Gua Sha for Perimenopausal Skin: Step-by-Step Guide, Benefits & Best Tools
Gua sha for perimenopausal skin is gaining popularity as women look for natural ways to ease hormonal changes, boost circulation, and keep their skin radiant. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha involves using a smooth tool to massage the skin, releasing tension and promoting healthy blood and lymphatic flow. For perimenopausal women, this ritual can help improve elasticity, reduce puffiness, and encourage a youthful glow.
Why Gua Sha Helps Perimenopausal Skin
During perimenopause, falling estrogen levels can make skin thinner, drier, and more prone to fine lines and sagging. Gua sha supports the skin by:
- Increasing circulation for a brighter, fresher appearance
- Reducing fluid retention and puffiness
- Relieving muscle tension in the face and jaw
- Encouraging lymphatic drainage to detoxify the skin
- Supporting collagen production over time
Step-by-Step Gua Sha Routine
Follow this beginner-friendly routine 3–4 times per week for best results.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or trust.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Start with clean, toned skin. Apply a nourishing facial oil or serum to reduce friction. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Face Oil or Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Oil.
Step 2: Choose Your Tool
Pick a gua sha tool that suits your needs:
- Jade: cooling and calming, great for sensitive skin.
- Rose Quartz: promotes circulation, associated with self-care.
- Bian Stone: traditional, deeply stimulating for fascia.
- Stainless Steel: hygienic, cooling, and easy to clean.
If you’re looking for quality tools to get started, Mount Lai is a brand I often recommend. Their gua sha stones and metal tools are thoughtfully crafted, durable, and beginner-friendly, making it easy to integrate gua sha into your routine. Whether you prefer the cooling feel of a jade or rose quartz stone or the sleek glide of their metal options, these tools are a reliable choice for everyday use.
Step 3: The Technique
Hold your gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle (almost flat against the skin). Use gentle, upward and outward strokes. Repeat each movement 5–10 times.
Basic Gua Sha Diagram:
- Neck: Start at the base of the neck and move upward toward the jawline.
- Jawline: Glide from the chin along the jaw up to the ear.
- Cheeks: Sweep from the side of the nose across the cheek toward the hairline.
- Under-Eyes: Gently move from the inner corner of the eye outward.
- Forehead: Move upward from the eyebrows to the hairline.
Step 4: Finish and Hydrate
After your gua sha session, finish with a balanced moisturizer like BIOSSANCE Squalane + Omega Repair Cream or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Cautions & Contraindications
Gua sha is generally safe, but keep these cautions in mind:
- Avoid active acne, rosacea flare-ups, open wounds, or skin infections.
- Do not use gua sha immediately after cosmetic procedures (Botox, fillers, lasers).
- Avoid if you are on blood thinners or have clotting disorders.
- Some mild redness is normal, but bruising means you are pressing too hard.
Best Oils & Serums to Use With Gua Sha
Pairing your gua sha ritual with the right oil or serum enhances results. Highly rated options include:
- Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Face Oil– A lightweight, antioxidant-rich face oil with superberries, squalane, and jojoba that deeply hydrates, brightens, and leaves skin glowing.
- Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Oil – deeply nourishing with rosehip and chia seed oils.
- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair – for hydration, firming, and resilience.
How Often Should You Use Gua Sha?
Most experts recommend 3–5 times per week. Daily use is safe as long as you are gentle and avoid overworking the skin.
FAQs
Does gua sha replace Botox or fillers? No, gua sha is not a replacement for medical aesthetics, but it complements them by supporting circulation and natural radiance.
When will I see results? Many notice reduced puffiness and tension immediately, with long-term improvements in tone and elasticity after 4–6 weeks of consistent use.
Is gua sha safe for sensitive skin? Yes, if performed gently with a hydrating oil.
