Gua Sha vs. Facial Roller: Which One Is Better?

Amidst of electric beauty devices battle, there are still traditional (and cheaper) ways to give your face some at-home relaxing treatment. Utilizing jade stones, gua sha and jade facial roller are the most popular methods to give you that defined and youthful look. Even though they’re made of the same materials, they master in different benefits.

What is gua sha?

Gua sha is a natural healing method used when people are sick. Gua is known as ‘to scrape’, and sha means ‘red spots’ or ‘petechiae’ that will appear on the skin as a result of the scrapping. Gua sha originated as an ancient China practice to scrape away illness, disease, or sickness using animal horns.

However, modern-day gua sha are often used for massaging and relaxing skin muscles with crystal or stone. Using serum or facial oils like jojoba oil will double up the benefits, making it easier for the gua sha to glide on plus helping the oil nutrient absorption in your skin.

What is the jade facial roller?

Jade face roller is also a tool used in Ancient China as a practice to maintain skin health. This facial roller was made out of jade stone which has a cooling sensation when it touches the skin. Using a roller for facial massage will promote lymphatic drainage that will result in a healthier and depuffed face.

The difference between gua sha and facial roller

Gua sha

• Using a flat scraping tool.
• Has to be held at a 15–30 degree angle.
• Primarily used to relax muscle tension and relieve pain.

Jade facial roller

• A smooth rolling tool.
• Involving rolling motions.
• Mainly used to boost lymphatic drainage and depuff skin.

How to use gua sha and jade facial roller

While their looks are completely different, they share the same preparations and techniques to use. The only thing that differentiates them in the technique is that gua sha uses a scraping motion, while jade rollers use (of course) a rolling motion.

Preparations

• Clean your face. This is essential to ensure a smooth surface for the tool to move, preventing any irritation because of dirt.
• Prep your skin. Apply your serum or facial oil of your liking.
• Hold the gua sha at a 15 to 30-degree angle against your skin. Adjust the pressure as you move across your face.
• It’s crucial to always move your tool in an upward and outward direction. Repeat every motion 5–10 times on each side.

Techniques

• Jawline: start at the center of your chin and move your tool outwards along your jawline towards your earlobe.
• Cheeks: start at the side of your nose and move your tool towards your temples. This will lift and sculpt the cheekbones.
• Forehead: begin at the center of your forehead, between your eyebrows, and gently move your tool towards your hairline.
• Neck: move your tool downwards along your neck to promote lymphatic drainage.

Which one is better for you? Gua sha or jade roller?

Both gua sha and jade facial rollers can be a good investment for your skin health. The best choice depends on your personal preference and needs.

• Get a gua sha if you want to adjust the flexibility of the motions by yourself. Gua sha can address puffiness and promote a sculpted look. However, the scraping technique may not be a good catch for someone with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
• Get a jade facial roller if you want to focus on promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing puffiness. Jade rollers suit most skin types and are gentler than gua sha. Plus point is it usually looks more fancy with the gold/silver accent of the tool.

If you are also considering between traditional gua sha vs. electric face massager, read more about it here.