How to Use a Gua Sha Stone and Massage Roller Set
By Women's Razor Subscription | Which? Best Buy | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn step-by-step techniques for using a gua sha stone and massage roller to reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and enhance your skincare routine.
Quick Answer
Use a gua sha stone and massage roller set on clean, moisturized skin with gentle upward and outward strokes to reduce puffiness and enhance product absorption.
Why Use Both Tools?
A gua sha stone and a massage roller work differently. The roller provides a cooling, gliding massage that helps de-puff and soothe skin, while the gua sha stone allows for more targeted pressure to release tension and stimulate circulation. Using both in one session can give you a more complete facial massage experience.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Skin
If you have sensitive skin or are new to facial massage, start with the roller to get used to the sensation. For deeper work on areas like the jawline and brow bone, the gua sha stone is more effective. Always use gentle pressure and stop if you feel any pain.
Step-by-Step Facial Massage Routine
- Prepare Your Skin: Start with a clean face and apply a few drops of facial oil or serum to provide slip. This prevents tugging and allows the tools to glide smoothly. Never use gua sha or a roller on dry skin—it can cause friction and irritation.
- Use the Roller to De-Puff: Starting at the center of your face, roll the massage roller outward and upward along your cheeks, forehead, and jawline. Use light pressure and repeat each area 3-5 times. Roll upward and outward only; rolling downward can pull skin down.
- Target Tension with Gua Sha: Hold the gua sha stone at a 15-degree angle and gently scrape along your jawline, cheekbones, and brow bone using short, sweeping strokes. Apply minimal pressure—the stone's weight does the work. If you feel sharp pain, you're pressing too hard. Ease off and use lighter strokes.
- Finish with Lymphatic Drainage: Use the roller or stone to gently stroke from the center of your face down the sides of your neck to your collarbone. This encourages lymphatic drainage and helps reduce puffiness. Always move downward on the neck to guide fluid toward the lymph nodes.
- Clean and Store Your Tools: After each use, wipe your gua sha stone and roller with a soft, damp cloth or mild cleanser. Let them air dry completely before storing in a cool, dry place. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and keeps your tools hygienic.
Tools We Recommend
- Gua Sha Stone & Massage Roller Set: This set includes a gua sha stone and a massage roller, both smoothed to perfection to effortlessly revitalise tired, achy, and puffy skin. Having both tools lets you switch between a cooling roller massage and targeted stone work without needing to buy them separately.

Gua Sha Stone & Massage Roller Set
