Photo by Viva Luna Studios on Unsplash
If you’re looking for the best face oil for gua sha, look no further!
In this blog post, I’ll share several types of fface oils to use for this popular beauty treatment.
Including the benefits of using oil with gua sha massage, and how to choose the right face oil for your skin type.
So if you’re ready to learn more, keep reading!
This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a commission at no additional charge to you if you make a purchase using my links. Click here to see my full disclosure policy.
Choosing a face oil for gua sha
The best oil for gua sha is one that is light and absorbs quickly into the skin. Common facial oils like jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil are all good options because they are non-greasy and won’t clog your pores. They also help to soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
Especially, if you have oily skin, you may want to avoid oils that are high in comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients.
Instead, opt for light oils like jojoba or sunflower oil. If you have dry skin, on the other hand, you may benefit from using a richer oil like grapeseed oil or avocado oil.
Ultimately, the best oil for gua sha is one that suits your particular skin type. You may also have specific skin concerns like acne, dark circles, uneven skin tone, or dark spots from the sun.
Perhaps you have delicate skin, so be sure to do your research and choose the best option that will give you the best results.
And don’t forget to enjoy the benefits of gua sha treatment!
Gua sha is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine that uses a tool made of semi-precious stones to massage the face. The most common gua sha tool stones are rose quartz and jade roller.
This ancient Chinese practice of facial treatment can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and promote lymphatic drainage. Gua sha can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone, and promote radiant skin.
Related Reading: How to Use a Jade Facial Roller: Best Tips
If you’re looking for a way to improve your facial gua sha treatment, adding facial oil can be a great way to do so.
When selecting the best face oil for gua sha, it’s important to consider your skin type.
Oily skin may benefit from a facial oil that is lightweight and absorbs quickly. Conversely, dry skin may prefer an oil that is heavier and more nourishing.
If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose an oil that is gentle and hypoallergenic.
Adding a face oil to your gua sha routine can be a great way to improve the results of your treatment. Be sure to choose a high-quality facial oil that is right for your skin type, effective and safe.
You may have heard of using a facial serum with your gua sha tool.
Serums are different from oils. Their properties are smaller than those found in oils and are therefore able to penetrate more deeply into the skin.
For this article, we’re concentrating on the best face oil for gua sha but one serum is near the end too.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is a great facial oil to use with a gua sha stone or roller. It is light and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for oily skin types. Additionally, sweet almond oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, making it a great option for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight and non-greasy oil that absorbs into the skin quickly and easily. Perfect for all skin types making it best for those with oily or combination skin types, as it won’t clog your pores or make you feel greasy.
Grapeseed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the face and neck area. And it’s a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from free radicals and promote youthful-looking skin.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a rich, moisturizing oil that is perfect for those with dry or mature skin types. It absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.
Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids and nutrients like vitamins A and E, which are linked to skin membrane health
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a lightweight and non-greasy oil that absorbs into the skin quickly and easily. It’s best for those with oily or combination skin types, as it won’t clog your pores or make you feel greasy. Excellent for dry and sensitive skin.
The vitamin E in sunflower oil has antioxidants that help with premature aging and wrinkles, keeping your skin looking young and fresh. Sunflower oil also contains linoleic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture so it becomes less dry.
Jojoba Oil
Because it mimics the skin’s natural moisturizer (sebum), jojoba oil is an ideal face moisturizer for all types of skin (dry, oily, or combination). It won’t clog pores, helps balance oil production, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Jojoba’s light scent is appealing and subtle.
Jojoba oil contains natural forms of vitamin E. This vitamin works with your skin as an antioxidant. This means that jojoba oil can help your skin fight oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to pollutants and other toxins.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is a lightweight and non-greasy oil that absorbs into the skin quickly and easily. It has a feather-light emollient effect that provides a protective barrier without clogging the pores and hence is excellent for dry or troubled skin.
It has a high concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, which gives it an amazing amount of antioxidant properties. It’s an excellent moisturizer that is known to help with soothing skin rashes and irritations.
It is rich in hydrating properties that help to soothe and soften your skin, while also helping combat stretch marks.
Argan Oil
Argan oil helps to improve the appearance of the skin. Containing vitamins A, C, and E, argan oil is known for its anti-aging properties and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps to improve skin tone and texture. Light and non-greasy, it is perfect for all skin types and can be used on both the face and body.
Argan oil helps protect the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun. This prevents burns and hyperpigmentation as a result. Its abundance of vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help improve water retention in the skin.
Argan oil contains a large number of healing properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both help to reduce symptoms for a number of different inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.
Hormonal acne is often the result of excess sebum that’s caused by hormones. Argan oil has anti-sebum effects, which can effectively regulate amounts of sebum on the skin. This can help to reduce the oiliness of the skin, help combat acne, and promote a smoother, calmer complexion.
Marula Oil
Marula oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin c and e, and essential fatty acids, omega 6 & 9 making it a great choice for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin.
Marula oil will help replenish moisture loss, minimize dark spots, rejuvenate dull skin, ward off fine lines, repair damage done by UV rays, and give a plump radiance.
This oil is also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that help to promote the skin’s elasticity, hydrate, and soothe. This oil is non-comedogenic.
Reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, stretch marks, and scarring with this multipurpose oil. Natural exfoliation with rosehip oil can help reduce dullness and leave you with glowing vibrant skin.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil contains, you guessed it, vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage. It visibly improves the look of scars, stretch marks, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots & sun spots for moisturized & youthful skin.
This is one of those oils that can possibly clog pores and aggravate active breakouts, so it isn’t recommended for oily skin. If you have oily skin but you really want to use it due to its healing properties be sure to wash it off after about 15 minutes.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted directly from a hemp seed, differing from cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which is an extract of the cannabis plant and utilizes hemp flowers and leaves for its production. Hemp seed oil does not contain THC, the psychoactive component.
Hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, making it a great choice for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin.
Hemp oil is perfect for most skin types as it can moisturize without clogging your pores. It can even help to balance out oily skin, hydrating it and regulating the skin’s oil production.
Using hemp seed oil with gua sha can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, give the skin a more youthful appearance, and promote cell turnover.
Squalane Oil
Squalane oil is derived from olives, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Squalane oil is non-comedogenic.
Using squalane oil helps improve skin elasticity and radiance. As a dry oil, squalane keeps your glow on without leaving an oily sheen.
This lightweight dry oil helps regulate oil production, making it ideal for anyone battling oily or acne-prone skin. Plus, it seals in moisture, instantly relieving skin that feels tight and dry.
Tea Tree Oil
Photo by John Tann from Sydney, Australia
Tea tree oil is great for acne-prone skin and also helps to reduce inflammation. Any time essential oils are used, they must be paired with a carrier oil since they are harmful to skin used alone.
Many of the other oils on this list such as almond oil or jojoba oil can be used as a carrier. Also, if you’re experiencing a bad breakout, gua sha may not be a good idea since it can be irritating to already aggravated skin.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is a mild, moisturizing oil, and is readily absorbed into the skin without leaving a residue behind.
Apricot oil is a great anti-aging moisturizer for dry skin that deeply nourishes and hydrates for silky soft skin and less noticeable wrinkles and fine lines. It is very similar to sweet almond oil, but it is more suitable for sensitive and mature skin.
Vitamin C Serum
This essential nutrient is beneficial for the skin and can help improve complexion. Additionally, vitamin C helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin C blends with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Witch Hazel, and Jojoba Oil in an anti-aging, skin-brightening formula designed to improve wrinkles and dark spots.
Possible side effects and risks of using face oils
As with using anything new, allergic reactions can happen.
Before using any oil for the first time, you should perform a patch test to make sure your skin can tolerate the oil.
See your doctor if you begin to experience:
- red, itchy skin
- itchy, watery eyes
- scratchy throat
- nausea
- vomiting
Anaphylaxis is possible in severe cases of allergic reactions. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you begin experiencing:
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- swollen mouth, throat, or face
- rapid heartbeat
- stomach pain
So, what is the best face oil for gua sha facial massage?
It really depends on your individual skin type. But any of these oils would be a good choice.
So do your research, find an oil that suits you best, and enjoy the benefits of this treatment.
Have you ever tried a face oil for gua sha? What was your experience like? Share in the comments below.