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: A Simple Routine for Radiant Skin
Gua sha has become a popular way to support healthy, glowing skin - and it’s easy to see why. This gentle massage technique helps boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and release facial tension, all using a smooth stone tool.
If you’re curious about giving it a try, one of the key things to consider is which face oil to use. The right oil helps your gua sha tool glide comfortably across the skin, preventing any pulling or dragging. In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics: how gua sha works, when to do it in your routine, what kind of tool to use, and which oils are best.
Whether you’re completely new to gua sha or just looking for tips, this guide will help you get started.
Key Takeaways
- Gua sha is a gentle face massage that supports lymphatic drainage and boosts skin radiance.
- Using a face oil is essential for a smooth, comfortable massage.
- Certain oils are better than others - look for non-comedogenic, nourishing oils that have some slip for massage but are not too heavy.
- You don't need to be an expert to try gua sha at home - just a tool, some oil and a few mindful minutes.
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.
Which Oil to Use for Gua Sha Face Massage
The best oils for gua sha are lightweight, nourishing, and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores). You want an oil that provides enough slip for the tool to glide smoothly across the skin, without feeling too heavy or greasy. This is especially important if your skin is acne-prone.
These oils are great choices to use for gua sha: jojoba, argan, olive squalane, camellia and grapessed oil. These nourishing plant-based oils are lightweight and non-comedogenic, making them ideal for your gua sha routine. Opt for high quality, cold-pressed versions - these will be more beneficial for your skin.
If you’re looking for a 100% natural, acne-safe option, Amaranthine's Face Oil is a beautiful choice. It’s formulated without pore-clogging ingredients and gives just the right amount of slip for gua sha. It's a luxurious blend of nourishing and soothing plant oils, including jojoba, argan and olive squalane. It's also Infused with aromatic essential oils for a relaxing aromatherapy gua sha routine.
How to Do a Gua Sha Face Massage: Step-by-Step
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.
Watch her own gua sha routine in this video. Jules uses Amaranthine's face oil and this is why she loves it for her gua sha face massage:
"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
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.
