GUA SHA is part of the Traditional Chinese Method, i.e., TCM. It is a healing method; correctly pronounced as ‘gua sa.’ The process involves the use of a curved and smooth-edged tool. This tool comes in various shapes and is usually made of semi-precious stones like rose quartz, jade, amethyst, etc. The process involves using Gua Sha stone on the skin to help with lymphatic drainage that leads to puffiness, swelling, and bloating. To this date, in China, the process is used to alleviate illness, amongst other things.
This technique dates back to Paleolithic Age and has been prevalent. Oil is applied to the skin to give the skin the slip so that the massage tool glides effortlessly on the skin, and we have made a list of all the best oils for gua sha.
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11 Best Oils For Gua Sha (Hand Picked)
How Do You Use Gua Sha?
It is typically standard to have the Gua Sha performed by a professional. Still, an amenable way of use is widespread and used at home. Gua Sha is an alternative therapy. It involves scraping the skin with the massage tool to improve blood circulation and help with lymphatic drainage. This ancient technique offers a different approach to healthcare.
A technician scrapes the skin with short and long strokes to stimulate blood circulation of superficial tissues, increasing blood flow. These strokes are made with a curved massage tool carved for this purpose only and are always made in a downward motion. Oil is applied to the skin to reduce friction. A lightweight oil is always used. An oil that has skincare benefits is preferred. Mild pressure is applied to the stone while performing Gua Sha; it is not painful but can be uncomfortable for some. Even after using oil, the superficial layer of the skin usually shows signs of bruising, but those marks subside after a while.
The oil is applied to the skin to slick and reduce friction; it is better to use a bit extra and not thoroughly rub it in. It is vital that the whole area is covered with oil, and you use your dominant hand to glide the tool gently over your skin. Keep the massage tool at an angle of 15 degrees, which is almost flat to the skin, and then slide it in one motion. And feel free to apply more oil if it feels like the skin is tugging and pulling.
Oils that you can use while performing Gua Sha
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
This Biossance 100% Squalane oil is perfect to use with Gua Sha. Squalane oil mimics sebum’s properties and characteristics, making it an excellent facial oil. Sebum is the natural oil our skin produces. This powerhouse ingredient is identical to the moisture found in the human skin and gets instantly absorbed into the skin. It is safe to use all over the body.
Squalane oil penetrates the skin deeply and provides intense moisture to the skin. It suits all skin types. This particular squalane is sourced from sugarcane; it calms the skin and leaves it feeling incredibly soft and supple. All Biossance products are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and free of synthetic fragrances.
MARA – Natural Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil
From the house of MARA, another excellent option for a facial oil is their Natural algae + moringa universal facial oil. It is a hydrating face oil that suits all skin types. It is made with age-defying deep-sea algae, plankton extract and moringa oil, and some fatty lant oils that replenish and hydrate tired and dry skin. This lightweight oil glides on the skin effortlessly and gets absorbed very quickly. This oil provides bouncy and glowing skin after regular use.
The oil is vegan, gluten-free, synthetic-free, alcohol-free, and synthetic fragrance-free, and it has no parabens, added colors, no phthalates, or PEGs. It is Leaping Bunny Certified and hypoallergenic. This oil provides a gorgeous healthy glow and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum (Best Oil for Gua Sha for Acne)
Another great addition to your skincare routine can be the Versed antioxidant oil serum. It is an oil serum hybrid that helps strengthen the skin barrier. It moisturizes the skin deeply and delivers an ethereal glow to the skin. It is a nourishing facial oil made with camellia oil, sea buckthorn, and vitamin E that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. It also has chamomile extract and sodium hyaluronate that keep the skin calm.
It is a lightweight oil that is ideal for Gua Sha. It is suitable for all skin types and works even for oily and acne-prone skin. It is a non-toxic, vegan oil. The brand Versed is vegan, climate-neutral certified, cruelty-free, and uses no parabens, silicones, sulfates, or artificial fragrances.
Radha Beauty Organic Rosehip Oil
One of the most famous Rosehip oils in the world is Radha Organic Rosehip Oil. It is USDA-certified 100% organic and pure Rosehip oil. Rosehip oil provides skin with loads of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Rosehip oil is nature’s alternative to vitamin A because t has anti-aging properties. It helps brighten skin and reduce blemishes and their marks. It works wonderfully for dry and mature skin.
Radha Rosehip Oil softens the skin and aids it. This oil is lightweight and helps the massage tool glide easily on the skin. This oil is a fine-line treatment in a bottle. Constant use of the oil visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil
Noni glow oil answers your glow dreams as this oil helps brighten skin and achieve glowing and radiant skin. This oil is perfect for Gua Sha treatment and other facial treatments. This oil carries a blend of potent ingredients. Moreover, these ingredients provide a rich source of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This oil concoction comprises organic noni extract, rosehip oil, pomegranate oil, and sea buckthorn oil.
This blend of these power-packed ingredients makes it an excellent facial oil. This oil is developed to nourish, smoothen and brighten skin with daily use. The brand is cruelty-free; this oil has no added fragrances or GMOs. This oil delivers impressive results and youthful skin.
ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil
This next oil is from the brand ELEMIS, known for its fantastic skincare range. Superfood facial oil is a nutrient-rich oil that is lightweight and glides on the skin smoothly. This oil minimizes the dullness and looks of dehydration. Superfood oil helps enhance skin quality for a healthy and glowing complexion. It is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that quickly gets absorbed and is ideal for use with facial tools.
It is made of sweet almond oil, meadowfoam oil, flax seeds oil, rice bran oil, rosehip seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, black seed oil, nettle extract, and other plant oils to help moisturize the skin. This oil helps nourish, plump, and smoothen skin out.
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Biossance oil is a combination of Squalane, and Vitamin C rose oil. It is a luxurious lightweight oil that helps nourish and brighten the skin from within. The oil comes in a tinted glass packaging as it contains vitamin C oil, which is prone to quick oxidation. The oil helps improve the skin’s tone, firmness, and complexion. This lightweight oil is perfect to use while performing Gua Sha making it to the list of the best oils for gua sha.
It protects skin from moisture loss and smoothens skin out while brightening it. Vitamin C in this oil helps with pigmentation and discoloration. This oil has a beautiful slip that allows beauty tools to glide smoothly on the skin. The brand is vegan and cruelty-free.
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
One of the most famous facial oils is Argan oil, and one of the most recognized brands that makes the best Argan oil is Josie Maran Argan oil. It is 100% pure argan oil that nourishes, conditions, and heals the skin. This one of the best oils for gua sha improves skin hydration levels and visibly reduces course lines and wrinkles in just four weeks. Argan oil works for the whole body, from nails to the scalp.
Argan oil gets absorbed relatively quickly and provides nourishment to the skin. It is an excellent choice for Gua Sha. The brand is cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free. Argan oil is an overall treatment oil that protects and nourishes the skin.
NOW Solutions, Grapeseed Oil – Best Oil for Gua Sha Sensitive Skin
NOW grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil. It is odorless and is a good emollient that nourishes the skin. This oil has essential fatty acids, including linoleic, stearic, and lauric oil, and works wonderfully well for sensitive skin. It has a rich, silky texture on top of which everything glides effortlessly.
Grapeseed oil suits every skin type and is used as a base in creams and mild conditioners. Grapeseed oil does not clog pores or cause breakouts; it helps prevent acne with regular use on the skin.
Acure the Essentials Hemp Seed Oil – Best Drugstore Facial Oil for Gua Sha
Hemp seed oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. The Acure essential hemp seed oil is a fantastic choice for hemp seed oil. This oil is lightweight and extremely gentle on the skin. It helps replenish and moisturize the skin. This oil helps balance problematic skin, and thus, it’s among the best oils for gua sha.
It is one of the best drugstore facial oil for Gua Sha. The glow it imparts is no less than the glass skin glow. Acure essential hemp seed oil is a certified organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined hemp seed oil. It is made with hemp seed oil, Rosa Damascena Oil, and Pelargonium Flower oil. It is vegan and certified cruelty-free.
Honest Beauty Organic Beauty Facial Oil
Honest beauty organic facial oil is a blend of 8 organic fruit plus seed oils. This oil helps nourish and replenish the skin. Dermatologists have tested it, and it is hypoallergenic. It is vegan and cruelty-free and made with avocado, apricot, and jojoba oil. It’s free of parabens, synthetic colors, artificial fragrances, dyes, and silicones.
This lightweight oil sinks into the deeper layers of skin quickly and provides intense hydration and moisture to the skin. It is suitable for all skin types. It is ideally made for moisture-depleted skin, providing an ethereal glow to the skin.
FAQs | Best Oils For Gua Sha
Can I use coconut oil for Gua Sha?
No, coconut oil is not ideal for Gua Sha because it is highly comedogenic and can clog your pores. Coconut oil doesn’t suit all skin types, and it is better to stay away from it.
Can Gua Sha be used for acne-prone skin?
Yes, Gua Sha can be used by people with acne or acne-prone skin. It is essential that the tool is not rolled over the bumps and pimples but used around them to release pain and fluid inside it. Some people prefer using a cold or hot tool to help with inflammation.
Can I use castor oil for Gua Sha?
No, castor oil on its own is very sticky and emollient to be used on the entire face. It will do more harm than good; it won’t provide slickness to the surface; instead, there would be more tugging as it is quite a sticky oil. But can dilute castor oil with a carrier oil, which can then be used as a concoction.
Is it necessary to use oil with Gua Sha?
Yes, it is necessary to use oil with Gua Sha because to ensure the tool glides smoothly on the skin, oil has to be applied to provide slip to the skin and reduce friction.
Can baby oil be used with Gua Sha?
No, baby oil has mineral oil that can clog the pores and lead to acne, so it is advisable to use lightweight, non-comedogenic oils for Gua Sha.
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Closure | Best Oils For Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a practice that takes time to perfect, and we must use the right kind of stone and oil. Selecting the right oil for yourself depends on the skin’s type and condition. Some oils are too slick or get absorbed relatively quickly and don’t provide enough grip for the tool. We have curated a list of the best facial oils for Gua Sha, and each option is of the highest quality; you can choose any as per your preference, and you can’t go wrong with these.
Gua Sha is a massaging technique with long-lasting results but doesn’t show results quickly or overnight, so you shouldn’t have expectations like that.