Safe Gua Sha Techniques for the Under-Eye Area: Step-by-Step Instructions

Gua sha is no longer just a buzzword in the beauty world, it’s a ritual that’s slowly making its way into daily skincare routines across the globe. Known for sculpting the face, promoting circulation, and de-puffing skin, this traditional tool has gained special attention for its potential in under eye care. But while the results can be wonderful, the skin under the eyes is delicate, and incorrect use can do more harm than good.

This comprehensive guide walks you through how to use gua sha under the eyes safely, helping you embrace its benefits without risking your skin’s health.

Gua sha originates from traditional Chinese medicine, where it was used as a healing technique to move energy, reduce inflammation, and stimulate blood flow. Practitioners would scrape the skin using smooth-edged tools often made of jade or rose quartz to promote circulation and relieve tension.

Fast forward to today, and this centuries-old technique has been reimagined for skincare. Gua sha tools are now part of many facial routines, praised for their ability to tone, sculpt, and refresh tired skin. One of its most delicate and increasingly popular applications? The under-eye area.

The skin beneath your eyes is among the thinnest on your body. It’s where signs of fatigue, stress, and poor lymphatic flow first appear think puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. Gua sha offers a non-invasive, natural way to address these issues.

With regular use and the right technique, gua sha can:

• Stimulate lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness
• Improve microcirculation for brighter skin
• Relieve eye strain and tension from screen exposure

This makes it an ideal self-care tool for anyone wanting to care for the most delicate part of their face without turning to invasive procedures.

Unlike the rest of your face, the skin under your eyes lacks oil glands and is significantly thinner. It’s more vulnerable to stretching, bruising, and damage if treated harshly.

That’s why technique and tool choice matter more here than anywhere else on your face. Even gentle pressure, if misdirected or done with the wrong tool, can create microtears or contribute to early wrinkling.

To ensure safety, it’s crucial to avoid these common gua sha missteps:

• Using excessive pressure: This area doesn’t need deep scraping, gentle strokes are key.
• Dry skin contact: Never use gua sha on dry skin. Always apply a serum or oil to prevent dragging.
• Wrong tool shape: Some tools are too bulky or sharp edged for this small area.
• Not cleaning your tool: Unwashed tools can transfer bacteria, leading to irritation or breakouts.

Mastering safe practices ensures you only reap the benefits of gua sha without risking damage.

Look for a gua sha tool with a rounded, flat, and narrow edge typically smaller than what you’d use on your cheeks or jaw. Tools made from jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel are gentle and effective.

Tip: Tools with a curved “spoon-like” edge are ideal for the under-eye region as they follow the eye socket naturally.

Hydration is critical. Apply a light, non-comedogenic facial oil or a nourishing eye serum to help the tool glide smoothly and protect your skin from tugging. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, or rosehip oil are excellent options.

Bonus: This also helps deliver nutrients deeper into the skin while performing the massage.

Using very light pressure, place the curved edge of the tool at the inner corner of your eye, then glide it outward toward the temple. Do not press hard a featherlight touch is enough to stimulate fluid drainage and increase circulation.

Repeat each stroke 5–8 times on each side, always in the same outward direction.

Tip: Rest the tool in the fridge for a few minutes before use to amplify the de-puffing effect.

While gua sha can be used daily, for the under-eye area, it’s best to start with 2–4 times per week. Overuse can lead to overstimulation and irritation, so let your skin adjust gradually.

Be mindful: Listen to how your skin reacts, and scale back if you notice redness or sensitivity.

The most immediate and noticeable benefit is a reduction in morning puffiness. Gua sha encourages lymphatic drainage, which clears stagnant fluid and toxins from the under-eye area, leaving you looking more awake and refreshed.

With regular use, users often report a brighter and more even skin tone under the eyes. This can be attributed to enhanced blood circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the area, helping reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Facial tension, especially around the eyes, can contribute to a tired appearance. Gua sha’s rhythmic movements help relieve eye strain, especially after long hours of screen exposure, restoring a more relaxed, youthful look.

Always clean your gua sha tool with warm water and a gentle soap before and after each use. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth. For added sanitization, you can occasionally wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol.

Pay attention to how your skin responds. If you notice any increased redness, irritation, or sensitivity, pause the use for a few days and reassess your pressure and technique. Your skin should feel soothed not stressed after a session.

If you have conditions like eczema, rosacea, broken capillaries, or recent cosmetic procedures, it’s best to avoid using gua sha until your skin fully heals. Consult with a dermatologist if unsure.

Gua sha, when practiced mindfully, can be a wonderful addition to your skincare routine. It blends the wisdom of ancient healing with the simplicity of self-care. By treating the under-eye area with respect and gentleness, you can enjoy noticeable improvements in tone, puffiness, and overall radiance—without a single harsh ingredient.

As with any skincare ritual, the key is consistency and care. Embrace the calmness of this practice. Let it become not just a step in your routine, but a moment of connection with your body, your breath, and your skin.

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