When you watch YouTube videos of skincare routines, it’s extremely likely the person in the video will either use a Gua Sha or a jade roller.
And to the untrained eye, it might seem like they do exactly the same. But is that really true? And which one is better: the jade roller or the Gua Sha?
Let’s look at what both of these skin care tools actually do and which one makes more sense for you!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are so-called provision links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I can earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Jade roller vs. Gua Sha: the similarities
So let’s start with the obvious similarities.
Both are massage tools
Both Gua Sha and jade rollers are tools to massage your face with. Therefore, they both help to increase circulation and fight puffiness by draining lymphatic fluid from your face.
Related: How to detox a clogged lymphatic system: 11 easy tricks
Same typical material
Both are best known as jade tools, although there are lots of different materials. (Heck, there are even stainless steel Gua Sha!)
Related: The best Gua Sha on Amazon for every need
Similar origin
Both tools have their roots in Chinese traditions. Jade rolling is an ancient Chinese beauty ritual, while Gua Sha is a treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Jade roller vs. Gua Sha: the differences
So the last sentence might have already given you a hint of the biggest difference between a Jade roller and a Gua Sha.
Beauty vs medicine
One is a gentle beauty treatment, while the other one was traditionally used to try and heal people. And, as with many treatments that should be done by professionals, a Gua Sha doesn’t come without risks.
It’s definitely easier to hurt yourself with a Gua Sha if you don’t know what you’re doing than with a jade roller.
Goal of using it
Even though both tools seem to do similar things, the goal of using a Gua Sha is actually different than using a jade roller.
One is more of a gentle “surface massager” to help you work product into your skin and gently depuff.
The other one is a learned massage or even “scraping” technique to massage the deeper layers of your face and muscles.
Even the shape is giving you a hint to their usage: one is sleek, the other is shaped to actually “go in there” and massage possible pain points.
How often to use it
Because the intensity of the treatments is so different, the frequency of use should also be adapted.
You can use a jade roller daily or even twice daily to work product into your skin.
On the other hand, you should use a Gua Sha a maximum of twice a week. Think of it more like “foam rolling your face”. If you’ve ever foam-rolled you know it can be quite intense. And you want to let your muscles and fascia rest after!
Related: Which is the best facial oil for Gua Sha massage?
Related: The best facial serum for Gua Sha by skin type
So which one is better, Jade roller or Gua Sha?
So now that we’ve seen the similarities and differences between the two skin care tools: which one is actually better?
Generally, I’d say the jade roller is better for skincare beginners and people who simply want to fight puffiness. It’s an amazing way to add a luxury feeling into your skin care routine without harming your skin.
Gua Sha can be a little tricky, as it is easy to get the technique wrong and do more harm than good. So unless you’ve taken time to learn the technique, be a little careful with it, okay?
Related: How to use a Gua Sha on your face & everything else you need to know
Please share this!
If this was helpful to you, I’d really appreciate if you’d take a moment to share this with someone. Thank you and happy face massaging!
*These links are so-called provision links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I can earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
