If gua sha has ever left your skin irritated, congested, or just plain frustrated, you’re not alone. Not every product works for every skin type, and the wrong choice can turn a relaxing ritual into a breakout nightmare.
We spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban to find out which products make gua sha a glow-boosting, stress-melting habit—no matter your skin type.
“Every skin type needs a proper ‘conductor’ to let the tool glide effortlessly,” Dr. Ava explains. “This prevents tugging, friction, and irritation, while helping your products penetrate the skin’s protective barrier.”
She adds that the right formula should stick around long enough to support your full session. A microbiome-friendly mist or serum with gentle actives, like hypochlorous acid, is perfect for prepping the skin before applying water- or oil-based serums for gua sha.
Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
For oily or acne-prone skin, gua sha works best with a lightweight, noncomedogenic oil or water-based serum that helps balance sebum and prevent clogged pores. Dr. Ava recommends ingredients like grapeseed, rosehip, jojoba, safflower, argan, or squalane oils, along with hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid for hydration and pore refinement. Niacinamide is another win—it supports the skin barrier, calms redness, and helps regulate oil production.
Dry Skin
For dry skin, gua sha is all about rich hydration and slip. Dr. Ava recommends using a nourishing oil serum like Surya Balancing Face Oil, packed with essential fatty acids and omegas to deeply moisturize and support the skin’s natural barrier. This kind of product keeps the tool gliding smoothly while giving dry skin the boost it needs.
Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin isn’t the same as dry skin—while dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin is a temporary lack of water. For this, gua sha works well with either a water-based or oil-based product. Dr. Ava suggests a potent hydrator featuring multi-weight hyaluronic acid to deeply replenish moisture and keep the tool gliding smoothly.
Mature Skin
Mature skin often needs both hydration and gentle exfoliation. For gua sha, start with a serum that offers slip and skin-renewing benefits—like Mirabella All-in-One Clarifying Serum, packed with exfoliating acids that won’t over-dry. Hyaluronic acid is a must, and Dr. Nigma’s Serum No. 1 provides perfect glide while deeply moisturizing.
For an extra nourishing boost, try a multi-tasking oil like Living Libations Best Skin Ever Sea Buckthorn Oil. It doubles as an oil cleanser and keeps gua sha effortless while supporting mature skin’s needs.
Sensitive/Reactive Skin
For sensitive or reactive skin, keeping things simple is key. Dr. Ava recommends sticking to single-ingredient oils like jojoba or argan—they’re gentle, hydrating, and far less likely to cause irritation. Argan oil, in particular, is rich in fatty acids and has natural anti-inflammatory benefits that help calm redness and support the skin barrier.
When it comes to gua sha, slip is everything. Choose a product that lets the tool glide without friction and skip the trending formulas that don’t actually serve your skin. Take your time, treat it like a ritual, and let consistency be your sculpting secret. Your skin will thank you.
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed are those of the author and experts included, and do not reflect an official endorsement of any product or service. Always consult with a licensed professional regarding any skincare concerns or treatments. BeautyLeeBar is not responsible for any outcomes, decisions, or actions taken based on the content provided.
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