Have you ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok and caught yourself gasping at a perfectly snatched face, wondering, “Abeg, how do these people manage such flawless, glowing skin?” If you’ve searched for answers, you probably stumbled on words like “slugging,” “glass skin”—and more recently, the mystical-sounding gua sha. But what exactly is gua sha, and does this ancient ritual live up to the hype in Nigeria’s humid, everyday reality?
Gua sha (pronounced “gwah-sha”) isn’t just another trending skincare gadget. It’s a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses a smooth-edged stone to gently massage the skin, reportedly improving blood flow and ushering in a fresher, brighter look. With the way Naija weather can stress the skin, is it any wonder that people here are looking for new ways to banish dullness and puffiness?
Let’s be real: hearing words like “scraping therapy” may cause some alarm bells to ring. Trust, it’s not as harsh as it sounds. Unlike that time you fell as a child and “grazed” your knee, gua sha is all about gentle, almost pampering strokes using polished stones—most often jade or rose quartz. Many, including some top dermatologists abroad, say this practice is both soothing and beautifying. According to Dr. Pooja Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist, gua sha’s popularity in skin routines stems from its potential to “enhance facial health,” especially with upward, smooth motions.
Meet the experts:
Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist, New York City
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist, New York & New Jersey
So, what’s behind the buzz, and does this “beauty stone” ritual have anything to offer the average Nigerian looking for a budget-friendly path to clear skin? Let’s take a deep dive into the inside story behind gua sha stones, their benefits, and how you can put them to work—right from your own bathroom mirror.
What Are The Different Types of Gua Sha Tools?
At face value, all gua sha tools look a bit like miniature sculpture pieces—some shaped like hearts, moons, shells, or even “mushrooms.” Don’t let the playful appearance fool you. The different designs serve practical purposes for targeting facial curves, eyes, or even larger body areas. While flat, broad edges work well for cheeks and forehead, angular stones are perfect if you want to “chisel” your jawline. If your focus is undereye puffiness—a common problem after those Lagos late nights—the mushroom-shaped option is reportedly a hit.
Picking a tool might feel as confusing as choosing suya at a busy joint, but here’s the gist: go for flatter, larger stones for your cheeks or forehead, and use sharper curves for those tricky spots around the nose or jaw. With time, you’ll know which one your face prefers—just like how some people love jollof more than fried rice!
What Are the Benefits of Using a Gua Sha Stone?
Improved Blood Circulation
This is the “inside story” that keeps enthusiasts coming back. Gua sha stones reportedly promote blood flow beneath the skin, bringing oxygen and nutrients your skin cells need. “Using gentle, upward strokes may help your complexion appear glowier and more even,” Dr. Rambhia explains. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to step out looking like you slept at the presidential suite?
Lymphatic Drainage: Puffiness Out, Confidence In
According to dermatologists, the strategic pressure used in gua sha helps the lymphatic system—a network in your body responsible for draining waste and excess fluid—do its job better. As Dr. Rambhia points out, regular gua sha motion can “temporarily reduce puffiness and swelling.” So, next time your face is looking like puff-puff after a stressful week, some consistent gua sha may help streamline those contours again—at least for a while. Learn more about the lymphatic system.
This is especially helpful in places like Lagos or Abuja, where heat, salt, and stress seem determined to derail your skincare goals. Still, these improvements are usually temporary—so consistency is key, just like any other wellness habit.
Enhanced Product Absorption
We all know that feeling when you splurge on an expensive serum, only to worry it’s just sitting “on top” of your skin. Dr. Marisa Garshick reportedly claims that gua sha massages can “increase absorption of facial oils and serums,” especially if you use lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. That means more value from your products—saving you both money and stress.
Smoother, Fresher Texture
When you use gua sha regularly, the improved circulation could help encourage new cell turnover, according to the National Library of Medicine. This “renewal” effect might soften rough patches or give your face a more even, vibrant look—like your cheeks after a brisk walk in the early morning breeze.
Reduces Signs of Ageing (Allegedly!)
Many claim that, over time, gua sha practice helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and may enhance your face’s natural contours. Some small studies suggest that with several weeks of consistent facial massage, participants showed more sculpted features, although most experts caution that more robust scientific evidence is needed to confirm these results. According to a 2024 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, using facial tools like gua sha five times a week made faces look noticeably more contoured—but again, results vary for everyone.
Best Gua Sha Stones to Try
Ready to give it a shot? Gua sha stones are much easier on the pocket compared to many gadgets out there. Here are a few options available online or in African beauty stores, each suited for a particular part of the face or body:
Best For Full Body Use
Nuanchu Stainless Steel Gua Sha Facial Tool
This tool glides easily and won’t stress you with cleanup. It works for both face and body—suitable for anyone wanting an “all-over” wellness ritual.
Best For Face And Neck
Oliō Gua Sha Stone – Jade
Sweep this tool along your jaw, cheekbones, and neck for an instant “pick me up.” Pro tip: Chill it in the fridge for added refreshment—especially handy after a hectic day under Lagos sun!
Best For The Eyes
Soul Beauty Rose Quartz Gua Sha Mushroom
With its rounded “bulb” design, this one is favourite for reducing undereye swelling. Gently roll it across tired eyes to unwind after long hours in traffic or in front of your screen.
How to Use a Gua Sha Stone: Simple Steps for Glowing Results
Never tried a gua sha before? No wahala. Dr. Garshick breaks down the process in just a few relatable steps:
- Step 1: Cleanse
Wash your face like you mean it—start with a good cleanse to remove dirt or oil and prevent breakouts. - Step 2: Lubricate
Apply a lightweight facial oil or serum for easy sliding—avoid heavy, clogging oils. Look for ingredients like jojoba or squalane, especially in hot climates. - Step 3: Start at the Neck
With gentle, upward strokes, massage the tool from your collarbone towards your jaw. This reportedly wakes up your lymph nodes and primes your face for sculpting. - Step 4: Cheeks and Jawline
Use the tool to “sweep” from your chin towards your ear, then from your nose out to your temples. Repeat several times, being careful not to overdo it. - Step 5: Under-Eye Area
Apply the lightest pressure here. Move from the inner eye corners outward—this may help minimize puffiness from late nights or early mornings. - Step 6: Forehead
Begin at the centre and glide out to the hairline. This can reportedly relax facial muscles, reducing stress wrinkles and tension. - Step 7: Lock in Moisture
After gua sha, pat leftover oil into your skin to “seal” the hydration.
Remember, consistency is vital—just as you wouldn’t expect six-pack abs after one gym session, gua sha works best when done regularly, not in spurts.
The Bottom Line: Should Nigerians Invest in a Gua Sha Stone?
While clinical proof is still evolving, the world of beauty and wellness continues to embrace gua sha for its temporary skin-boosting effects. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly, non-invasive way to brighten your complexion, sculpt facial features, and enjoy some self-care at home, gua sha is worth considering—especially in our busy Nigerian context where a glow-up never goes out of style.
But—pro tip—genuine results demand patience. Like any healthy habit, consistency is king. And while gua sha stones don’t promise miracles, their short-term benefits—relaxation, a fresher look, and possibly fewer puffy mornings—are reportedly real for many users. The key? Try it for yourself and see how your skin responds.
Would you give gua sha a shot as part of your daily skincare? Or do you have a local beauty secret for glowing skin? Drop your thoughts below and share your journey! Don’t forget to connect with us for more authentic, African beauty tips and stories that matter.
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