If you’ve skimped on your gua sha routine or thrown in the oil-stained towel altogether due to breakouts and clogged pores, we understand. Not all skin types are created equal, and not everyone’s skin responds well to an oil-slicked experience, no matter how great the lymphatic sculpted results.
We tapped Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist, for her expertise on which product works best for every skin type to thrive with a regular gua sha routine.
To begin, Dr. Ava explains, “All skin types generally need a proper ‘conductor’ that helps the tool glide smoothly over the skin, preventing any tugging, pulling, friction, or irritation. Moderate pressure and repetitive motion help products penetrate through the skin’s guardrail, aka the stratum corneum layer.”
In other words, if you’re not properly lubed up, gua sha is out of the question.
Dr. Ava also notes that you don’t want a product that will dissipate or disappear too quickly. “You want it to stick around and absorb by the end of your gua sha session. I often recommend using a microbiome-friendly, balancing mist or serum with hypochlorous acid to prep the skin before gua sha and prior to both water- and oil-based serums.”
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
“Gua sha can be helpful when done with a super lightweight, noncomedogenic facial oil or water-based serum that helps manage oil production and balance the surface sebum,” Dr. Ava says.
“Choose a product with grapeseed, rosehip oil, jojoba, safflower, argan, or squalane oils. Also look for hyaluronic and salicylic acids for hydration and pore refinement. Niacinamide is great for barrier support and works well to aid in oil balance and relieve redness and inflammation.”
Dry Skin
Surya Balancing Face Oil is an oil serum that deeply nourishes the skin with powerful lipids, making it a great slip loaded with moisture. Dr. Ava explains that we need nourishing fatty acids and all the key omegas to support the needs of dry skin.
Dehydrated Skin
Yes, dry skin and dehydrated skin are different. Dry skin is caused by an imbalance of sebum, while dehydrated skin is a temporary state due to water loss. Dr. Ava assures us that we can use either an oil-based or a water-based product for dehydration in the skin.
“I often like to recommend a potent hydrator with multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid for dehydrated skin.”
Mature Skin
Mature skin is also usually dry, and therefore, can benefit from both moisture and exfoliation. The Mirabella All-in-One Clarifying Serum is a triple threat for problematic skin because it has a host of exfoliating acids that doesn’t strip or dry it any further.
Hyaluronic acid is beneficial for all skin types at any age, but it becomes even more necessary as we age. Enter: Dr. Nigma’s Serum No. 1, a hero product for a great gua sha slip on mature skin.
For a deeply nourishing oil that doubles as an oil cleanser (who doesn’t love multi-functional products?), try sculpting and draining the face with Living Libations Best Skin Ever Sea Buckthorn Oil, an ingredient that comes highly recommended by Dr. Ava for a mature skincare routine.
Sensitive/Reactive Skin
In this realm, Dr. Ava emphasizes that simple is best. Single-ingredient carrier oils like jojoba and argan can nourish and moisturize without aggravating sensitive types.
She explains, “Argan, with its high level of anti-inflammatory properties, is generally good for sensitive skin. It calms and soothes redness and irritation. It’s hypoallergenic, and it has rich fatty acids that support the skin barrier.”
At the end of the day, the slip is the strategy because gua sha shouldn’t work against you. Choose the glide that actually serves your skin type (not the one TikTok made you panic purchase). Take your time, and let it be a ritual instead of a race—the mindful approach that brings results. Say hello to the era of your sculpted face.
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