Gua sha stones have originated from a traditional Chinese healing method in which a smooth-edged tool glide across your face to improve circulation and break up stagnation-induced retention. They can be used all over the body, but are the most beneficial on the face – and by now, you've probably seen all of your favourite influencers and TikTok'ers using them.

As such, you’ve probably been wondering whether it’s worth adding a gua sha stone to your skincare routine. We've let experts such as dermatologists and beauty founders weigh-in, and we're here to tell you everything you need to know.

Best gua sha at a glance – our top picks:

But before we jump in, let's break down the basics: so the gua sha stones have several similarities to facial rollers, including typically being made from jade quartz, rose quartz or another form of crystal. Both have many beneficial uses, but they’re most commonly used to stimulate blood flow and drain any puffiness to the face through lymphatic drainage.

Meet the experts:

• Katie Brindle, founder of Hayo'u
• Melusine Tran, founder of Kosame Beauty
• Caroline Brooks, skincare expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa
• Saffron Hughes, makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk

Katie Brindle, founder of Hayo'u, shared that "the gua sha can be such a game-changer for a simple, at-home massage technique.”

Not to mention that implementing gua sha techniques as part of your daily regiment can also help stimulate collagen production which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and boost skin elasticity with minimal side effects. Doing so is relatively easy too – all you need to do is to ise your gua sha to perform long strokes across the contours of your face while applying a bit of pressure (but not too much). You can even take a look at some tutorials online.

Gua sha is also believed to be a great form of self-care that you can do at home if you wanted to concentrate and take your time with your routine. “A gua sha is a staple step in my evening routine. It’s perfect for unwinding and de-stressing my skin through daily use,” Melusine Tran, founder of Kosame Beauty added. “I tend to use it right after my double cleanse routine and find the size is so convenient for weekends away.”

What are gua sha stones for?

Caroline Brooks, skincare expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa, shares that gua sha stones are used to perform facial massages to promote circulation, boost lymphatic drainage and relax facial muscles. “This technique can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance overall complexion,” she says.

How do I use a gua sha stone?

According to Caroline, there a several techniques that you can use with your gua sha stone, depending on your goals:

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