Gua Sha Vs Jade Roller – Which Skincare Method is Best for Beautiful Skin Solved!

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain Amazon, Rewardstyle, and other affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Among the many emerging beauty skincare regimens, the difference between jade roller and Gua Sha is a popular topic. Many people wonder is Gua Sha better than jade roller and should you gua sha or jade roller first.

Several of the same Jade roller and gua sha benefits and purposes exist. For example, these tools are skincare products that perform lymphatic facial massages.

But the purpose and performance of a gua sha vs. face roller are different, as evidenced by the difference in appearance. 

Gua Sha vs. Jade Roller  

When it comes to jade face rolling vs. gua sha, the best way to tell the two apart is by looks. Jade rollers usually have a handle attached, while Gua Sha is flat stones that you hold in your hand.

Both facial massage tools originated from ancient Asian medicine. But the specific histories are unique to each instrument and its uses. 

women getting a gua sha stone treatment

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a medical discipline mostly used for massaging facials. But, some experts still perform full-body Gua Sha massages. Gua translates to “scrape,” while Sha is the petechiae – small red dots on your skin when you bleed.

This skincare practice originated in East Asia. It started with scraping a flat, smooth tool – usually a stone – across the skin’s surface. It’s believed this technique rids the body of tension and pain and encourages healing. 

There have been several concave materials used for Gua Sha procedures, like:

  • Stones
  • Crystals
  • Spoons
  • Coins

Modern Gua Sha pieces can be flat, smooth crystals or stones in a kidney shape small enough to hold in your palm. Other renditions have varying shapes and indentions in specific parts of the stone to target destinated facial zones. 

woman using a face roller on her temple

What is a Jade Roller?

Jade rollers are also historically tied to Eastern Asia – specifically, Chinese medicine. In ancient times dating back to the 1600s, Chinese royalty treasured jade rollers.

These skincare tools consist of a handle attached to an oval stone roller. The look and shape of these have been consistent since their invention. Signature features include:

  • Rounded, smooth handle
  • Rounded stones that roll
  • A metal strap on one end to secure one or two different-sized stone rollers

However, Jade stones were not a method of pain relief as a real Gua Sha stone. Instead, Jade rollers balanced the chi – the body’s energy – by drawing out negative energy. 

Jade Roller vs. Gua Sha Material Comparison

Jade rollers and Gua Sha stones share many of the same stones – crystals. Traditional crystals used for these facial care tools include:

  • Jade – naturally cools and calms skin with associations with prosperity and longevity and is used for clarifying, lifting, and contouring.
  • Rose quartz – good for sensitive, reactive skin conditions, associated with the chakra in the heart – called the love stone because it heals

Gua Shas can also be metal and amethyst materials.

What Do Gua Sha and Jade Rollers Do?

Gua Sha and Jade roll tools are two ancient Asian skincare products that perform body massage for health benefits. But each tool does something different for your skin.

Shop Jade Roller

Benefits of Jade Rollers

Using Jade rollers for facial massages offers several health benefits. Both Jade Rollers and Gua Sha tools help improve your skin circulation. But jade rollers can also give you fewer wrinkles and make your skin firmer.

Other uses for jade rollers are as anti-inflammatories and facial de-puffers. The tool’s pressure also helps drain facial lymphs, making your skin look youthful and bright. 

Use jade rollers to refresh your puffy eyes in the mornings or improve blood flow when used at nighttime. You can also chill the rollers or use them with sleeping masks or sheets for intense hydration.

Shop Gua Sha Stone

Benefits of Gua Sha 

The shape and intended use of real jade gua sha vs. fake Gua Sha stones require an application technique of pressing and scraping on the skin. 

Benefits of incorporating Gua Sha stones into your beauty routine include:

  • Pain relief
  • Soothing a tense, sore jaw and headaches
  • Improved blood flow and circulation
  • Reduced tension

It can also have a cosmetic effect, making a face chiseled by contouring and shaping. 

And you can use the stone to fit the various shapes of your face to lift and add pressure to get rid of the fluids built up in the lymphatic tissue. As a result, it revives tired, dull, inflamed skin. 

How to Use Jade Roller vs. Gua Sha

If you’re unfamiliar with jade roller vs. gua sha tools, you may feel intimidated by the prospect of adding them to your regular beauty routine. However, both devices are easy to use and take little time to learn. 

Jade Roller Steps

You can use Jade rollers without experience or much extra time to your beauty routine. It only takes four simple steps to boost your skin’s health and reduce inflammation with a roller. 

  1. Start with a clean face free of all makeup and products. 
  2. Rub your skin down with lubrication to help the roller glide.
  3. Start at your neck and apply firm, gentle upward pressure to the roller. Move up along the jaws to the cheekbones, up to the temples, and then around the forehead.
  4. Re-wash your face after rolling to remove excess lubrication, and finish your normal skincare regimen.

Steps to Use Gua Sha

Using Gua Sha stones can seem awkward the first time you try using them. Jade rollers have a handle to make movement easier, but stones do not.

Instead, they fit into your hand, with various shapes for specific facial zones. They’re easy to use once you get accustomed to the steps. But it does take longer, with more steps.

  1. Start with a clean face lathered with a skin softener to help the stones move without pulling. 
  2. Apply gentle, firm pressure with the stones, starting at the neck and up the jawline. Keep the same process as you move across both sides.
  3. Then bring the tool to your chin and move up towards your ear, following your jawline. Do it again on the other side. 
  4. Next, start in the middle of your cheeks and drag the stone outwards. And repeat the same thing in the middle of your forehead, going outwards in all directions of your upper face.
  5. Use extremely gentle pressure while putting the tool at the inside corner under your eyes and moving out to the temples.
  6. Then move the Gua Sha stones from the inner corner of the eyebrows outward and then upward.
  7. Once you’ve rubbed the stones over your entire face, rinse your skin and go to the next step of your cleaning routine.

How to Decide Between Gua Sha vs. Roller

Some people use rollers and Gua Sha stones in their regular skincare regimens. But there are situations when you should choose between derma roller vs. gua sha.

Gua Sha requires more time and care, as improper use can result in skin damage. A jade roller is better if you’re inexperienced with these stones or prefer a handled tool.

Jade rollers are also better for a quick pickup when you’re in a hurry – especially in the mornings, as it only takes five minutes. Gua Sha stones can take 10 to 15 minutes and are better at night.

But while jade rollers are relaxing and reduce skin puffiness, they will not change your skin structure the way Gua Shas will.

So instead, use Gua Sha stones to change the contours of your face and create a well-defined jawline and sharp cheekbones with deeper skin penetration.

However, if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, Gua Sha might be too harmful to your face. Jade rollers are better for these situations. 

Jade Ice Roller vs. Gua Sha Stones – Fantastic Facial Tools

You might want a jade roller if you’re looking for a relaxing facial massage routine to add to your skincare habits. It can eliminate inflammation and skin puffiness and ease tension.

But if you need a tool that can give you a more sculpted face structure, Gua Sha is the answer, as long as you don’t have acne or sensitive skin. Many facial care kits come with both tools and a collection of essential facial lubrication – oils or lotions.  

Other Posts You Might Like:

Follow the Fit Mommy In Heels Instagram page where you’ll find affordable fashion finds, beauty deals, and tons of outfit inspiration!

Similar Posts