The Best Face Oils For Gua Sha

If you’re someone who’s always looking for ways to improve your skin, you’ve probably heard of gua sha somewhere along the line. It’s not a new practice, but it certainly has drawn a lot of attention recently. And, with all this interest, comes a lot of questions. A huge one being ‘which face oils should I be using for my gua sha massage?’.

The answer really depends on your skin type/concerns and the results you want to achieve. Different oils have different benefits, and massaging them into the skin like this simply amplifies these benefits. So, without further ado, here are some of my favourite facial oils for gua sha (and just face rolling in general).

What is gua sha?

Gua sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves scraping a flat stone (usually made out of jade or rose quartz) over the skin. This is supposed to stimulate blood flow and relax the muscles.

It’s also been said to help with lymphatic drainage and collagen production – though the latter is often contested.

Which face oils are best for gua sha?

1. Q+A Super Food Facial Oil

Best for: Dry, sensitive skin

Q+A’s Super Food is the ultimate moisture barrier repair oil. It contains so many antioxidants and essential fatty acids that you’ll almost instantly be able to notice a difference in your skin! Rich in vitamins A, C, E & F, this oil is nourishing and brightening, helping to reduce both redness and dark spots. It feels super light on the face and is 100% fragrance-free so you won’t need to worry about irritation.

Comprising 22 different ingredients, all of which are natural, this is ‘super’ oil definitely lives up to its name. If you want to find out more about it, check out my review here.

2. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Best for: Fighting signs of ageing

This is a face oil that everyone needs. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d to without it! Rose-hip is suited to all skin types and does wonders for those in need of a little hydration. The Ordinary’s version is cold-pressed meaning that the heat-sensitive components, like linoleic acid and pro-vitamin A, can continue to work at their full potential.

3. PIXI Jasmine Oil Blend

Best for: Irritated, unbalanced skin

PIXI’s Jasmine Oil Blend is another product that’s packed with skin-nourishing ingredients. Almond, sunflower and avocado are just some of the oils you can find inside this blend, alongside plant extracts such as evening primrose, jasmine and lavender. This is great for calming the skin, as well as getting rid of dry patches and dullness.

4. Q+A Squalane Facial Oil

Best for: Acne-prone skin

If the thought of rubbing oil into your acne-prone skin terrifies you a little, this is the product for you. Q+A’s squalane facial oil is light and non-comedogenic so you can be sure that it won’t clog your pores. It’s designed to improve skin texture and prevent moisture loss, making sure that your skin stays firm and supple without feeling oily or greasy.

What I love most about this oil is that it rinses off with water. Some other oils cling to your skin, but with this one there’s no need scrub your face or hands to remove it. It washes away so easily!

Interested? Read my full review here.

5. Fushi Organic Jojoba Oil

Best for: Combination/oily skin

Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins A, E, and D, as well as tonnes of other antioxidants, minerals and fatty acids. This is makes it the ideal compliment to your gua sha massage. It’s particularly suited to combination and oily skin types as it regulates sebum production. It’s also great for reducing the appearance of dark spots, scars and fine lines.

RELATED READ: Why Your Oily Skin Actually Needs More Oil

6. The Ordinary 100% Cold Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

Best for: Dry, cracked skin

If plump and dewy skin is your end goal, you need to try marula oil. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, making it more impervious to external aggressors and contaminants. It also has wound healing properties so this would be amazing for those with skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea. Marula oil is the ultimate skin soother – you’re definitely going to want to include it in your gua sha routine!

Which gua sha stone should I buy?

While you can find gua sha tools in most beauty stores, it’s best to buy from Asian-owned brands or brands that are at least knowledgeable about the practice. For this reason, these are some of the scrapers I recommend:

• 1. Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha £25
• 2. Sonagi Jade Gua Sha £15
• 3. White Lotus Jade Gua Sha £28.99*
• 4. Hayo’u Rose Quartz Beauty Restorer £38*

*Not Asian-owned but the founder(s) have studied and currently practice in Chinese Medicine.

Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from using other face oils for gua sha, these are just some of the most effective and affordable! Have you tried gua sha yet? Let me know in the comments.