Jade Roller vs. Gua Sha: Which One is For You?
If you are a skincare enthusiast, then you have probably caught on to the hype behind the jade roller and gua sha. You have seen it all over your Instagram and TikTok feeds, right? But how do you know which one is right for you? Have you ever wondered what is the difference between these two tools that claim to provide healthier skin? We have all the answers.
Both jade roller and gua sha are pampering the face, by promoting lymphatic drainage. However, they do serve different purposes, since they look diverse too.
The Origins
Both of these tools have origins in traditional Asia. However, the usage and the periods may differ for both tools.
Jade Roller
Photo by Edz Norton on Unsplash
Jade rollers have origins in Chinese medicine. They appear many many years ago, in the period of the Qing dynasty, in 1644. These tools are not used as gua sha ones to relieve the pain. They are used to balance the energy (chi) by drawing the negative energy out. The jade roller will keep the skin bright and youthful. That is because they have anti-inflammatory properties. This tool also helps depuff the face and boost lymphatic drainage.
Gua Sha
Photo by KARLY THOMPSON on Unsplash
Unlike the jade roller, the gua sha tool uses a flat surface to press and scrape the skin. The main goal of gua sha is to promote healing and relieve pain and tension all over the body. Even though gua sha was popular in the East, in Chinese and Asian culture in general, it became even more popular in the West. The traditional gua sha massage included the whole body, while today it usually offers face only.
Jade Roller and Gua Sha Look and Materials
Both these tools are very Instagram-photogenic, with their blush pink and green colors. But, did you ever wonder which materials are those? Let’s check out together.
Gua Sha
In the past, gua sha was made of many different materials, including crystals, coins, spoons, and stones. Nowadays, gua sha is available in crystal and stone. This tool can vary in shape, but they usually fit the palm of a hand.
Rose quartz is known as the love stone and it opens the heart chakra, associated with longevity and prosperity. Gua sha made of quartz is a good idea for people who have sensitive skin or react to other materials.
Jade Roller
Finding two different sizes of the jade roller is usual. However, there are no other varieties in shape. From the 18th century to today the jade roller looks exactly the same. It has a smooth and rounder handle, a metal loop that holds one or two rollers, and rounded rolling stones that are usually made of crystals.
Jade is a cooling crystal that is associated with longevity and prosperity. It will lift, clarify and contour the skin on the face.
What They Do
According to, not only medical studies but also experiences, gua sha and jade roller do have some benefits for the skin, besides massaging properties.
Gua sha has several benefits for the skin, including pain relief, improved and boosted circulation, and reduced tension. Meanwhile, a jade roller can work on improving skin texture, minimizing wrinkles and fine lines, and making your skin firmer.
Which One is For You
If you still don’t know which one you should choose, these are some suggestions you can also consider.
Pick a gua sha for your evening routine, if you would like to relieve facial tension, boost circulation, and eliminate muscle pain after a long day at work.
On the other hand, you can choose a jade roller if you are looking for pampering ways to reduce wrinkles and fine lines around your lips and under your eyes.
You can always combine both, for extra results. You may quickly notice that your skin is brighter and tighter, that under-eye bags are reduced, and many other benefits. This is a go-to combination of skincare tools.
