How to Build a Sustainable Gua Sha Routine for Glowing Skin

Build a simple gua sha routine with rose quartz or stainless steel tools, organic face oil, and vegan moisturizer for a low-waste skincare ritual.

Looking for a little extra glow to your skin, without having to buy or add additional skincare products to your daily routine? A gua sha routine is the perfect addition to your morning or night. 

This simple facial massage tool has become a popular addition to everyday skincare routines, and for good reason. It feels relaxing, can temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness, and gives you a few minutes to slow down and take care of yourself, morning or night. 

Even better, a reusable gua sha tool can last for years. Pair it with a nourishing organic face oil or vegan moisturizer, and you've got a simple self-care ritual without a pile of disposable beauty products overwhelming your countertop. 

Here's how to get started with your own gua sha routine.

What Is Gua Sha, and Why Add It to Your Skincare Routine?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese practice that involves gently gliding a smooth-edged tool, often made from jade or quartz, across the skin. Facial gua sha is a gentler version that uses light pressure and slow movements to depuff, promote lymphatic drainage, and increase circulation.

A regular gua sha routine can help to shape your face over time, but you should really think of it more as a relaxing addition to your skincare routine rather than a dramatic beauty treatment! It’s affordable, natural, and a great way to practice a little sustainable self care every day while naturally sculpting your face.

Unlike disposable face masks or single-use beauty accessories, a good gua sha tool can be cleaned and reused for years, making it a great value for money.

Choose Your Gua Sha Tool

Two popular options are rose quartz and stainless steel gua sha tools. Both have smooth, curved edges designed to glide along your face, but each offers something a little different.

ZWS Essentials Facial Tool (Rose Quartz Gua Sha or Jade Gua Sha)

If you love natural stone skincare tools, the ZWS Essentials Facial Tool is a perfect place to start, available in both Rose Quartz Gua Sha or Jade Gua Sha versions. 

Regardless of which you choose (or why choose, when you can get both!), this reusable facial tool has smooth edges and curved sides that fit comfortably along your cheeks, jawline, and forehead.

Each tool comes with a cotton drawstring bag for storage, making it easy to keep in your bathroom drawer or take along when traveling.

These natural, smooth stones feel naturally cool against your skin, which can make your morning facial massage especially refreshing.

Just be sure to handle it with care, as these are natural stones and can chip or crack if dropped onto a hard surface.

Stainless Steel Gua Sha

Prefer something a little more durable? The ZWS Essentials Stainless Steel Gua Sha offers the same basic facial massage experience with a sleek metal design.

Stainless steel is nonporous, easy to wash, and less likely to break if you accidentally drop it. It’s also naturally resistant to buildup, which is great, because you should always use gua sha with your preferred facial oil or moisturizer. 

Both tools work well for facial massage, so choosing between them mostly comes down to personal preference and appearance!

Prep Your Skin With Facial Oil or Moisturizer

Before using your gua sha, you'll want to give your skin a little slip, so you aren’t pulling on your skin, which would actually increase your risk of wrinkles and irritation, which is not what we want here!

Gliding a tool over dry skin can create unnecessary friction, so start with a facial oil or moisturizer that helps it move smoothly.

The UpCircle Organic Face Oil is a great option if you prefer lightweight facial oils with natural ingredients.

Made with coffee seed oil, jojoba, rosehip, and other botanical oils, it helps soften and moisturize your skin. It also comes in a glass bottle, with an aluminum-cap option for repeat purchases.

If you prefer a thicker, cream formula, try the Vegan Face Moisturizer.

This fast-absorbing moisturizer includes cocoa butter, vitamin E, and discarded/upcycled argan shell powder. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in a glass jar with an aluminum lid, which looks extra luxurious!

How to Do a Simple Gua Sha Routine

You don't need a complicated technique or an elaborate 20-minute skincare ritual to enjoy the benefits of gua sha. 

Start with just a few minutes and follow these easy steps:

• Cleanse your face. Start with clean skin and a freshly washed gua sha tool.
• Apply your facial oil or moisturizer. Use enough to help the tool glide comfortably.
• Start along your jawline. Hold the tool nearly flat against your skin and gently glide from your chin toward your ears.
• Move to your cheeks. Use light, outward strokes from the center of your face toward your temples.
• Massage your forehead. Glide the tool gently upward from your eyebrows toward your hairline.
• Finish with a little extra care. Use very light pressure around delicate areas, and skip any irritated or broken skin.

Keep your movements slow and gentle. You shouldn't need to press hard or scrape your skin to enjoy the massage.

When you're finished, wash your tool with mild soap and water, dry it, and put it away until next time.

Gua Sha FAQ

How Often Should You Use Gua Sha?

You can try facial gua sha a few times a week to start, and incrfease to daily if your skin handles it comfortably. Start with short sessions and give your skin a break if you notice redness or irritation.

Do You Need Face Oil for Gua Sha?

You don't necessarily need an oil, but you do need something that helps the tool glide smoothly. An organic face oil or a moisturizer with enough slip can both work well.

Is Stainless Steel or Rose Quartz Better for Gua Sha?

Both can work well for facial massage. Rose quartz offers a natural stone feel, while stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. Choose whichever feels best in your hand and fits your routine.

Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple and Sustainable

A sustainable skincare routine doesn't have to involve a shelf full of products or a complicated set of steps.

Sometimes all you need is a reusable tool, a little facial oil, and a few quiet minutes to yourself.

Whether you choose rose quartz or stainless steel, gua sha can be a relaxing way to give your skin some extra attention while keeping disposable beauty products to a minimum.

Looking for more ways to simplify your beauty routine? Explore our guide to zero waste skincare brands for more sustainable skincare ideas, with lots of vegan, natural, and plastic-free brands to choose from.