Gua Sha Benefits and Technique

Gua sha is a centuries-old facial technique that uses a smooth stone to gently glide over the skin. Done consistently, it can help de-puff, boost circulation, soften the look of fine lines, and melt away jaw and brow tension—leaving you looking lifted, awake, and luminous.

Below you’ll find what gua sha can do for your skin and a clear, step-by-step routine you can follow today.

Why Gua Sha Is Good for Skin

• Encourages lymphatic flow → helps reduce the look of puffiness and stagnation.

• Boosts microcirculation → supports a natural glow and more even tone.

• Releases muscle tension → especially around the jaw, neck, and brow (great for clenchers).

• Softens the appearance of lines → by relaxing held muscles and improving fluid movement.

• Enhances product performance → helps your skincare glide and absorb more evenly.

Note: Gua sha is a gentle wellness ritual—not a medical treatment. If you have a skin condition or recent cosmetic procedures, check with your provider first.

Why Use a Face Oil

Gua sha works best with slip. A good face oil cushions the stone, prevents tugging, and supports the skin barrier. 

Divine Intervention was designed as a daily ritual oil: lightweight, nourishing, and plant-based, so it glides beautifully without a greasy finish. Use it to create a smooth surface for your stone while feeding the skin with botanicals your complexion recognizes. If you don't have a gua sha stone, our co-founder Michelle shows you how you can use your fingers to achieve the same effect in this video. 

How much to use: Start with 5–8 drops for face and neck. Add 1–2 more if your skin or stone feels like it’s dragging.

Prep: Set Yourself Up for Success

1. Cleanse skin and pat dry. (If you tone or mist, do that now.)

2. Apply Divine Intervention to face, jaw, and neck. Warm it between your palms and press in.

3. Sanitize your stone with gentle soap and water; dry well.

4. Posture & angle: Keep the stone at ~15° to the skin (almost flat). Use light–medium pressure—never hard.

The Step-by-Step Gua Sha Routine (5–10 minutes)

Repeat each stroke 5–10 times per section. Always glide in one direction (don’t saw back and forth). Use your free hand to gently anchor the skin.

1) “Open” the Neck (for drainage)

• Side of neck: From behind the ear down to the top of the collarbone.

• Back of neck: From hairline down to the base of the neck.

• Front/SCM: From under the ear along the sternocleidomastoid (that ropey muscle) down to the collarbone.

• Finish: Light sweeps from the jawline down the sides of the neck to the collarbones. Small wiggle at the end of each stroke.

2) Jawline & Chin (sculpt and de-puff)

• Using the “V” or curved edge, start at the chin; glide along the jaw toward the earlobe.

• Keep the stone hugged to the bone; gentle wiggle at the jaw hinge.

3) Cheeks (lift and brighten)

• From the side of the nose across the cheek toward the ear, following the cheekbone.

• Use the broad, flat edge and light pressure over sinuses.

4) Under-Eye (extra gentle)

• With the smallest/curved edge, sweep from inner corner (by the nose) out to the temple.

• Feather-light pressure. 3–5 passes are enough.

5) Brows & Brow Bone (tension release)

• Under the eyebrow, glide from the center of the brow to the temple.

• Over the brow, repeat from center to temple (still light pressure).

6) Forehead (smooth)

• From the eyebrows up to the hairline using long vertical strokes.

• Then from the center of the forehead out to the temples.

7) Final Flush (clear the pathway)

• Big sweeping motions from the center of the face (chin/cheek/temple) out and down the neck to the collarbones to encourage drainage.

How Often Should You Gua Sha?

• Consistency beats intensity. Aim for 3–5 times per week, 5–10 minutes per session.

• Quick morning option (3 minutes): Neck → jawline → cheeks → final flush.

• Evening tension release: Add extra passes at the jaw and brow.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

• Less pressure, better results. You’re moving fluid, not grinding muscle.

• Keep it flat. A 15° angle protects skin; a 90° angle can tug.

• Don’t rush. Slow, steady strokes calm the nervous system and help drainage.

• Skip broken/irritated skin, active cystic acne, sunburn, or new injectables (generally wait ~2 weeks and ask your provider).

• Hydrate. Drink water after your ritual to support lymphatic flow.

Make It a Ritual with Divine Intervention

A few intentional minutes, a few drops of Divine Intervention, and a calm, lifted look becomes part of your everyday. Keep your stone and oil together where you’ll see them—by your bedside or next to your toothbrush—so this becomes a habit you look forward to.