What Is a Gua Sha Facial? Benefits, What to Expect, and Who It's For
/If you've seen a flat jade or rose quartz stone on social media and wondered what the fuss is about, you've met gua sha. In our clinic, it's the heart of our most traditional facial, and one of the best introductions to holistic skin care we offer.
What is a gua sha facial?
A gua sha facial at Balanced Thistle includes everything you'd expect from a great facial: cleansing, serums, steam, and a mask. What makes it different is about 30 minutes of gua sha, a technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Which is, of course, at the heart of our clinic.
Using a smooth tool and gentle, intentional strokes, your esthetician works across your face and neck to:
Move lymph. Gentle pressure helps drain fluid that can leave skin looking puffy or dull.
Boost circulation. More blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Help products work better. Gua sha helps serums absorb more deeply.
Reduce tension. Talk about zen-inducing relaxation!
The result most people notice first is glow. Skin looks brighter, calmer, and more awake.
What to expect at your appointment
We’ll chat while we work about your lifestyle, skin, and beauty goals. You’ll relax while your esthetician cleanses, steams, and treats your skin, with gua sha in the middle of it all. Most people find it deeply calming. It doesn't hurt.
Your facial is with Riley, our holistic esthetician, who pairs skin care with the same whole-body approach our acupuncturists bring to every visit.
Who it's for
A gua sha facial is a great fit if you:
Want healthy, glowing skin through a natural approach
Notice puffiness, dullness, or tired-looking skin
Carry stress in your face and want a facial that helps you unwind
Are new to holistic facials and want a gentle place to start
Are looking for gentle but effective care for broken barrier conditions such as acne, rosacea, and peri-oral dermatitis.
We're honest about results: gua sha won't create the same effect as injections or fillers, and that's not its goal. What it offers is natural, cumulative improvement in how your skin looks and feels, and a way to age confidently and gracefully. We are always thrilled to hear when our clients are stopped in the store without make-up on and complimented on their skin.
How often should you come in?
At minimum, we recommend a facial once a season. For optimal results, once or twice a month lets the benefits build over time.
Book a gua sha facial in Fort Collins
We welcome patients from Fort Collins, Windsor, Timnath, Loveland, and Greeley. Book your gua sha facial and let your skin, and your shoulders, take a break.
