How To Choose The Best Gua Sha Stone For You

Gua sha, per Cosmopolitan, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years and involves the process of contouring the skin (gently) with a stone. And there's no doubt that it's one of the top beauty crazes of 2021. As Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture explains, gua sha and facial rolling have become popular in beauty regimens, and these radiance-boosting, detoxifying stones have become much buzzed about in recent years.

It's no wonder that gua sha are in the limelight, becoming a significant TikTok trend, since the facial massage technique can reportedly promote lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation and puffiness, improve skin health, and reduce muscular tension. What more could your skin want? 

When it comes to gua sha, acupuncturist Sandra Lanshin Chiu told Cosmopolitan that "stone quality, design, and craftsmanship matter when choosing a tool." She recommends that, as with any facial tool, you should do your research and select the one that fits your required function. Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture explains that most gua shas are made from natural gemstones such as green jade, white jade, rose quartz, amethyst, aventurine, or sodalite. There are lots of gua sha tools to choose from, but how do you know which is the best stone for you?

As per Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture, green jade is the more traditional choice for facial rolling and gua sha, as this color jade was considered the ultimate precious stone in ancient China and was the go-to stone for many Chinese beauty treatments. Bustle reports that jade tends to be the most commonly used natural stone for gua sha tools because of its purported balancing qualities. Jennifer Rock, dermal facialist, explains that, "It's a naturally cool gemstone that feels super soothing on skin."

Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture notes that white jade remains cool to the touch and is slightly smoother than green jade. Another popular gua sha stone, according to Bustle, is rose quartz, which is known to have calming properties and is often used for sensitive or damaged skin. A somewhat unique gua sha stone is black obsidian, which Disciple founder Charlotte Ferguson explained to Bustle is "formed from cooled molten lava and is packed with microscopic minerals making it perfect for reducing inflammation." It is also known as the "most sustainable" gua sha stone.

Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture also recommends amethyst for gua sha. Amethyst is packed full of negative ions, which means it offers some fantastic anti-inflammatory properties and is ideal for anyone wanting a more balanced complexion. Stainless steel gua shas may not have the same traditional healing properties as precious stones, but per Bustle, this material is ideal for use in warmer weather and for reducing puffiness.