Posted by Neal's Yard Remedies
on March 03, 2026
Sculpting, lifting, glow-giving... Besides all the visible benefits that come with using a gua sha, a consistent gua sha routine offers a moment of pause as well as a way to unlock contoured, healthy-looking skin. Here’s how.
What is a gua sha and how do you use it?
A gua sha is an ancient beauty tool used to massage the face and neck. With repeated and gentle upward movements, it boosts circulation, lymphatic drainage, and releases deep tension in the face, neck and scalp for a natural, glowing boost.
Our 5-minute gua sha routine
Always start with a nourishing oil or serum. This allows the gua sha to glide comfortably for visibly lifted, radiant skin in minutes.
1. Prep your skin: After cleansing, warm a few drops of your favourite Neal’s Yard Remedies facial oil or serum between your palms. Apply generously to the face and neck to allow the gua sha to glide smoothly.
For optimal results, use intensely nourishing Wild Rose Beauty Balm or Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil for up to 12-hour moisturisation.
Expert tip: “Using a moisturiser mixed with rosehip oil will help the gua sha glide across the skin. The less friction you create, the less inflammation you’ll cause your skin.”
– Mina Lee, award-winning holistic facialist
2. Open the lymph nodes: Using the smooth arch of our Crystal Sculpt Gua Sha, gently sweep upwards from the collarbone to just below the ear, then glide back down the side of the neck. Repeat 5 – 10 times on both sides to encourage lymphatic drainage.
Expert tip: “To open the lymph nodes, you need to gently shake the gua sha against the skin. Instead of pressing it flat, try using a 90-degree angle.”
– Mina Lee, award-winning holistic facialist
3. Sculpt the jawline: Place the notch of the U-shaped edge around the jaw. Sweep from the centre of the chin upwards towards the ear, keeping the gua sha hugged closely to the jawline. Repeat 5 – 10 times per side.
Expert tip: Gua sha is meant to be used with gentle pressure. Always pair with a nourishing oil or serum to ensure a smooth glide, especially on delicate areas.
4. Lift the cheeks: Still using the U-shaped edge, start beside the nose and glide the gua sha outwards along the cheekbones towards the ear and temple. Repeat 5 – 10 times on each side of the face.
Expert tip: Gua sha works best when you slow down. Take a moment mid-routine to inhale the aromatherapeutic scent of frankincense or rose to balance skin and mind.
5.Revive the eye area: Using the precision tip and very light pressure,
sweep from the inner corner of the eye out towards the temple, then glide gently across the brow bone. Repeat 5 times around each eye.
Expert tip: Consistency is key with gua sha. Use yours 2 – 3 times a week to maintain results and a healthy glow.
6. Stimulate the scalp: Using the comb edge to stimulate circulation, sweeping from the centre of the head outwards towards the ears with light, gentle pressure. Repeat 5 – 10 times, working in slow, even sections.
Expert tip: Skip the oil or serum when working on the scalp. The comb edge works through gentle stimulation rather than glide. A little leftover facial oil on the tool won’t affect results.
7. Finish with drainage: Return to the smooth arch. Gently sweep down the sides of the neck, from just below the ear to the collarbone. Repeat 5–10 times per side to finish the routine and promote lymphatic drainage.
Hand-carved from blue sodalite and naturally cool to the touch, our Crystal Sculpt Gua Sha feels good from the very first glide.
Chosen for its calming effect and durability (comparable to jade and rose quartz), blue sodalite helps soothe and depuff while encouraging balance. Six precisely shaped ridges offer deep micro-stimulation on the scalp – for results you can see and feel.
“Cool blue sodalite helps calm inflammation and reduce puffiness. Gentle, intentional strokes support lymphatic flow and natural facial sculpting. It’s all about consistency, a quiet micro-moment that encourages balance, circulation and inner-outer glow.”
– Mina Lee, award-winning holistic facialist
