Buccal Massage & Gua Sha Contouring: Just a TikTok Trend or Are There Real Benefits?

Hey skin addicts! What is the deal with buccal (and how do you even pronounce it) and gua sha? They look dreamy and relaxing on TikTok but do these massage treatments really deliver facial contouring benefits? We had to know the truth before offering our Buccal Contouring Massage and Facial to our clients. So, here’s the deal: if you are expecting the shape of your face to slim and trim beyond its natural shape, you are going to be underwhelmed. But if you’re prone to facial tension (especially in the jaw) puffiness, sinus pressure, and higher than normal stress levels, then it’s likely you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this treatment. So let’s take a deeper look into these techniques:

Buccal (Intraoral) Massage

Buccal (pronounced buckle) is a massage technique targeting the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, and lower face to achieve two main objectives: promote lymphatic drainage and relax tense muscles. Buccal is also referred to as an intraoral massage because lower face tension is released through massaging pressure points inside the mouth. If reading this gives you dentist chair vibes, don’t worry! A buccal massage is extremely relaxing and restorative. Anyone who chronically clenches their jaw, or struggles with TMJ or lockjaw can benefit greatly from this massage technique. When our facial muscles are stiff, they retain water and don’t allow for proper circulation which deprives them of essential nutrients and oxygen, changing the natural shape of the face and giving it a puffy appearance.

Gua Sha Contouring

Gua sha is fairly new to Western culture but has been used in Chinese culture for over 2000 years. Gua sha is a hard-edged tool used to gently scrape the skin along its natural muscle structure (i.e. under the cheekbones, and down the neck) to further release tension and effectively encourage lymphatic drainage. Similar to buccal, when proper circulation is restored and puffiness is reduced, the muscles relax back to their natural state producing a contoured effect to the face. Think of gua sha as a natural cleanse for the body as toxins are released with the movement of that built-up fluid. Some minor redness can occur after gua sha, this is a sign of healthy blood flow being restored to the face (hello anti-aging benefits) for an overall rejuvenated glow to the face. 

Combining The Techniques

Both buccal and gua sha can be performed independently of each other, but when worked together the tension relief, puffiness, and relaxation benefits are even greater. While you can pick up a gua sha tool and perform this technique at home, aestheticians undergo hours of training to perfect the movements of using this tool to restore circulation and release muscle tension. Gentle facial cupping may also be during a treatment to stretch and relax the tissues under the skin and promote detoxification.

The Results

The most common feedback we receive after a buccal and gua sha treatment is that all tension in their jaw is gone. Most clients come in not even realizing how much tension was built up in their jaw. An intraoral approach combined with targeted gua sha and light facial cupping gets deep into the jaw muscles stretching and moving the tissues to release built-up fluid and tightness. During the Buccal Contouring Massage and Facial at Natology, we create a serene, therapeutic atmosphere in a quiet room with dim lighting, a heated bed, and peaceful music to encourage the entire body to sink into this treatment and release stress. While TikTok has emphasized the beauty benefits of gua sha and buccal, it’s important to know that therapeutic massage benefits from these techniques are equally at play here. Studies show that the pressure from a relaxing massage releases feel-good chemicals in your brain such as endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin which elevate your mood and lower cortisol levels (University of Guelph, 2022, The Science Behind Massage and Relaxation). 

A Different Kind of Facial

A buccal or gua sha “facial” does not include elements of a traditional facial such as extractions or masking. While you can add on a traditional facial after a buccal massage, this treatment begins with a cleanse and then uses specially formulated oil to massage and gua sha the face and neck for the remainder of the treatment. At the end of the treatment, the skin is cleansed once again before applying serum and SPF. A buccal massage is not pregnancy-safe, nor is it recommended for active acne as massaging the skin irritates acne and can worsen the inflammation. 

Buccal or Traditional Facial?

If your main goal is to relax, release tension in the face and neck, and send some happy brain chemicals through your body then a buccal massage will do you good! If you’re struggling with breakouts, dull tone and texture and need a good skin cleanout, a traditional facial is what you need. Both look dreamy and relaxing on TikTok and both have amazing benefits for your skin and overall wellbeing.