I love to do gua sha, but I could only experience better results when I found a good quality oil that potentializes the amazing effects of gua sha on the skin! In this article, I’m sharing secrets to finding the best oil for gua sha!
What Is Gua Sha?
‘Gua’ means scrape, and ‘sha’ can be translated as redness. The gua sha stone scrapes your skin to improve blood circulation while making drainage lymphatic.
Gua sha originated from ancient Chinese medicine and can benefit the skin, reducing inflammation and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
Gua Sha Stone Tools
I normally use the gua sha stone, a polished rock with special shapes, but if you don’t have it available right now, it is also possible to use a porcelain spoon or even your fingers as an alternative.
Some people may even use coins and animal bones. If you opt to use the gua sha stone, know that you can find it in different materials of natural rocks like Jade and rose quartz.
Benefits Of Gua Sha Massage
I have oily skin, but dark circles can be a concern from time to time. Also, certain food can contribute to liquid retention, so I decided to try gua-sha.
I could see the benefits, such as face slimming, in the first week. The big secret is to do it periodically, at least three times a week, to start seeing consistent improvements. Below you can find the benefits list:
- blood circulation
- drainage lymphatic
- preventing fine lines and wrinkles
- It helps you get rid of liquid retention.
- Facial shape definition
- Improve cellulite
- It’s relaxing
- Minimizes puffiness and dark circles and stimulates collagen production
- Brightens skin complexion
- Reduce dryness
Do You Have To Use Oil With Gua Sha?
My main goal in using oils for gua sha is to make the scraping process easier and more effective. If you use the gua sha tool without oils, you may put too much pressure and have the reverse effect.
I did it once, and the next day I had a swollen face due to improper pressure. So I don’t advise using this technique without finding a good oil for your skin type.
Additionally, the oils contain properties that are healing and beneficial that can bring immediate skin improvements. Not to mention that some have an amazing relaxing smell that makes us feel like we are in a real spa.
- I Love it for Skin lubrification, elasticity, and moisturizing.
- It Gives skin radiance and luminosity
- Improves skin texture
Now, let’s take a look at what to use with gua sha!
Can I use Creams Instead?
If you are wondering if you can use facial creams for that, I’d say yes, but in my opinion, oils are much better because creams can dry out and get quickly absorbed by the skin, which requires you to add them all the time.
What Oils To Use With Gua Sha?
It is best to prefer lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that add nutrients to the skin. Use cold-pressed, natural oils that are extra-singing.
Let’s look now at general oil types you can use for your gua sha massage.
Vegetable oils
Vegetable oils such as coconut and olive oil suit the face and body. They are more indicated for those with dry skin. I have oily skin and cannot use them on the face because I get pinpoints overnight. They are ok for me to use in my body, though.
Moisturizing oils
Examples of moisturizing oils are aloe vera, sandalwood, and orchid oil. Aloe vera is anti bactericide great for oily acne-prone skin. Sandalwood is also therapeutic and relaxing, while Orchid oil is anti-aging and antioxidant.
Relaxing Massage Oils
What about using aromatic oils that provide profound relaxation and calmness while performing your gua sha massage? You can use Orchid oil, melissa, or lavender oil for this.
Orchid oil is anti-inflammatory and stimulates cell regeneration. Melissa oil is relaxing, and aids with anxiety and insomnia. Lavender oil is great for mussels and tension alleviation.
Best Oils For Gua Sha By Skin Type
Acne scars & Spots
You can try using Calendula Oil, a powerful skin tissue regenerator that treats Acne Scars and Spots. So you can also use it if you have textured skin or large pores for smoother and improved skin.
Sandalwood oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and adstringent; it combats skin inflammation that causes acne. It’s also anti-aging, nourishing, and smoothing.
Sensitive & Irritated Skin
Apart from Calendula oil, you can use Lavender oil which has soothing and balsamic effects and is great for skin regeneration. Its fragrance is calming and relaxing. Camomile oil is great for alleviating facial tension, stress, and anxiety.
Argan oil is non-comedogenic, rich in vitamins A, D, and E, antioxidant, hydrating, and a great ally for those with psoriasis and rosacea. As it controls sebum levels, it can also be used for those with oily skin.
Marula oil is ideal for those with skin sensitized by acne. In addition, it is a great anti-aging ingredient. Now, Apricot and jasmine oil are anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory.
Another oil I like a lot is Patchouli which has an amazing fragrance. It is also an anti-aging and tissue regenerator, extremely hydrating, and is suitable for those with eczema and dermatitis.
Oily & Acne Prone Skin
If you have oily acne-prone skin, picking non-comedogenic lightweight anti-inflammatory oils is very important.
Rosemary oil is great for oily skin because it is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, regulates skin oleosity, and stimulates blood circulation.
Grape seed oils contain vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals leaving it rejuvenated and restored. It also contains omega-6, which is anti-inflammatory and nourishing.
You can also use Sesame, tea-tree oil, ‘squalane and squalene’ and sunflower oils that are hydrating anti, bactericide, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Top Picks
1. Drunk Elephant Marula Oil
The Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is free from essential oils and silicone. Marula is hydrating, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, regenerates skin cells, and is ideal for those with textured skin. It can be a good option for those with oily skin because it has anti-bacterial properties.
2. The Ordinary Moroccan Argan Oil
Argan oil is an antioxidant and anti-bactericide, which is very important for those with oily skin. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil is very lightweight and smells (a bit) like nuts. Nothing strong to the point of bothering. You can use it every day without problems for smooth, renewed skin.
3. Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil
The Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster contains jojoba, argan, ceramides, and primrose. It is anti-oxidant, fragrance-free, and good for oily, sensitive skin.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, opt for an oil that is hydrating, anti-aging, and nutritive. For this, you can try coconut oil, which is toning, smoothing, anti-aging and restorative.
Marula oil, almond oil, Rosehip oil, and hempseed oil can also be great options because they can give you a dewy effect, removing roughness and leaving your skin smooth and soft.
Palmarosa oil is hydrating, anti-aging, and firming. It has the advantage of relieving inflammation caused by dryness and dehydration. Additionally, it can treat dermatitis and is healing and refreshing.
Top Picks
1. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil
This is a 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed oil, meaning you will get a pure product without alteration. The price tag is very affordable, ranging from 10 to 15 dollars, a good deal, considering that the 30 ml bottle will take ages to finish. It is hydrating, anti-aging, and developed for everyday use.
2. Biossanse 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil
The Biossanse 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil targets skin dryness, is cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and can be used for the face and the body. The texture is lightweight and rapidly absorbed by the skin, providing hydration without leaving the skin soaked and greasy.
The con is that It is a little more expensive than the previous oil as the price ranges from 30 to 34 dollars. This oil has great reviews online, but some people complained it caused the breakout.
3. Youth To The People Superberry Oil
The Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil is an anti-aging solution perfect for hydrating. It contains maqui that combats free radicals, Prickly Pear that reduces redness (sensitive skin can benefit from that), and Açai, which is good for reviving dull skin.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, look for hydrating, non-comedogenic, lightweight anti-bactericidal oils labeled ‘ideal for all skin types.’
Mint oil is suitable for oily and combination skin, as it has cleansing properties and sebum control. Jojoba Oil is healing, contains vitamin E, and can regulate excess sebum.
Sunflower oil is nourishing and hydrating, while lemon oil can be a good option for those with blemishes.