Gua sha facials have become the latest viral at-home beauty treatment. Though it’s been trending in recent years, the benefits of gua sha have been observed for centuries. Often done with face oils, one of the benefits of the ritual is that it helps the nourishing ingredients absorb deeper into the skin, creating the look of a smooth, glowing and sculpted complexion. If you’re looking for the best face oils for gua sha, read on as we explain the function of facial oils and suggest some options that you can incorporate.
Best Face Oils for Gua Sha
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese practice with numerous health benefits.
Gua sha facials done using modern techniques are much gentler than the traditional approach. They are performed using a flat, contoured stone like rose quartz or jade, which is swept comfortably across your nicely oiled face and neck to boost the skin’s blood circulation. This is the secret behind the gua sha glow!
The treatment also helps flush out toxins by improving lymphatic drainage, temporarily diminishing any puffiness. Licensed esthetician Ali Tobia says, “Gua sha works to move those collected fluids into the lymphatic system where they get cleaned and mixed back into your bloodstream. Unlike the circulatory system, there is no pump for the lymphatic system … By performing gua sha techniques, you are giving your lymphatic system the boost that it needs to rid yourself of the fluids that are stuck beneath the surface of your skin and causing your face to bloat.”
Gua sha may have other benefits too. It appears to relax the fibrous, collagen-rich connective tissue called fascia, which covers the facial muscles. This helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and may even encourage collagen and elastin formation. Facialist and acupuncturist Ada Ooi says, “[Gua sha] has significant brightening, lifting and sculpting improvements for your face. It stops the face from holding tension and softens the look of any fine lines that may have occurred as a result.” Regular gua sha facials can help define the contouring of cheekbone and jawline, thanks to the upward sweeping motion “lifting” the face and neck.
