Gua Sha has become a go-to skin ritual for lifting, de-puffing, and bringing a healthy glow to the face—all without injectable or expensive treatments. But one question many people ask is: When’s the best time to practice Gua Sha—morning or night?

The answer depends on your skin goals, daily routine, and your body’s natural energy patterns. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the time of day affects how energy (also called “Qi”) moves through your body. Western science supports this, too—our circadian rhythms impact everything from inflammation to skin repair to hormone levels.

Let’s break down the benefits of Gua Sha in the morning vs. evening, and how syncing your practice with your body’s rhythms can optimize results.

What Is Gua Sha? 

Gua Sha is a manual massage technique using a flat, smooth-edged stone—often made from jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel. By gently gliding the tool along specific areas of the face, Gua Sha stimulates circulation, lymphatic drainage, and tissue repair. It’s not just a cosmetic practice—it also supports muscle relaxation, reduces inflammation, and enhances overall skin health.

To maximize the benefits, timing your Gua Sha routine based on your body’s natural cycles is key.

Morning Gua Sha: Stimulate, De-Puff, and Energize

Why It Works in the Morning:

In the early hours, your lymphatic system tends to be sluggish. During sleep, the body doesn’t move much, and that can lead to fluid retention, especially in the face. Morning Gua Sha can stimulate movement, clear out excess fluid, and wake up tired skin.

This is also when cortisol levels naturally rise. Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, can contribute to inflammation, redness, and even acne flare-ups. A calming Gua Sha session in the morning can help reduce this response and balance stress before your day begins.

Ideal for:

• Reducing puffiness under the eyes or around the cheeks
• Improving circulation and glow before makeup or SPF
• Starting the day with mental clarity and grounded energy

Best Oils to Use:

• Jojoba oil: Lightweight and non-comedogenic
• Vitamin C oil: Brightens and preps skin for the day
• Grapeseed oil: High in antioxidants, tightens pores

Night Gua Sha: Relax, Release, and Repair

Why It Works in the Evening:

Evening Gua Sha supports the body’s natural repair processes. Skin cell regeneration is at its peak during the night, particularly between 10 PM and 2 AM, when melatonin and human growth hormone (HGH) are released. These hormones play key roles in repairing skin damage, producing collagen, and reducing fine lines.

Gua Sha at night helps by increasing blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells during this crucial window. It also releases muscle tension built up throughout the day—especially in the jaw, temples, and forehead, which can contribute to wrinkles and dullness if left unchecked.

Ideal for:

• Soothing facial tension and stress before bed
• Enhancing absorption of night serums and moisturizers
• Supporting deeper sleep through nervous system regulation

Best Oils to Use:

• Rosehip oil: Supports skin regeneration and reduces fine lines
• Blue tansy or lavender-infused oils: Calm inflammation and promote relaxation
• Marula oil: Rich in antioxidants and perfect for dry or aging skin

Key Differences Between Morning and Night Gua Sha

Let’s break down what changes when you shift your Gua Sha session from morning to night:

Morning:

• Main goal: Drain excess fluid, energize, reduce puffiness
• Pace: Light, quick, upward strokes
• Focus areas: Under eyes, cheekbones, forehead
• Tool temp: Cold for de-puffing
• Best paired with: Light skincare and sun protection

Night:

• Main goal: Release tension, repair skin, calm nervous system
• Pace: Slow, intentional, deeper muscle-focused strokes
• Focus areas: Jawline, temples, brows
• Tool temp: Room temperature or slightly warm
• Best paired with: Rich serums and calming moisturizers

Should You Gua Sha Twice a Day?

You can absolutely do Gua Sha in the morning and evening with Caire Beauty, as long as you use gentle pressure and listen to your skin. Some people find a short morning session (3–5 minutes) followed by a longer evening session (10–15 minutes) offers the perfect balance between energizing and relaxing. It’s all about tuning into what your skin needs—Caire Beauty supports you in building a ritual that works for you.

If your skin feels irritated or overworked, pull back. Gua Sha is meant to support—not stress—your skin barrier.

Real Benefits Backed by Research

• A 2018 study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found Gua Sha increases microcirculation by 400%, improving nutrient delivery to the skin.
• A 2022 review published in Medical Acupuncture highlighted Gua Sha’s ability to regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing tension and promoting better sleep.
  

Final Thoughts: 

Your skin doesn’t function the same way all day long. Hormones, blood flow, hydration, and energy levels shift naturally—and your skincare should, too.

If your mornings are rushed but your face feels puffy, even 3 minutes of morning Gua Sha can help you look more awake and sculpted. If you’re wound up by the end of the day, evening Gua Sha is an effective way to reset, calm down, and boost overnight skin repair.

You don’t need to overthink it. Tune into what your skin and body are telling you. Then respond—with intention, not impulse.