You have probably seen these inexpensive little tools in the cosmetic isle of your neighborhood grocery store or makeup counter: gua sha stones and jade rollers. But, what you might not realize is they can actually help your skin look better.

Some of you know I collect hearts and heart-shaped stones and shells…everywhere I go. (My daughters are eye-rolling as I write this.) Well, on a recent trip to New Zealand, I found a beauty. The sales associate told me it was made of jade. She also said, “Oh, don’t you love a gua sha stone?” I actually had no idea what she was talking about. I just thought it was simply a pretty and heart-shaped stone and I bought three (one for me and two for the eye-rolling daughters.)

This is what a gua sha stone looks like: (It is pronounced gwa-sha)

What I didn’t realize–and what the lovely sales associate went on to explain–is that this heart-shaped, flat stone is intended as a facial tool, to increase skin circulation and help with lymphatic inflammation. Wow–I just thought it was pretty.

Apparently gua sha massage has been used in the orient for hundreds of years…who knew? But, if massage is good for the body, why shouldn’t it also be good for the face?

I decided to do some research on this lovely, smooth flat stone and discovered that it can be used in mighty ways. Here are a few of facial benefit claims:

• Improves circulation
• Promotes lymphatic drainage to reduce facial puffiness
• Relaxes facial muscle tension
• Increases absorption of serums/creams/oils into the skin

The cooling effect of a gua sha can also help reduce under eye puffiness and calm the skin, similar to ice reducing swelling.

What a Gua Sha Doesn’t Do

• It doesn’t recontour your face (i.e., give you a facelift), but it can help alleviate fluid build up (lymphatic fluid) to help skin look smoother
• It doesn’t banish wrinkles, but it can improve circulation, which can help give your skin a youthful glow

I discovered that the jade roller can be used to help skincare products more effectively penetrate into the skin, because you are essentially “pushing” the products down for fuller absorption.

What happened when I tried the gua sha stone?

I went online to see a video on the correct procedure for using the gua sha stone. Here is a good one to watch

What I enjoyed most was the actual act of massaging my skin with the stone. I apply my serum or oil and take several deep breaths. It feels relaxing. And it only takes a few minutes to massage your skin before putting on your makeup. Now I have incorporated the gua sha stone into my regular skincare routine.

I don’t know if it will do all the things it claims to do, but for less than $10 you might want to try it for yourself.

Some gals put theirs in the refrigerator for an even more cooling effect, but I just leave mine out on the counter. It’s a pretty addition to my bathroom and it reminds me to use it.

Please comment below and let us know if you use a gua sha stone. Or if you might consider trying one. We love hearing from you.