Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves using a blunt instrument to scrape the skin. This process is said to improve circulation and help to relieve pain.
Facial oils are often used in conjunction with a gua sha stone, scraped across the skin, to provide optimal results – but what are the best facial oils for gua sha for the ultimate results?
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves scraping the skin with a blunt object to improve circulation. The practice is also sometimes called “coining” or “scraping.”
Gua sha is usually done with a smooth, flat stone or a piece of jade. The stone is rubbed over the skin in a downward motion, over the entire face, and over the jawline and cheekbones to help with contouring the face.
Gua sha is said to improve blood circulation and help the body to heal itself, thanks to its healing properties.
It is commonly used to treat colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. Gua sha is also sometimes used as a beauty treatment to promote glowing skin.
How to Pronounce Gua Sha?
Gua sha (pronounced gwah shah) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves using a smooth, flat stone to stroke the skin.
The strokes are usually done in a downward motion and are said to help improve circulation and promote healing.
Gua sha has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions, and its popularity has grown in recent years as more people seek alternative forms of therapy.
While there is no one definitive way to pronounce gua sha, the most common pronunciation is gwah shah.
This guide will provide you with tips on how to say gua sha correctly so that you can start using this unique form of therapy.
What Are The Benefits of Using a Gua Sha?
There are many benefits of using a gua sha, including:
- Improved circulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Decreased pain
- Improved lymphatic drainage
- Reduced wrinkles and fine lines
- Improved skin tone and texture
How to Use Gua Sha?
Before you start your gua sha session, it’s important to cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. This will help to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that could potentially end up with clogged pores.
Next, apply a light layer of facial oil to your skin. This will help the stone glide over your skin more easily and prevent any irritation.
Once your face is prepped, choose the area you want to work on first. For the best results, it’s important to use long, smooth strokes.
Start at the base of your neck and work your way up to your forehead. You can also use gua sha on your cheeks, jawline, and under-eye area. Be sure to avoid any sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and lips.
Does a Gua Sha Work?
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian healing technique that involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth, flat object.
The practice is said to improve circulation and promote healing by releasing stagnant blood and other fluids from the body.
Some proponents also claim that gua sha can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is currently no scientific evidence to back them up.
Although gua sha is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner, it can cause bruising and other side effects.
So, it’s something to consider if you want to try gua sha. It could be a good idea to use fragrance-free oils if you do have more sensitive skin.
What Skin Concerns Can Be Helped By Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves using a blunt instrument to massage the skin.
This treatment is said to improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce puffiness and inflammation.
Gua sha can also be used to help relieve tension headaches, and some people believe that it can help to prevent wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
While more research is needed to confirm these claims, there is evidence that gua sha can be beneficial for overall skin health.
Does Gua Sha Work for Jawline?
It can be used to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and improve skin conditions like wrinkles.
Many people believe that Gua Sha can also help contour the jawline and give it more definition. Studies have found that facial treatments with Gua Sha may help reduce muscle tension in the jaw, leading to lessened signs of aging around the face.
Additionally, some practitioners suggest that regular use of Gua Sha on specific areas of the face can help create a better-defined jawline for a more balanced look.
However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. For those looking for an alternative way to enhance their jawline without surgery, Gua Sha may be worth considering as part of an overall skincare routine.
The Importance Of Using Face Oils When Using A Gua Sha
Face oils can be used in conjunction with Gua Sha to help improve its efficacy. The oils provide lubrication and help the Gua Sha tool glide smoothly over the skin.
They also help to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing irritation.
Face oils can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin and reducing dryness.
For these reasons, it is recommended that we use face oils when using a Gua Sha tool. By doing so, you will be able to maximize the benefits of this ancient practice and keep your skin looking its best. Keep on reading to see the best oils for gua sha.
Best Facial Oils For Gua Sha
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a type of oil that is extracted from the nuts of the argan tree. This oil is rich in nutrients, including vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants.
These nutrients help to nourish and protect the skin. Argan oil also has anti-aging properties and can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Helping to prevent premature aging thanks to the active ingredients. Argan oil is also non-greasy and won’t clog pores. As such, it is an excellent choice for use with a Gua Sha facial tool.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a popular gua sha oil choice. This oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, which help to nourish and protect the skin.
Avocado oil also has anti-aging properties and can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This oil is non-greasy and won’t clog your pores, if you have acne-prone skin, and won’t cause you skin texture issues.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another excellent option for use with Gua Sha. This oil is rich in fatty acids, which help to nourish and protect the skin, so it’s the best oil for dry skin, or dehydrated skin.
Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and irritation. It is also non-greasy and won’t clog pores.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip oil is great for acne-prone skin and can be used to help reduce the appearance of scars, making it a popular choice as an oil for gua sha massage.
It’s also an anti-inflammatory, so it can help reduce redness and swelling, and also dark spots / age spots.
This Rosehip oil is also rich in linoleic acid (upto 58% linoleic acid features within rosehip seed oil), which is known to help balance sebum production.
This makes it an excellent choice for those with combination to oily and acne-prone skin types that are also struggling with acne.
Not only does this oil help improve the appearance of acne scars, but it also helps to reduce the size and redness of pimples.
Tea Tree Oil
This is a very popular oil for a reason- it works! Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties that make it perfect for clearing up blemishes and acne.
It’s also great for soothing irritated skin, and controlling oil production. If you have blemishes, tea tree oil works well with a gua sha because it helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Borage Oil
This oil is high in gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 fatty acid. This fatty acid is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe irritated skin.
Borage oil is also beneficial for dry skin because it helps to lock in moisture.
Sesame Oil
This oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, which help to nourish the skin, in use for gua sha facials. Sesame oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for soothing irritated skin.
You don’t hear many people discuss the beauty benefits of sesame oil, but it’s actually a great oil to use with Gua Sha because it’s so nourishing and calming.
Grapeseed Oil
Grape seed oil is a type of oil that is extracted from the seeds of grapes. This oil is rich in antioxidant properties and vitamins, which help to nourish and protect the skin.
Grape seed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and irritation.
Plus, this oil is non-greasy and won’t clog pores. Grapeseed oil will also offer brightening benefits for the skin, making it the perfect facial massage oil.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is thought to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
The scent of lavender oil is believed to be soothing and relaxing, making it an ideal choice for use with gua sha.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil can be used as a lubricant during gua sha. The oil’s nutrients are easily absorbed by the skin, and it helps to prevent the formation of bruises. Hemp seed oil is also effective in treating pain, inflammation, and acne.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum that is produced by our skin. This makes it an excellent choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin types, as it helps to balance sebum production.
Jojoba oil is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Thanks to these properties, jojoba oil is a nice facial oil for gua sha, if you have combination and oily skin types, as it does help to regulate sebum production.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is often used as a carrier oil for essential oils. It is light and non-greasy, and it absorbs quickly into the skin.
Sunflower oil will help the gua sha glide smoothly over the skin, and it will also help to lock in moisture. Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it beneficial for the skin.
Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is becoming increasingly popular for use with a gua sha. It is believed to have numerous benefits when used with a gua sha, including reducing inflammation, promoting tissue healing, and reducing pain.
Safflower oil is also thought to be beneficial for the skin, as it helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin supple.
Raspberry Seed Oil
Raspberry seed oil is often used in conjunction with gua sha because it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Some people also believe that raspberry seed oil can help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, many people find that using raspberry seed oil with gua sha provides numerous benefits.
As well as the purported anti-inflammatory effects, raspberry seed oil is also known for its soothing properties. It is often used to relieve dryness, itchiness, and irritation.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Sea Buckthorn Oil is a great oil to use for gua sha because of its high levels of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Its antioxidant properties help absorb sun damage, reduce redness and inflammation, and boost the skin’s natural healing process.
Sea Buckthorn Oil also helps keep skin hydrated and prevents dryness caused by over-exfoliation or harsh weather conditions.
Its vitamin E content helps smooth wrinkles while restoring the skin’s elasticity, helping the gua sha stone to glide across the skin.
Sea Buckthorn Oil can be used as a face massage oil after gua sha treatment to help your newly exposed layer of skin rehydrate itself faster and add new suppleness to the area.
Squalane
Squalane oil (squalene) is a plant-derived oil that is believed to be beneficial for skin health. It is known to be very hydrating and can help to reduce dryness and irritation.
When used with gua sha, it is thought to help maintain the natural balance of oils in the skin, as well as reducing puffiness and inflammation.
Squalane oil is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. It can also be used as a moisturizer on its own or in combination with other oils for maximum benefit.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a popular choice for use with a gua sha tool, as it is very gentle and suitable for sensitive skin and oily skin types.
The oil helps to lubricate the skin, making it easier to glide the tool over the surface.
It also helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated during the treatment. Plus, sweet almond oil is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
As a result, it is an ideal choice for those looking to experience the benefits of gua sha.
Jasmine Oil
Jasmine oil is often used in skincare products because of its ability to soothe and protect sensitive skin.
When used with a gua sha, jasmine oil can help to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.
The result is brighter, more youthful-looking skin. Jasmine oil can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
For best results, apply a small amount of oil to clean skin before using a gua sha.
Marula Oil
Marula oil has long been prized for its skin benefits, and recent years have seen it become increasingly popular as an ingredient in beauty products.
Marula oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, and it leaves skin with a dewy glow. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate oil is a great oil for use with a gua sha, especially if you suffer from dehydrated skin. The oil helps to lubricate the skin, making it easier for the gua sha to glide over the surface.
Pomegranate oil is also packed with nutrients that can help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. The oil can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Keeping it looking younger and healthier for longer. If you’re looking for an oil that will help you to get the most out of your gua sha treatment, pomegranate oil is a great option.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil is a light but effective oil that can be used with a gua sha. It helps to soothe and protect the skin barrier, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin, helping to soothing skin irritation.
The oil is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Apricot Kernel Oil is easily absorbed by the skin, making it an excellent choice for use with a gua sha.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is becoming increasingly popular as a natural remedy for uneven skin tone.
When used in conjunction with a gua sha, hemp seed oil can help to smooth out the skin and improve its overall appearance.
Gua shas are traditionally used to scrape away dead skin cells and promote circulation, and when combined with hemp seed oil, they can provide even more nourishment and hydration to the skin.
Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients that help to improve the health of the skin, making it an ideal choice for those looking to achieve a more even complexion.
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves using a smooth, blunt tool to massage the skin.
Gua sha is said to be beneficial for overall health, including reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
Gua Sha tools are said to offer more noticeable benefits than jade rollers, which is why they’re so popular, especially thanks to TikTok.
Gua sha can help to improve circulation and promote skin regeneration. Gua sha is typically done with facial oils or moisturizer, but it can also be done with water.
Ultimately, whether you use Gua Sha with oil or moisturizer is a matter of personal preference.
But what is the best oil for gua sha? The best face oil for gua sha is coconut oil, argan oil or sweet almond oil, but most face oils are super effective for gua sha massage, and you can experiemtn with what your best facial oil for gua sha is.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.