Skin care

Gua Sha: A dermatologist's opinion on this massage tool

Mei | Published on March 3, 2026 | 4 min read

Gua sha has invaded our social media feeds and our bathrooms. But beyond the aesthetic appeal of the stone, what actually happens beneath our skin when we use it? To understand if this technique deserves a place in your routine, we've deciphered its biological mechanisms with insights from Dr. Catherine Gounel, dermatologist.

Key points to remember

Gua sha is a facial massage tool which, according to dermatological expertise, actively stimulates microcirculation and tissue oxygenation .
Key mechanism: it promotes lymphatic drainage to eliminate toxins and visibly reduce puffiness and bags under the eyes.
The mechanical action on the fascia helps to release muscle tension , thus smoothing features and preventing expression lines.
The dermatologist's advice: use at a 15° angle and rigorous hygiene of the stone are essential to guarantee the effectiveness and health of the skin barrier.

The science behind the gesture: why does it work?

Unlike simply applying a cream, gua sha works on the deeper layers of tissue. According to skin experts, its effectiveness rests on two physiological pillars: circulatory stimulation and work on the fascia.

1. Activation of microcirculation

When the stone is slid with moderate pressure, a slight hyperemia (an increase in blood flow) is caused.

Dr. Catherine Gounel's opinion: this stimulation brings an influx of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. The result: an instantly fresher complexion and skin that regenerates better.

2. The release of muscle tension

Our faces accumulate tension, particularly around the jaw and forehead. Gua sha allows us to "massage" the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds our muscles. By relaxing them, our features become smoother and our tired appearance diminishes.

Lymphatic drainage: the secret weapon against puffiness

The "before and after" results are so impressive for dark circles and the oval of the face thanks to the lymphatic system. Unlike blood, lymph doesn't have a pump (like the heart) to circulate: it depends on our movements.

The action of gua sha: it helps to direct the lymph towards the lymph nodes (located in the neck and ears).
The benefit: a visible reduction in morning swelling and better elimination of toxins.
Tip: always use a care oil so that the stone glides without unnecessarily stretching the tissues.

Dr. Gounel's verdict: precautions and reality

Gua sha is not a miracle cure for deep wrinkles that have been present for years, but it is an excellent tool for prevention and overall care.

The three golden rules for safe practice:

Hygiene : Clean your stone after each use to prevent bacterial growth.
The angle : hold the stone almost flat against the skin (about 15°) rather than perpendicular.
Gentleness : there's no need to press hard. The lymphatic system is located just beneath the skin's surface: light pressure is sufficient.

Expected profit	Biological mechanism	Time to see the results
Radiant complexion	Superficial vasodilation	Immediate
Deflating effect	Lymphatic drainage	5 to 10 minutes
Firmness	Fibroblast stimulation	4 to 6 weeks (regular use)

Conclusion: a health ritual above all

More than just a beauty accessory, the gua sha is a health tool for your skin. By combining medical advice with regular use, you can give your face a true cellular renewal.