It’s important to get the right facial oil or serum to use with your gua sha. Oils allow Gua Sha tools to glide smoothly over your face as well as provide moisture and nutrients to the skin. This post is all about the best face oils for gua sha!
Gua sha is a natural therapy that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to relieve muscle tension, boost blood circulation, and promote tissue drainage.
The tools are usually made from either a flat piece of jade or rose quartz, and are used in Chinese and East Asian medicine.
To get the best results from gua sha therapy, it’s important to use facial oils or serums with your treatment. The best oils provide moisture to the skin whilst being light and non comedogenic.
Face Oils for Gua Sha
Jojoba Oil
Best Gua Sha Facial Oil for Oily Skin
Jojoba oil is the best oil for acne prone or oily skin types. It has antibacterial properties, so can help to reduce acne and blemishes, and helps to boost skin radiance.
Since Jojoba oil is so similar to the sebum your body produces (source), it helps to regulate oil production and reduce acne. It also doesn’t build up on the skin so it won’t clog the pores or cause skin congestion.
Jojoba oil is also excellent for dry skin. It’s anti-inflammatory and can help to relieve the dryness, flaking, or itching caused by eczema or psoriasis. Since the oil is a wax it is able to create a seal on the skin and prevent moisture loss.
Unlike other botanical essential oils, an allergic reaction to jojoba oil is rare. This is a very gentle oil which is unlikely to cause irritation even in sensitive skin types.
Argan Oil
Best Gua Sha Facial Oil for Ageing Skin
Argan oil is rich in fatty acids (made up mostly of oleic and linoleic acid) and Vitamin E. It’s a good oil to use to combat the signs of skin ageing since it helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It is also effective at boosting skin elasticity and hydration, and reducing fine lines.
Argan oil is a popular oil both for gua sha massage and for use with a jade roller.
Grapeseed Oil
Best Gua Sha Facial Oil for Dehydrated Acne Prone Skin
Grapeseed oil is another good oil for acne prone skin. It contains an anti-oxidant called proanthocyanidin which may help to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone when it is used on the skin regularly. It also has antimicrobial properties.
Grapeseed oil makes the skin more supple and elastic and increases hydration. The oil is rich in vitamin E, phenolic antioxidants and essential fatty acids, and is a great choice for dehydrated acne prone skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
Best Face Oil for Gua Sha to Reduce Eye Puffiness
Sweet almond oil has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine and in Ayurvedic practices for centuries to soften the skin and treat small wounds. It is rich in Vitamins A and E as well as Zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids.
If you are using your Gua Sha to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness around the eyes, almond oil would be a good choice. This is because it has anti-inflammatory properties and can further help to reduce swelling and dark circles.
Almond oil is often chosen to help improve the appearance of dark marks or scars since it stimulates blood flow and smooths the skin. There is also clinical evidence that almond oil reduces scarring and smooths the skin (source).
Rosehip Oil
Best Face Oil for Gua Sha for Relaxation
Rosehip oil is a great source of lycopene which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from premature ageing. It also contains vitamin A which helps to reduce wrinkles and pigmentation caused by sun spots or old acne scars. If you are worried about ageing skin, this is one of the best facial oils to add to your skincare routine.
When used with a gua sha stone, rosehip oil can also help with stress reduction and relaxation. It’s an oil often used in aromatherapy treatments and is a good carrier oil for essential oils. Rosehip seed oil absorbs well into the skin and won’t leave any greasy feeling.
Marula Oil
Best Lightweight Face Oil for Gua Sha
Marula oil is a lightweight oil that absorbs easily into the skin. When combined with the benefits of gua sha it can help to smooth and soften fine lines and stretch marks. Since this is a non greasy oil which also has anti-microbial properties, it would also be a good choice for acne-prone skin.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil works well on all skin types to add moisture and leave a dewy glow. It adds moisture to the skin without clogging the pores and helps to regulate oil production. Since the oil is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids it hydrates the skin and reduces any visible signs of ageing.
Since hemp oil is a strong anti-inflammatory it can help to calm skin irritation caused by acne or psoriasis, reduce redness and leave you with clear skin.
Peanut Oil
Best Face Oil for Gua Sha for Dry Skin
In traditional Chinese medicine a thick oil like peanut oil was traditionally used with Gua Sha. Peanut oil is excellent for dry skin types as it forms a barrier on the skin locking in moisture. It helps to relieve the tightness or itching caused by eczema or psoriasis, and makes the skin softer, smoother and more radiant.
Peanut is one of my favourite facial oils for moisturising the skin and reducing fine lines. It’s rich in vitamin E which helps to reduce age spots and prevent premature aging. I often use this as a night oil in the winter months when my skin gets particularly dry.
