11 Traditional Beauty Rituals Gen Z Is Bringing Back

8. Gua sha (facial sculpting with stone tools)

Gua sha comes from East Asian medicine and involves using a smooth stone to gently stroke the face and body. Short clinical studies suggest gua sha can increase local microcirculation and reduce tightness, and many people notice immediate reduced puffiness and lifted appearance. For a safe at-home practice, always apply a generous facial oil or serum first to avoid friction. Hold the tool at a shallow angle and make slow, outward strokes from the center of the face toward the hairline, repeating each stroke 5–8 times. Avoid aggressive pressure to prevent bruising, and skip gua sha on broken skin or active acne. Combine gua sha with a calming routine — think 5–10 minutes during an evening routine — to make it a low-stress ritual. Gen Z often pairs gua sha with short videos showing technique, but prioritize slow, careful strokes over speed for real benefit.