and I’m a regular tretinoin user. 

* My routine 

- Cleanser : Innisfree Jeju Volcanic

- Essence : MISSHA Time Revolution

- Toners and serums : rotating between bifida, niacinamide, and vitamin C

- Moisturizer : currently the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream

The Tool

I went with the Mount Lai Gua Sha in their jade finish, a bit of a birthday splurge at $40 CAD. To be completely honest, I don’t think it was necessary to spend that much. I did try to find more affordable alternatives locally, but if I could go back, I probably would have ordered a cheaper version online. That said, I do love the heart-shaped design as it fits nicely along my jawline and cheeks, and the quality is excellent. It feels sturdy, with a nice weight that makes each stroke feel intentional and a little luxe.

Would I repurchase this specific one? Probably not at that price point. But if you’re looking for something that feels more elevated, it’s definitely not a bad buy.

How I Use It

I usually do my Gua Sha routine in the late afternoon or evening, when I know I won’t be heading out again. I don’t reapply my full skincare routine just enough slip for the tool to glide.

* What I’ve used with

- Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence

- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Essence

- Leftover essence from sheet mask packets

Even the lightest options still leave a bit of tackiness on my skin, which I don’t love, especially since this is going on top of my existing moisturizer. By the end of the day, I definitely feel the buildup and always rinse it off before bed.

The Results

So, has it changed my face? No dramatic lifting or sculpting here but I don’t use it consistently enough to expect that. What I have noticed, though, is something I didn’t even anticipate: deep muscle relaxation.

I hadn’t realized how much tension I was carrying in my face, especially around the eyes and cheeks, until I started massaging regularly. The immediate post-massage feeling is amazing. My skin genuinely feels softer, looser, more relaxed. Occasionally, I even feel tiny lumps under the skin likely lymphatic fluid or tense muscles, and working through them with the tool feels incredibly satisfying.

Surprisingly, I’ve also seen some improvement in the kind of large, inflamed pimples that don’t come to a head. Massaging them gently has helped reduce their size and inflammation faster than usual. No, it’s not a miracle acne solution, especially not for fungal acne, but it’s been a helpful, calming addition to my routine.

In General

Gua Sha hasn’t sculpted my face into supermodel symmetry, but it has made me feel more in tune with my skin. It’s a ritual I’ve come to enjoy, not for the results I can see in the mirror, but for how it makes me feel. Relaxed. Cared for. Present.

If you’re curious about trying it, I say go for it. You don’t need the most expensive tool on the market. Just a few minutes of daily intention can go a long way.