10 Best Best Facial Oils for Gua Sha For Perfect Skin! [Guide]

Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese technique that uses various tools to massage the skin. It works by creating friction between two objects or one thing against your skin. The result is increased blood flow and smoother skin. It’s also thought to reduce inflammation while improving circulation.

Although there are many different ways to perform Gua Sha, we will talk about using facial oils in this article.

To use facial oils effectively during Gua Sha, you need to keep three things in mind:

1. it must be thin enough to spread quickly over your face
2. it shouldn’t block out light when applied, so you can see what you’re doing
3. It needs to have a high melting point (or “softening” point). If any of these conditions aren’t met, the oil may break down under intense heat from the tool, making you feel uncomfortable and could cause burns.

So what exactly do all those terms mean? Let’s find out together…

Interesting Read: Does Gua Sha Work?

What Is Gua Sha?

Before we discuss specific face oils for Gua Sha, let me first define some basic terminology used throughout this post.

Skin Type

This refers to how dry or oily your skin type is. According to Chinese medicine, there are four types: Dry-Cold, Dry-Hot, Wet Cold, and Wet Hot. Each has its unique characteristics, but they usually fall into sensitive/fragile skin, dull complexion, acne-prone skin, etc. Knowing your skin type will help us narrow our search for the best face oils for gua sha.

Facial Massage Tool

Agua sha tool consists of several components, including the handle, shaft, and tip. Some people prefer the more traditional flat metal tips, whereas others choose bamboo sticks, stones, feathers, bone chisels, needles, shells, and other natural materials. In general, though, most people choose wooden handles because they feel safer than metal ones.

Oil

Any liquid or semi-solid substance that can coat the surface of your skin. Most commonly known oils include sesame seed oil, nut oils like walnut oil, almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.

Face Mask

A mask explicitly made to moisturize, soften and nourish your skin. Masks are often layered with ingredients designed to treat problems such as wrinkles, aging spots, dark circles, enlarged pores, blackheads, redness, blemishes, excess makeup, fine lines, sun damage, flaky skin, rough texture, and much more. Making them yourself at home is super easy!

Benefits

Dr. Robert Hsu, MD, specializing in anti-aging treatments, found that performing Gua Sha helps increase collagen production in your skin, thus reducing wrinkles and deep creases. He also discovered that it increases the rate of cell renewal within your epidermis layer, which means better overall skin health. So why not give it a try?

Another great reason to practice Gua Sha regularly is that it reduces stress levels. Studies show that just 10 minutes of regular Gua Sha treatment lowers cortisol levels within your body, making you calmer and less stressed out.

The last benefit that I’m sure everyone wants about Gua Sha is that performing feels relaxing. As mentioned earlier, Gua Sha creates a lot of friction between the tool and your skin. Therefore it feels similar to taking hot showers.

Do you use face oil with gua sha?

Yes! I use face oil every time I do gua sha.

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that involves using a tool to massage the skin to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Many different oils can be used for gua sha, but not all of them are created equal.

The best oils for gua sha are thin enough to spread quickly, don’t block out light, and have a high melting point.

Some of the most popular oils used for gua sha include sesame seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.

What face oils are good for gua sha?

You probably already know that applying the oil directly onto your skin isn’t always ideal. Your skin absorbs it quickly and doesn’t mix well with other ingredients contained in your face masks. That being said, it still plays an essential role in maintaining healthy skin.

There are hundreds of essential oils available today, ranging from cheap perfume-scented ones to expensive therapeutic-grade ones. But if you don’t want to spend too much money, here are some of the tops recommended face oils for gua sha.

1. Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame seeds contain lignans called sesamol and sesamolin. These compounds protect cells against free radical damage caused by environmental pollutants and UV radiation. They also provide antioxidant protection for your skin. And did you know that the oil itself has anti-inflammatory properties? It contains linoleic acid, which protects your skin against damaging UV rays.

2. Sweet Almond Oil

Almonds have long been famous among Ayurvedic Medicine and Chinese medicine practitioners due to their ability to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. However, almonds have recently become trendy amongst westerners for their rich vitamin E content. Vitamin E is highly beneficial for both preventing cancer and treating existing cases. It prevents the oxidation of fats in your diet, but it also provides hydration to your skin and prevents premature aging.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is derived from coconuts which grow naturally in tropical regions. It has helped fight off diseases caused by bacteria and viruses for thousands of years. Due to its fatty acids composition, it has proven effective in healing wounds and fighting infection. Additionally, it promotes healthy hair growth and improves brain function. Did you know you can use coconut oil to grow your lashes?

4. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil comes from the fruit of the desert locust tree grown exclusively in South America. Its name derives from Spanish words meaning ‘the bean’ referring to its round shape. Like aloe vera, it was once thought to heal burn victims by sticking to the burned areas. Today scientists believe that it heals damaged tissues by stimulating new tissue formation. It serves as a powerful emulsifier helping create stable blends of plant-based products and oils.

5. Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflowers are native to Central Asia, where they’ve been cultivated since 3000 BC. Their bright yellow color makes them stand out even in large fields of other plants. With very little processing needed, they retain all of their nutritional value. One cup of cooked sunflower kernels packs nearly 100 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 13 grams of fat. Consuming foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids like sunflower oil decreases cholesterol levels, lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, controls weight gain, and promotes heart health.

6. Rosehip Oil

Rosehips are fruits produced by rose bushes in Europe, Russia, and North America. Although initially consumed mostly by livestock, rosehips were eventually harvested and pressed for oil. Because of its bitter taste, rosehip oil had to undergo extensive refining processes until it became widely commercially acceptable. Nowadays, rose hips are sold fresh or dried in capsules without undergoing any chemical extraction. Scientists now consider rosehips a valuable source of antioxidants, especially flavones and anthocyanins. Flavones are believed to play a significant part in protecting the human immune system, while anthocyanins serve as potent disease fighters.

7. Green Tea Leaf Extract

Green tea leaves come from Camellia sinensis trees which thrive naturally in China. Green tea leaf extract has been used throughout history to combat colds, flu, allergies, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, cardiovascular issues, and tumors. Many studies suggest that consuming catechins present in green tea leaves may decrease risk factors associated with developing atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Catechins are responsible for giving the tea its characteristic bright green shade. Green tea retains up to 95% of its original strength, flavor, and aroma when brewed correctly. Unlike black teas, it lacks caffeine and tannin content. It is typically prepared by steaming rather than boiling water. Steamed brewing produces a milder tasting brew rich in polyphenols and bioactive chemicals.

8. Burdock Root

Burdocks root is considered a vegetable, unlike the edible seeds of carrots, parsnips, and turnip greens. Burdock grows wild along riverbanks and marshes across Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, Siberia, and parts of England. Its main ingredient is diosgenin, a sugar alcohol that gives burdock its distinctive sweet odor. Diosgenin is a precursor to steroid hormones and vitamins such as folic acid and biotin. According to researchers, burdock root may work wonders for lowering cholesterol levels by slowing intestinal absorption of dietary lipids. Other potential benefits include relieving constipation, alleviating hemorrhoids and rheumatism, strengthening bones and muscles, increasing energy and endurance, promoting healthy liver function, and assisting wound healing.

9. Parsley Leaf Juice

Parsley is a member of the Umbelliferae family primarily known for its medicinal properties. It is particularly renowned for its soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes. It also possesses antibacterial qualities, which make it helpful in aiding respiratory infections. Parsley juice is extracted through mechanical pressing methods after removing stems, stalks, and spines. It is generally safe to consume daily, although pregnant women should avoid drinking excessive parsley leaf juice.

10. Lavender Flower Essential Oil

Lavenders are aromatic shrubs belonging to the mint family. Its flowers are tiny white daisy-shaped blossoms with purple centers. The flower petals are sometimes referred to as “spice.” Pure lavender essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops. It is widely used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing effects. Research indicates that inhaling lavender oil can help reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. It can also be used topically to relieve muscle aches and pains and improve skin complexion.

What essential oil goes with gua sha?

There is no definitive answer, as different essential oils can be used for other purposes. Common choices include lavender oil for relaxation, peppermint oil for pain relief, and eucalyptus oil for decongestion. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to choose an essential oil that suits their needs.

What should I put on my face before gua sha?

Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different people may have other preferences. Some standard options include face oils, serums, and creams. It is important to ensure that the product you choose does not contain any ingredients that could irritate your skin. You should also avoid using products with essential oils if you have sensitive skin.

How To Use Gua Sha Oil

Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry.

Next, apply a thin layer of oil to your face.

Then, using a gua sha tool, massage your skin in a slow and steady motion.

Focus on areas that are prone to inflammation or congestion.

After massaging, wash your face with warm water and pat it dry.

Finish by applying a light moisturizer.

It’s important to note that you should only use gua sha on clean skin. Otherwise, you risk irritating your skin or causing breakouts.

In addition, be sure to use a light touch when massaging your face. Too much pressure can damage your skin.

Finally, make sure to clean your gua sha tool after each use.

The Bottom Line

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that involves using a tool to massage the skin to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Many different oils can be used for gua sha, but not all of them are created equal.

The best oils for gua sha are thin enough to spread quickly, don’t block out light, and have a high melting point.

Some of the most popular oils used for gua sha include sesame seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.