5 Best Face Oils for Gua Sha: Expert Advice

5 Best Face Oils For Gua Sha

1. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is one of the best oils for gua sha because it’s highly skin compatible and non-pore clogging – making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive. It is similar to the sebum (oil) our skin produces, which is why we consider it mother nature’s perfect moisturizer. It’s light in texture, non-greasy and leaves skin incredibly soft.

Jojoba oil has numerous skin benefits and can be used on the entire body, including scalp and hair. When used as a face oil for gua sha, jojoba provides a protective moisture barrier and delivers skin beneficial flavonoids and vitamin E — powerful antioxidants that defends against environmental damage that can contribute to signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.

Jojoba oil is also very effective at relieving dry, irritated skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Jojoba oil absorbs into skin quickly and provides long-lasting moisture, helping skin to look and feel its best with each use.

2. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is another excellent option for gua sha. It’s full of skin beneficial nutrients, antioxidants and fatty acids. Rosehip oil is derived from the fruit of the rose plant and is considered a dry oil due to the fact that it’s light and absorbs quickly. It’s a rich source of omega-6 linoleic fatty acid and rejuvenating beta-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, along with vitamin E and phytosterols.

Rosehip oil works best when expertly formulated with more stable oils such as jojoba and antioxidants such as vitamin E to increase its shelf-life. Otherwise, if you’re using pure rosehip oil, we recommend keeping this ruby red goodness in the fridge to extend its shelf life.

3. Macadamia Oil

Macadamia is an ultra-rich, luxurious oil that’s ideal for dry skin looking to benefit from gua sha. It’s a potent source of a rare fatty acid called palmitoleic acid, also known as omega- 7. Palmitoleic acid is beneficial to dry, mature skin because as we age, our skin produces less of it, thus requiring us to replenish it internally and externally. Palmitoleic fatty acid is also what gives macadamia oil its velvety feel, elevating your gua sha experience.

In addition, macadamia oil contains high amounts of omega-9 fatty acid, which is known to soothe and regenerate dry, fragile skin.

4. Oat Oil

Oat oil is excellent for gua sha because it contains a variety of skin beneficial properties, such as vitamin e, ceramides and squalene. It’s a medium weight oil, which gives it a nice glide during your gua sha massage, while also replenishing moisture.

Oat oil contains avenanthramides, which are antioxidants only found in oats and help to calm irritated, itchy skin and support healthy barrier function. All of these skin benefits make oat oil an excellent option for anyone who wants to use a gua sha and has sensitive skin.

5. Raspberry Oil

Raspberry oil is a sensorial treat when used with a gua sha massage. It feels luxurious when applied and is highly beneficial to skin. Raspberry seed oil contains phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E, working together to replenish moisture, soothe and protect against oxidative damage.

It’s also a potent source of rejuvenating alpha linoleic acid, which helps to visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Shopping For The Best Face Oils For Gua Sha? Here’s What To Look For:

Protective Packaging

Always opt for face oils that are properly packaged in light-protective glass bottles, such as amber, violet or black glass. A bottle with a pump is also essential as droppers introduce air with each use, increasing the rate at which the oils degrade and go rancid. In addition, droppers increase the chance for bacterial contamination if they come in contact with the skin or bathroom surfaces.

Preserved With Antioxidants

Face oils can be somewhat fragile by nature. Much like high-quality cooking oils such as olive oil, face oils also have a shelf-life and their nutrients degrade over time. However, antioxidants help to extend the shelf life. We recommend choosing a formula that contains potent and effective antioxidants such as vitamin E or rosemary extract.

Free From Irritating Fragrance and Photosensitizing Essential Oils

Added fragrance/perfume and photosensitizing essential oils have no benefits to your skin. In fact, they can do more harm than good when applied to the delicate skin on your face – causing allergic reactions and irritation.

Essential oils commonly found in luxury facial oils, such as lemon, grapefruit and bergamot can make skin extra sensitive to the sun – making you more susceptible to skin damage and burns – which is why we recommend avoiding them.

Face Oils for Gua Sha Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Gua Sha?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine tool that involves massaging your skin with a stone.

What Does Gua Sha Do?

Gua sha is reported to help with stimulating circulation, relax facial muscles that cause frown lines and deep expression wrinkles, de-puff and promote a healthy glow.

When Is The Best Time To Gua Sha?

You can gua sha any time of day that works best for you.

What Is The Best Face Oil To Gua Sha With Sensitive Skin?

We recommend using a biocompatible oil such as jojoba if looking to use a gua sha on sensitive skin.

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