Finding The Perfect Gua Sha Oil & Cream

When it comes to starting a Gua Sha practice one of the most common questions I get asked is what kind of oil you should use.

And here's my answer: Take into account your current skin condition, the time of the day and consider using a shea-based cream instead of an oil.

But let’s start with the basics.

Written by: Isabelle Brockbals, Founder of &Spirit

Choosing a Gua Sha Face Oil

If you want to use a face oil, choose according to the current state of your skin (note that I am not saying skin type because I think our skin is constantly changing with us). Also take into account the time of the day you want to do your Gua Sha ritual since our skin has a natural rhythm and needs different things at different times of the day.

Choose natural cold pressed oils, preferably with no additives.

If you know your skin does well with essential oils, you can add some drops.

Light vs. more nourishing oils

Instead of obsessing over skin types, ask yourself two questions:

1. Time of the day

Are you more of a morning or evening Gua Sha person? Or both?

In general at the beginning of the day our skin does well with lighter oils. The later it gets, it can handle more nourishing oils. If you apply a lot of nourishing oils and creams in the morning, your skin might get overwhelmed.

2. Current skin condition

What is it that you feel your skin needs at the moment? More nourishment? A lightweight oil? Some help with blemishes and inflammation?

Pick your favourite

Light Oils: Choose one of those for morning Gua Sha rituals as well as for acne prone skin.

• Grapeseed Oil: grapeseed oil is known for its skin toning, pore refining properties.  

• Jojoba Oil: jojoba oil mimics the skin's own sebum, is absorbed quickly and a really light every day oil.

• Glow Face Oil from the Danish Brand Naturligolie: Wonderful mix of 7 cold pressed face oils including raspberry kernel oil, sea buckthorn oil and jojoba oil.  

• Wildling Lumin Three-In-One Oil: Specifically designed Gua Sha Oil for blemish prone skin.

Use code ANDSPIRIT10 to get 10% off all Wilding Beauty products.  

Nourishing Oils: Choose one of those for evening Gua Sha rituals or if your skin feels like it needs some extra TLC and nourishment.

• Argan Oil: argan oil is a nourishing oil that is known for its many skin benefitting properties including slow ageing and oxidative stress support.

• Avocado Oil: avocado oil is known for its nourishing and skin moisturizing properties.

2. Choose a cream - Our favourite: Shea Cream by Five Skincare

You might ask yourself: But can't I just use my regular day/night cream? Well that depends if the cream that you are using is water based which most creams are.

A regular water based cream would evaporate too quickly to be used for your Gua Sha practice.

A great alternative to a Gua Sha Face Oil that I discovered a few years back (and still use daily) is the Shea Cream by the Swiss brand Five Skincare.

If you apply it according to layering rules (more on that later, its not difficult at all) it sinks nicely into the skin while giving you enough of a glide for your Gua Sha experience.

It works with almost all skin types and since it can be used as a regular day cream, you most likely won't need to apply any other cream afterwards.

Learn more about the Shea Cream here. With ANSPIRIT10 you get 10% off when shopping at FIVE SKINCARE.

3. Layering rules: How your face oil and shea cream sinks best into your skin

For the oil element of a Face Oil or Shea Cream to be absorbed best, apply it to damp skin. A nice way to do that is spay a few pumps of Rose Water Mist on your face and then apply the oil or cream of your choice. Cover your face and your throat and be generous. If you don't have Rose Water use some Facial Toner or a splash or water. 

Now you are ready to start your Gua Sha Sequence.

Not sure how to start? In this video I guide you through a 5 min relaxing Gua Sha sequence.

The Bottom Line

Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by the amount of facial oils out there.

Make it easy for yourself, choose a simple, good quality oil or shea cream like the ones mentioned above and start enjoying the benefits of a regular Gua Sha practice.

If you are still in doubt which face oil or cream you should use for your Gua Sha practice mail to isabelle(at)and-spirit.com or message me on Instagram via @and.spirit.

Together, we will find out!

 Written by: Isabelle Brockbals, Founder of &Spirit

Photo credit: FIVE SKINCARE, Wildling Beauty