Gua Sha is so much more than a beauty tip from TikTok trends — it’s an age-old technique from traditional Eastern medicine, focused on relaxation, detox, and stimulating circulation. But unfortunately, many people use their Gua Sha tool in ways that actually cause skin irritation or disappointment.
In this blog you will discover the five most common mistakes in Gua Sha , and of course: how you can do it better starting today. 💚
❌ Mistake 1: You don't use oil or serum
Performing Gua Sha on dry skin is a no-go. It causes friction and pulls on your skin, which can lead to irritation, redness or even minor damage.
✅ Here's how to do it right:
Always use a natural oil or serum (such as jojoba, almond or argan oil) so that the stone glides softly over your skin. This prevents damage and ensures better absorption of your care product.
❌ Mistake 2: You press too hard
A lot of people think, "If I push harder, it will work better." But with Gua Sha, the opposite is true. Scraping too hard can cause bruising or inflammation — and that's not what you want.
✅ Here's how to do it right:
Use light to medium pressure. You may see a slight redness (sha) appear — that means your circulation is getting going — but it should always feel comfortable.
❌ Mistake 3: You hold the stone upright
A common mistake is to hold the stone upright. This creates unnatural friction and less contact surface.
✅ Here's how to do it right:
Hold your Gua Sha at an angle of about 45 degrees. So almost flat against your skin. This way you massage effectively and comfortably.
❌ Mistake 4: You don't follow a fixed order
Random movements rarely produce results — or worse, block the drainage of waste products through the lymphatic system.
✅ Here's how to do it right:
Work systematically from the inside out and from the bottom up. Start at the neck (important for drainage), then work your way down the jawline and cheeks to your forehead. Repeat each movement 3–5 times per zone.
❌ Mistake 5: You only use it occasionally
Gua Sha does not work as a quick trick, but as a ritual that requires repetition.
✅ Here's how to do it right:
Use your Gua Sha 3-5 times per week. Consistency will improve muscle tone, reduce water retention and give you a healthy glow in the long run.
🎁 Bonus for Zentribers: Free Gua Sha e-book
Want to learn everything there is to know about Gua Sha—including steps, tools, and techniques?
Download our free e-book and become an expert in your own skin care.

