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I love facial oils and I love gua sha. Combined, they make the perfect at-home facial treatment. The oils used during gua sha treatment can provide a range of health benefits but if you’re like me and struggle with acne, I have the best facial oils to share. Some of the best gua sha oils for acne prone skin include jojoba oil, tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, and sea buckthorn oil.1
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves using a curved, often jade, tool to massage the skin. The goal is to break up congestion and improve circulation. This can help with wrinkles, dullness, and even puffiness. Gua sha treatments are growing in popularity as people search for ways to provide themselves with a spa-like experience at home.
With gua sha, this facial massage technique involves using a tool to help increase circulation and lymphatic drainage while promoting collagen production. The result is firmer, brighter, and smoother-looking skin.
Related: The Complete Gua How-To Guide And The Benefits
There are a few different ways to do gua sha at home but the most important part is to have the right tools and know how to use them. The best gua sha oil for acne-prone skin will help improve your complexion while also providing a number of other health benefits.2
When building any skincare routine it’s important to understand your skin type or conditions to choose the best oils and products for your skin. Specific skin concerns need key ingredients to help soothe, calm, or brighten the complexion. Depending on your particular skin type, some of these oils may be better suited for you than others.3
While there are plenty of gua sha oils on the market, it’s important to choose one that will be beneficial for your skin type.4
- Oily skin – Because of excess sebum production requires oils that won’t clog pores. Look for oils that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and help to regulate sebum production. Some of the best oils for oily skin include jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, and seabuckthorn oil.
- Dry skin – This skin type is often in need of hydration and moisture. Choose oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to help lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental damage. Some of the best oils for dry skin include avocado oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and rosehip oil.
- Sensitive skin – People with sensitive skin need to be careful when choosing facial oils as they can easily irritate the skin. Look for oils that are hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. Some of the best oils for sensitive skin include jojoba oil, almond oil, and evening primrose oil.
- Acne-prone skin – People with acne-prone skin need to be careful when choosing facial oils as they can easily clog pores and cause breakouts. Look for oils that are non-comedogenic, anti-inflammatory, and help to reduce sebum production.
- Combination skin – This skin type is a mix of both oily and dry skin. Choose oils that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and help to balance sebum production. Some of the best oils for combination skin include jojoba oil, grape seed oil, hazelnut oil, and seabuckthorn oil.
Related: How To Choose A Regular Facial Treatment For Your Skin Type
If you have acne-prone skin, the best gua sha oils for acne prone skin contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to help reduce breakouts. Acne-prone skin types have to be mindful of oil production, acne scars, dark spots, and inflammation when choosing the best gua sha oil. When combined with chemicals like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, these natural oils can help improve the surface of the skin.
The Best Gua Sha Oils for Acne Prone Skin
1. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is one of the best face oils ever. It’s perfect for all skin types but works especially well for acne-prone skin. It’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores. Jojoba oil is one of the best gua sha oils for acne prone skin because it’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, two properties that are important in the fight against acne.
Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil Natural Cold Pressed Unrefined Hexane Free Oil for Hair & Face
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another oil that works well for all skin types but is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin. It’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, two properties that help to fight acne. Tea tree oil can also help to reduce sebum production, one of the main culprits of acne.
TruSkin Tea Tree Clear Skin Super Serum, with Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Retinol
3. Hemp Seed Oil
The amino acids and essential fatty acids in hemp oil make it an excellent choice for people with acne-prone skin. Hemp oil is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Hemp oil can help to soothe inflammation and reduce redness associated with acne.
SVA Organics Hemp Seed Organic USDA Cold Pressed Oil
4. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, all of which are important for healthy skin. Rosehip oil is also non-comedogenic and can help to reduce the appearance of scars. Rosehip seed oil chemical compounds may help to reduce the severity of acne.
Radha Beauty USDA Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, 100% Pure Cold Pressed
5. Neem Oil
Neem oil is an Ayurvedic remedy that’s been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne. Neem oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, two properties that make it an excellent choice for people with acne-prone skin. Neem oil can also help to reduce sebum production and the appearance of scars.
Premium Organic Unrefined Cold Pressed Neem Oil
6. Sweet Almond Oil
The vitamin E and essential fatty acids are what make sweet almond oil an excellent choice for people with acne-prone skin. Sweet almond oil absorbs quickly and is non-comedogenic, two properties that are important for people with acne-prone skin. Sweet almond oil can also help to reduce the appearance of scars.
NOW Solutions Pure 100% Sweet Almond Oil
7. Lavender Oil
Although essential oils should be used with caution on acne-prone skin, lavender oil is one of the few that can be beneficial. Lavender oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, two properties that can help to fight acne. Lavender oil can also help to reduce the appearance of scars. Be sure to dilute lavender oil before applying it to the skin.
Ola Prima Therapedic Grade Lavender Essential Oil
8. Argan Oil
I love argan oil for my hair but it’s also great for the skin. Argan oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, all of which are important for healthy skin. Argan oil is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Argan oil can help to reduce the appearance of scars and is also anti-inflammatory.
Cliganic Cold Pressed Organic Argan Oil
9. Marula Oil
Vitamin A, C, and E are just some of the nutrients that make marula oil an excellent choice for people with acne-prone skin. Marula oil is also non-comedogenic and can help to reduce the appearance of scars. The antioxidants in marula oil can also help to fight free radical damage, one of the main causes of premature aging.
Pure Body Naturals Marula Cold-pressed Beauty Oil for Face and Hair
How To Use Gua Sha And Oil For Acne Prone Skin
Once you’ve found the right facial oil for your acne prone skin, it’s time to add in a gua sha routine. The gua sha tool is easy to use and can be very helpful in clearing out congestion and promoting healthy circulation. The benefits of gua sha for acne-prone skin include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating lymphatic drainage
- Promoting circulation
- Relieving muscle tension
To use gua sha on acne-prone skin, start by cleansing the face and neck. Next, apply a few drops of facial oil to the skin. Use light pressure as you move the gua sha tool over the skin in upward and outward motions. Be sure to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and lips. After a few minutes, rinse the face with warm water and apply your usual skincare routine.
Related: The Benefits Of Using Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser For Acne
Side Effects Of Gua Sha
There are a few potential side effects of gua sha that you should be aware of before you begin using this tool on your skin. The most common side effect is bruising. This can happen if you press too hard when using the gua sha tool. To avoid bruising, be sure to use light pressure and avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and lips. You may also experience redness, swelling, or discomfort after using gua sha. These side effects are usually temporary and will resolve within a few days. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before using gua sha on your skin.
Acne is a very common skin condition that affects people of all ages. While it is most commonly seen in teenagers, it can also affect adults. If you have acne, it is important to take care of your skin so that the condition does not worsen. Outside of gua sha oil for acne prone skin, here are some tips for caring for acne-prone skin:
Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers as these can strip the natural oils from your skin and make your acne worse.
- Never pick or squeeze your pimples as this can cause scarring.
- Use an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy looking.
- Choose makeup and skincare products that are non-comedogenic (will not clog pores).
- If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure to clean them regularly as they can collect oil and dirt which can contribute to breakouts.
- Be sure to remove all makeup before going to bed so that your skin can breathe overnight.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Avoid touching your face during the day as this can transfer bacteria and oils from your hands onto your skin.
- If you are a smoker, quitting will not only improve your overall health but also help clear up your skin.
- Stress can also contribute to breakouts so try to find ways to relax and de-stress such as yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Acne is a common skin condition but it doesn’t have to control your life. The best thing you can do for your acne-prone skin is to find a skincare routine that works for you and stick with it. Incorporating a gua sha routine can help to improve the appearance of your skin and promote overall skin health. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before using gua sha on your skin to ensure it is right for you.
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