Facial Gua Sha 101 For Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide

Facial gua sha is an affordable beauty technology for everyone who want to have a healthier skin condition. Don't miss this Face Guasha tutorial, try it, and keep doing it for 28 days, to meet with the completely different you—Refresh in a rosy complexion: firmer, tender, smooth and whitening skin. 

This is a focus-on-result facial gua sha tutorial which could be added to your every day skincare routine. More comprehensive, better effective. Just follow it, our expert has packed everything you need to know about the facial gua sha SPA.

1. ( Tool ) What’s the Magic gua sha stone?
2. ( Tool usage ) How to use the Magic stone?
3. ( Facial muscles ) Do you know your face?
4. ( TCM theory ) Simplify the facial gua sha treatment
5. ( Before Gua Sha ) Three prep-works
6. ( Gua sha on face ) Do a comfortable facial gua sha SPA now!
7. ( After Gua Sha ) Take these two suggestions

In this course, we will no longer expand knowledge outwards. For questions about what is gua sha? Click to read here. You could also find the proper answers to the difference between gua sha and facial gua sha, the origin of gua sha, is gua sha safe?, is it painful? etc.

Now let's take a dip at how simple and practical the facial gua sha treatment is.

1. What’s the Magic Gua Sha Stone? 

A gua sha tool designed ergonomically and functionality for users

Sanuscode Magic is a patented product, it has multiple-side edges aligns perfectly with the natural contours of your face. We combine the strengths of various gua sha tools and adopt the practical experience of numerous gua sha enthusiasts to create this unique gua sha tool. It deserves to be displayed as a work of art as well as a practical tool in your home.

Let's see comments on Sanuscode Magic:

“Magic is so comfortable to hold! Even it’s oily in hand, it’s not easy to slip off.”                                                                                      —Alice from New York

“The agate looks like real, making Magic become real magic and beautiful!

I like gua sha even more 'cause I can't keep my hands off it. ”         

                                                                  —Cindy from College of California

“It is a full-featured gua sha board. My brow bone and eye contour feel comfortable when scraping. ”                                                         —Christine from Illinois

2. How to use the Magic Stone on facial gua sha? 

Here are the three must-learn gua sha manipulations: Press and knead, flat-scraping, lift. They will be separately used in different steps.

#1 manipulation: Press & Knead

#2 manipulation: Flat-Scraping

#3 manipulation: Lift

The scraping speed of facial cosmetic gua sha should be uniform and slow, the pressing pressure is stable, and the scraping angle is very small to rejuvenate and whiten the skin, meanwhile, avoid bruise or pain. It's suggested to learn the correct gua sha manipulations and method before use it.

3. ( Facial muscles ) Do you know your face?

Learning the facial muscle structure is a quick way to understand the face gua sha process

To get know the distribution, shape and function of facial muscles can help us to remember the manipulations and operation steps of facial gua sha more quickly, since most of the scraping movements is along the direction of facial muscle texture. And facial muscle structure analysis can help us better understand the causes of skin problems. These are the physiological basis of facial gua sha which is the most popular skin care technology. 

4. ( TCM theory ) Simplify the facial gua sha treatment

Remembering these 9 acupoints and  6 regions is another key to as fast as possible remember the whole treatment

(1) 9 important acupoints for skin care and health care

Totally 16 points: 14 important points are symmetrically on the left and right sides of the face. With one between eyebrows and one on the chin, 16 points in total.

These 16 points are basically the starting and ending points of facial muscles, by pressing and kneading which every day can make the skin firmer. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 16 points are important acupoints on the facial meridians, If we know the physiotherapy efficacy of each acupoint, we may be more possible to insist on doing facial gua sha treatment. Appropriate stimulation can dredge the meridians, promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis.

 (2) Scraping the six regions from top to bottom

The facial bones would change greatly over time, so as the facial muscles. We had better distinguish the regions of facial muscles, applying with different forces in the gua sha process. For example, the eye side should be less stressed than the cheek.

5. ( Before gua sha ) Three Prep-works

As the Chinese saying goes, grinding a chopper will not delay the wood-cutting work. Better preparation improves the effects of gua sha. Cleaning the skin and gua sha tool is the basic work. Some taboos, such as do not face the cold wind, do not directly apply ice after gua sha, do not use exfoliating facial cleanser and so on. We have summary the three prep-works for you before face gua sha: clean the gua sha tool, clean your face up, and choose proper skin care products.

6. ( Gua Sha on face ) Do a comfortable facial gua sha SPA now!

Sanuscode divides this facial gua sha process into 3 steps. First of all, Soothing the skin and dredge the lymph of neck. Secondly, relieving the stress of facial muscles. Thirdly, scraping the face skin correctly.

6.1 Trilogy one: Soothe the skin and neck lymphatic drainage 

Apply rose hydrosol and essential oils with warm hands and massage on the face and neck for three minutes to strengthen the facial gua sha effect and improve comfort. You will gradually fall in love with this convenient facial SPA that can be done at home.

1) Warm the face and neck

2) Dredge the neck lymph

1. Press the red spot A with your thumb 15 times;
2. Push and press 5 times along line 1 with finger pulps;
3. Push and press 5 times along line 2 with finger pulps.

Lymphatic drainage is essential to make the skin clean and translucent. Detoxification of neck lymph helps cure diseases and detox, and contract neck muscles to make the neck slim and eliminate wrinkles. Meanwhile, it can also relieve the pharynx, phlegm and cough, improve blood circulation, blood supply of the brain, and play a role in strengthening the body and health care.

6.2 Trilogy two: Release the stress of facial muscles by pressing 9 acupoints 

Take Angle-C of the Magic to knead the 9 acupoints on face as the picture shows, a total of 16 points (2 acupoints on the central axis, 7 acupoints on the left face, and 7 on the right).  By stimulating these acupoints, you could definitely improve the effect of facial gua sha.

6.3 Trilogy three: flat-scraping 6 regions

Virtually, daily facial gua sha care is very simple. Although there are 6 regions, the technique is the same with four basic principles: slow speed, gentle force, small scraping angle, and long-term persistence without obvious bruise as the skin metabolism cycle is 28 days.

In daily gua sha, it is usually from top to bottom, inside to outside, to scrape these 6 regions of the face, namely: forehead region, eye region, nose region, cheek region, mouth region, mandibular region. See picture below:

6.3.1 Scrape Forehead 

The main problems here are wrinkles and acne. If there is acne on the face, we should avoid it and scrape other parts of the body to reduce and eliminate acne, instead of directly scraping on the face; or it will harm the skin, cause infections and make the acne even more serious. We offer intermediate gua sha tutorial for acne problems. For daily care, this elementary tutorial is enough.

6.3.2 Scrape the Eye region 

The main problems here are crow's feet, chloasma, freckles, bags under the eyes, and dark circles, which can be alleviated by daily facial gua sha physiotherapy. If the situation is serious, we offer Sanuscode's intermediate tutorial. Sanuscode develops a unique gua sha technique for each skin problem, which is simple and easy, and is effective and curable with long-term persistence.

① Brow Bone

• Take MAGIC W-Edge to scrape the left eyebrow bone, 5-8 times;
• Take MAGIC W-Edge to scrape the brow bone of the right eye, 5-8 times;

② Eye Socket

• Take the MAGIC A2-Edge to scrape the upper contour of the left eye, 5-8 times;
• Take the top of the MAGIC A1-Edge to scrape the lower contour of the left eye, 5-8 times;
• After the left done, same to the right one. 

6.3.3 Nasal Region 

The main problems here is the horizontal and vertical lines of the nose, and rhinitis. If you have rhinitis, you can learn Sanuscode's advanced tutorial. Sanuscode develops a unique self-scraping physiotherapy technique for some common physical discomforts, such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, prostatitis, premature ejaculation, etc. 

1. Take W-Edge to scrape the midline of the nose, from the middle between the eyebrows to the nostrils, 5-8 times;
2. Take A1-Edge to scrape the left side of the bridge of the nose down to the nostril, 5-8 times;
3. Take A1-Edge to scrape the right side of the bridge of the nose down to the nostril, 5-8 times;

MAGIC gua sha stone: W-Edge, A1-Edge
Force: Gentle; reach the muscles
Speed: Slow, 2-3 times during each breath

6.3.4 Cheek Region

The main skin problems here are chloasma, freckles, wrinkles, and red blood streaks. Sanuscode's intermediate tutorial contains a unique, practical and effective gua sha technique for these skin problems. With this elementary tutorial, daily facial gua sha can alleviate those symptoms, regulate our internal organs, and improve skin status fundamentally. 

1. Take H1-Edge to scrape from the middle of the left side of the nose to the Taiyang Point, 5-8 times;
2. Take W-Edge to scrape from the left nostril to the middle of the ear, 5-8 times;

6.3.5 Around the Mouth

The main skin problems here are nasolabial folds and acne. It is recommended to scrape the perioral region to make the skin tighter, as well as to deal with sub-health diseases like gynecological problem and urinary system.

6.3.6 Mandibular Region

The main problems here are nasolabial folds, sagging skin, and acne. By facial gua sha, we can lift the jaw, shape the face and make it slim.

1. Take V-Edge to scrape along the left line of the mandible, from the middle down to the left neck, 5-8 times;
2. Take V-Edge to scrape along the left line of the mandible, from the middle down to the right neck, 5-8 times.

MAGIC gua sha stone: V-Edge
Force: Gentle; reach the muscles
Speed: Slow, 1-2 times during each breath

7. ( After Gua Sha ) Take the TWO suggestions

The skin would feel hot after gua sha and may recover in three to five minutes. It is not advised to wash the face with cold water or do cold compress at once. We can do facial lift and take a nourishing mask during the moment.

Step 1: Facial Lift

Take the MAGIC C-Edge to lift the neck and cheeks, and H-Edge to lift the eyes up to the hairline. 5-8 lifts for each region.

Step 2: Nourishing Mask ★★★★★

Why not spare minutes for a nourishing mask? The facial skin absorption is the best at the moment! You can prepare a mild, non-stimulating, and nourishing masks in advance. Whitening-effect masks may contain mercury and other harmful ingredients, thus are not recommended.

You can also DIY some therapeutic facial masks suitable for your skin. Refer to the Sanuscode Homemade Facial Mask Tutorial to choose one that you can make right now. These facial masks are made with ingredients available in the refrigerator, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, etc. By mixing the crushed vegetables with honey, egg whites or milk, the nutrition can be better absorbed by the skin.

Never do gua sha yet? Start now! Get some soothing music, sit comfortbably in a couch or bed, adjust your breath and meditate for five minutes before gua sha. Follow the video to start gua sha!  28 days later, you would be more beautiful, you could take selfies for contrast. Just believe you can make it!