By Kristen Elise Laing-Herbert, Dermal Clinician and Co-Owner of LaGaia UNEDITED & People4ocean

← Previous: Part 1 — An Introduction to Gua Sha

In Part 1, we introduced the foundations of Gua Sha facial massage—a calming, at-home skincare ritual rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Now, for those looking to integrate this beauty practice more fully into their skincare routine, we’ll explore the science-backed benefits of Gua Sha, advanced techniques, and how to safely take your ritual to the next level.

The Science Behind Gua Sha in Skincare

While Gua Sha is loved for its glow-boosting results, it also has measurable effects that align with modern dermatology and skin health research. Clinical studies suggest that Gua Sha:

• Stimulates microcirculation: improving blood flow for a brighter, more even complexion.
• Encourages lymphatic drainage: reducing puffiness and fluid retention, a cornerstone of many facial massage techniques in the beauty industry.
• Activates fibroblasts: the cells responsible for natural collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and firmness over time.
• Relieves muscle tension: particularly in the jaw, temples, and forehead—areas often linked to stress and premature fine lines.

This makes Gua Sha more than just a beauty trend. It’s a holistic skincare treatment that bridges ancient wisdom with modern science.

Advanced At-Home Gua Sha Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can begin to introduce more targeted facial sculpting strokes:

• Jawline Sculpting: Apply firmer, deliberate strokes to define contours and release jaw tension often linked to TMJ or stress.
• Under-Eye Drainage: Feather-light sweeps from the inner to outer corner help reduce dark circles and puffiness.
• Forehead Relaxation: Gentle upward movements soften expression lines and encourage relaxation in the frontalis muscle.

For optimal results, skincare professionals recommend practicing 2–3 times per week for 5–10 minutes, ensuring consistent benefits without overstimulating the skin.

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Skincare Precautions and Best Practices

To integrate Gua Sha safely into your home beauty routine, remember:

• Always prepare the skin with a hydrating facial oil or balm to ensure glide and nourishment.
• Avoid areas with active breakouts, rosacea flare-ups, or recent cosmetic treatments.
• Expect mild redness, known as “sha,” as a natural response to improved circulation.

These best practices align with professional aesthetic treatments while keeping at-home use safe and effective.

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The Beauty Industry Perspective

As beauty & wellness expert Kristen Elise shares, “When we combine traditional Gua Sha techniques with modern skincare science, we create a ritual that is both grounding and clinically effective. This is where beauty truly meets wellbeing.”

In the wider skincare industry, Gua Sha is gaining recognition not just as a beauty tool but as a supportive practice for anti-aging routines, lymphatic health, and natural skin rejuvenation.

Advancing Your Ritual, Clinically and Mindfully

The true magic of Gua Sha lies in its duality—offering both visible improvements in skin tone, contour, and glow, while also inviting you into moments of self-care. By integrating science-backed techniques with mindful intention, you create a skincare ritual that nurtures both outer radiance and inner balance.

Discover the full LaGaia ritual →

Next: Part 3 — Facial Gua Sha for Lymphatic Drainage →