April 18, 2025
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4 MIN READ
Gua sha face massage: benefits, tools & the best oils to use
Gua sha for the face: choosing the right oil for a smooth, supportive routine
Gua sha has become a popular way to support healthy, glowing skin - and it’s easy to see why. This gentle facial massage technique can help boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and release tension using a smooth stone tool.
One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of a gua sha routine is the face oil you use. The right oil allows your tool to glide comfortably across the skin, helping prevent pulling or dragging - and it’s especially important if you’re prone to breakouts or sensitivity.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how gua sha works, where it fits into your skincare routine, what to look for in a face oil, and which types of oils tend to work best. Whether you’re new to gua sha or refining your routine, this will help you choose an oil that supports your skin rather than stressing it.
Key takeaways
- Gua sha is a gentle facial massage technique that supports circulation, lymphatic drainage, and skin radiance.
- Using a face oil is an important part of a gua sha routine, helping the tool glide smoothly without pulling or dragging on the skin.
- Not all face oils are suited to gua sha. Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that offer enough slip without feeling heavy tend to work best - especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
- You don’t need to be an expert to try gua sha at home. A simple tool, the right face oil, and a few mindful minutes can be enough to get started.
What Is Gua Sha & How Does It Work?
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese technique traditionally used on the body to improve circulation and release muscle tension. In recent years, it's been adapted for the face using smaller, smoother tools.
During a gua sha facial massage, you gently glide a stone tool across the face in upward and outward strokes.
Gua Sha Benefits
- Stimulares blood flow
- Encourages lymphatic drainage
- Relieves muscle tension (especially around the jaw or brow)
- Reduce puffiness
- Supports a natural glow
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
It’s a relaxing practice that also gives your skincare products a boost by improving absorption.
What Type of Gua Sha Tool Should You Use?
Gua sha tools are usually made from materials like jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel. Look for a tool designed specifically for the face, with curves and angles that suit the contours of your skin. Some popular shapes include heart-shaped, winged, or comb-edged tools.
There’s no “best” material - it’s about what feels good and is easy for you to hold. Keep it clean and store it safely to avoid chips or cracks.
When to Gua Sha in Your Skincare Routine
Gua sha should be done on clean, well-moisturised skin. It’s best to do it after cleansing and applying a face oil - this gives the tool enough glide and prevents tugging. You can use it:
- In the morning to reduce puffiness
- In the evening aspart of a calming wind-down
There’s no need to do it every day. 2–3 times per week is a good place to start.
Choosing the right face oil for gua sha massage
When choosing a face oil for gua sha, it’s important to look for oils that are lightweight, nourishing, and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores). The right oil should provide enough slip for the tool to glide smoothly across the skin, without feeling heavy or greasy - particularly if your skin is prone to breakouts or congestion.
Plant oils that tend to work well for gua sha include jojoba, argan, olive squalane, camellia, and grapeseed oil. These oils are naturally lightweight, absorb well into the skin, and help support the skin barrier while allowing for a comfortable massage. Opting for high-quality, cold-pressed oils can also help ensure your skin benefits from their natural nutrients.
If you prefer a ready-made option rather than blending oils yourself, a well-formulated face oil can be a practical choice. For example, Amaranthine’s Face Oil is made with a blend of lightweight, non-comedogenic plant oils such as jojoba, argan, and olive squalane, offering enough slip for gua sha while remaining comfortable on acne-prone skin. It’s designed to support the skin barrier and enhance the overall feel of a gua sha routine, without relying on heavy or pore-clogging ingredients.
How to perform a gua sha face massage
Here are some tips to get you started. (You’ll also find a short video tutorial below.)
- Start with a clean face and apply your oil generously.
- Hold your gua sha tool flat against your skin.
- Use gentle, upward and outward strokes, starting from the neck and moving up to the forehead.
- Repeat each stroke 3-5 times.
- Focus on areas where you feel tension - jawline, brow, cheeks.
- Clean your tool after use.
Watch a Gua Sha Face Massage Tutorial
Jules Murray is a 38 year old mum who's been on her own health journey for almost two years - unpicking everything from toxic ingredients in food to how our beauty products are deregulating our hormones. She is now studying for her 3 year diploma in Nutritional Therapy and sharing her learning with her Instagram community.
In this video, Jules shares her own gua sha routine and how she incorporates face oil into the practice.
"I love using this face oil for my gua sha (and without) because it's incredibly nourishing without being greasy. It doesn't sit on the skin but gets soaked up and leaves it feeling hydrated and dewy."
Final thoughts on building a gua sha routine
Gua sha is a lovely way to slow down, reconnect with your skin, and support its natural function. Choosing the right face oil makes all the difference - whether that’s a single plant oil or a beautifully blended formula.
Let it be a moment of self-care, not perfection. Just a few mindful minutes, your favourite oil, and a smooth stone.
Sarah Rueger
About the author
Sarah is the founder of certified palm oil free natural skincare brand Amaranthine. She is a qualified organic skincare formulator and has diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Clinical Aromatherapy.
