P. Sze 
Gua sha has become a staple in many skincare routines, offering benefits such as reduced puffiness, improved circulation, and a natural glow. While the technique is ancient, the variety of gua sha tools available today means you can tailor your practice to meet your specific skincare needs. In this article, we’ll explore 5 different types of gua sha tools that can elevate your beauty regimen. To get the most out of your practice, check out our basic guide on gua sha for tips on using these tools effectively.
Each material offers unique benefits, durability, and price points, allowing you to select the best tool for your skincare goals. Let’s dive into the most popular gua sha tools that can transform your routine.
1. Jade Gua Sha Tool
Jade is one of the most commonly used materials for gua sha, known for its cooling and soothing properties. It’s great for reducing puffiness and calming irritated skin, especially around the face and neck. Jade tools are generally affordable, which makes them ideal for beginners. However, jade is a softer stone, so while it’s durable for regular use, it can chip or break if dropped.
“Tools with ridges can stimulate the scalp, and having various shapes like curves and ridges allows for different uses depending on the body part,” says Ms. Mai Sogawa, senior TCM therapist, highlighting the importance of choosing the right shape to complement the material.
Recommended Use: Jawline Sculpting
- How to do it: Place the curved edge of the jade gua sha tool at the center of your chin. Gently glide it along your jawline, moving up toward the ears.
- Benefits: Helps define the jawline, reduce puffiness, and relieve facial tension.
Jade gua sha tools are a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable, effective way to care for your skin, but they do require careful handling due to their fragility.
2. Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool
Rose quartz is cherished for its gentle, healing energy and is excellent for promoting circulation and a glowing complexion. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their skincare routine. Slightly more expensive than jade, rose quartz gua sha tools are still accessible for most users. Like jade, they are durable but can break if handled roughly.
Recommended Use: Under-Eye De-Puffing
- How to do it: Use the narrow edge of the rose quartz tool to gently sweep from the inner corner of your eye outward, following the natural contour under the eye.
- Benefits: Reduces puffiness, brightens the under-eye area, and improves circulation.
Rose quartz is an excellent option if you want to elevate your skincare with a luxurious tool that’s still gentle on the skin, but be mindful of its fragility.
3. Bian Stone Gua Sha Tool
Bian stone, an ancient and revered material in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is ideal for deeper tissue work. Its heavier texture and unique mineral composition make it particularly effective for relieving muscle tension. Bian stone tools tend to be priced in the mid-range because of their healing properties, and they are sturdier than jade or rose quartz, making them less likely to chip or break.
Recommended Use: Neck Tension Release
- How to do it: Start at the base of your neck and glide the bian stone tool upward toward your jawline, applying gentle pressure.
- Benefits: Relieves muscle tension in the neck and improves circulation.
If you’re looking for a tool that offers a more intense gua sha experience, bian stone is perfect for deeper work and is durable enough to withstand regular use.
4. Stainless Steel Gua Sha Tool
Stainless steel tools are gaining popularity due to their unmatched durability and hygiene benefits. Non-porous and resistant to bacteria, they are easy to clean and stay cool longer than stone tools. Stainless steel gua sha tools are more expensive but are a long-term investment, especially if you want to use gua sha on larger areas like the legs. Since they are virtually unbreakable, they are ideal for anyone concerned about dropping their tool.
“Metal tools, especially those made from stainless steel, are resistant to rust, making them suitable for use during bathing. They also have the advantage of being more impact-resistant,” explains Ms. Mai Sogawa. “While there aren’t significant drawbacks compared to natural stones, from a spiritual perspective, natural stones are believed to impart the inherent power of the stone.”
Recommended Use: Leg Sculpting
- How to do it: Start at the ankle and sweep the tool upward toward the knee using long, firm strokes on both the front and back of your leg. This will ensure full muscle relaxation and improved circulation.
- Benefits: Reduces muscle tension, smoothes skin, and targets cellulite.
While stainless steel is a bit pricier, its durability and ease of maintenance make it an excellent choice for body care and frequent use.
5. Amethyst Gua Sha Tool
Amethyst is a beautiful purple stone known for its calming and balancing properties, often associated with stress relief. In gua sha, it offers a luxurious, cooling experience that helps reduce tension and promote relaxation. Amethyst is similar in durability to jade and rose quartz—effective for daily use but needs careful handling to avoid chipping. Amethyst gua sha tools are slightly more expensive than rose quartz, making them a premium option.
Recommended Use: Forehead Smoothing
- How to do it: Use the flat edge of the amethyst tool. Start at the center of your forehead and glide the tool outward toward your temples.
- Benefits: Helps smooth fine lines, reduces tension, and relieves headaches.
Amethyst is perfect for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their skincare routine, with additional calming and stress-relieving benefits. It’s beautiful, but like other stones, it requires careful handling.
How To Choose The Right Gua Sha Tool
Choosing the right gua sha tool depends on your skin needs and budget. Jade and rose quartz are both great for facial care, offering affordable options with gentle healing properties, but they require careful handling. Bian stone offers more durability and is ideal for deeper tissue work. Stainless steel provides the best in terms of durability and hygiene but comes at a higher price. Amethyst adds a luxurious touch to your gua sha routine, offering both beauty and calming effects, though it’s slightly more delicate.
For more guidance on how to get the most out of your gua sha practice, visit our basic guide on gua sha.
Try our Anti-Aging Gua Sha Tool designed to bring out your skin’s natural glow.
Best Gua Sha Product- Anti-Aging: The tool is designed to target 11 specific aging signs such as wrinkles and sagging skin. By following the 7-step routine, users can improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines naturally.
- Enhances Skincare Routine: It works effectively with serums and lotions, boosting absorption and efficacy of skincare products.
- Visible Skin Improvement: Users can expect a smoother complexion, reduced puffiness, and a more youthful appearance.
