Glissage vs. Gua Sha: What’s the Difference & Which One Wins?

If you’re looking for the best gua sha, you might be wondering whether to go with a traditional gua sha stone or try an ice gua sha tool. Both offer unique benefits, but which one is truly better for sculpting, depuffing, and refreshing your face? Let’s break it down.

What is Traditional Gua Sha?

Traditional gua sha or guasha originates from ancient Chinese medicine and involves using a flat stone (typically jade or rose quartz) to massage the face and body. By gliding the tool across the skin with gentle pressure, gua sha is said to boost circulation, relieve tension, and promote lymphatic circulation.

Pros of Traditional Gua Sha

✅ Helps with lymphatic circulation to reduce puffiness.
✅ Relieves facial tension and can help prevent deep wrinkles.
✅ Improves blood flow, leading to a natural glow.
✅ Can be used with serums and oils for deeper penetration.

Cons of Traditional Gua Sha

❌ Requires a generous amount of oil for the stone to glide smoothly. This can be expensive and messy.
❌ Can tug on skin if not used properly.
❌ Takes time and practice to use correctly and see long-term results.
❌ Breaks easily if dropped.
❌ Can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly and stored properly.
❌ May not be as effective for morning puffiness.

What is Ice Gua Sha?

Ice gua sha takes the benefits of traditional gua sha and enhances them with the power of cold therapy. Instead of using a room-temperature stone, an ice gua sha tool is cooled to constrict blood vessels, tighten pores, and further reduce inflammation.

Pros of Ice Gua Sha

✅ Instantly reduces morning puffiness thanks to the dual effect of massage and cooling ice.

✅ Does not require oil or skin prep.
✅ Safe to use on acne-prone skin. It is much gentler than the traditional gua sha. Plus you can't overdo it because once your ice gua sha has melted, you know it is time to stop.
✅ Soothes redness and inflammation, great for sensitive skin.
✅ Boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage like traditional gua sha, but with added cooling benefits.
✅ Stays hygienic—since it’s frozen each time, bacteria doesn’t build up.
✅ If dropped, simply freeze a new one—no risk of breakage.
✅ The cooling effect can also help reduce anxiety and stress.

Cons of Ice Gua Sha

❌ Can feel too cold for some users.\
❌ Requires  freezing before use.

Which One Wins?

If you’ve been using traditional gua sha and love your routine, there’s no reason to switch. However, if you struggle with morning puffiness, redness, or inflammation, ice gua sha is the clear winner. The added cold therapy provides an instant wake-up for your skin, making it an excellent option for those who want quick results with minimal effort.

The Best of Both Worlds

Why choose one when you can have both? Glissage™ combines the benefits of gua sha with the cooling power of ice, giving you maximum results with minimal hassle. Whether you want a quick depuffing session in the morning or a relaxing sculpting routine at night, this hybrid tool does it all.

Final Verdict

If you want the best gua sha for puffiness, ice gua sha takes the crown for instant results. But if you love a slow, ritualistic massage, traditional gua sha is still a great option.

Want the best of both?  

Try Glissage!✨ [patent pending]