Up Level your Gua Sha Facial Routine with these Essential Oils

Editor’s Note: Please join us to welcome back Sarah from @lavenderandcobotanicals for another blog post here on our Julisa The Kind Life Blog, sharing her wisdom on the best essential oils to use on your face with gua sha tools. Sarah has previously shared an insightful article here on the using facial mapping as a tool with your gua sha routine to understand the possible cause for various skin concerns. Have a read if you’ve missed the post! We’ve also created a crystal based facial relaxation meditation clip, designed for you to practise before your gua sha facial to prepare your body and mind to soak in all the benefits of gua sha. Happy mindful me-time!

When using your gua sha facial tool, it is important to add a face oil to the skin before you start. This is to ensure the gua sha tool can glide over the skin with ease and does not tug or pull on your face. The Julisa Mermaid Elixir Tamanu Oil is a beautiful face oil to do this with, and you can add your essential oils straight to this as it works as a universal base oil to dilute your essential oil blend.

It is important to note that essential oils are extremely potent! They are the extracted chemical constituents from the plants, and so you really only need a few drops.

For your gua-sha facial routine, it is recommended that you add no more than 12 drops to the 30 ml bottle of tamanu elixir oil. So here you could choose 3 essential oils that target what you most want, and add 4 drops of each.

Lastly, I’d also suggest that you practice your essential oil gua sha routine at night to allow the oils to really soak into the skin and be absorbed. In the morning you also need to remember to apply sunscreen (a non-toxic one is preferred of course), as some essential oils can make your skin more prone to sun damage.

Gua Sha Facial with Essential Oils by Skin Concerns

ACNE

Essential oils may be beneficial in supporting the treatment of acne externally, as acne can occur when there is an overgrowth of the bacteria propionibacterium acnes.

Keep in mind that there are many internal and lifestyle factors that also contribute to this condition. While using your gua sha and essential oils may help, you will also need to take a look at the other contributing factors and address those to have good and lasting results.
Clary Sage | Salvia sclarea linn

The main constituents present within clary sage are linalool, lineally acetate, alpha terpineol, geranyl and germacrene D. This essential oil is often used by women externally for period pains, to ease the cramping and muscle tension. When it comes to your face, clary sage has been found to help control sebum production; thus may be useful for those with both acne prone oily skin and dry skin. It may also be used for anti ageing effects and helps to minimise wrinkles.
Tea tree | Melaleuca alternifolia

Here the main constituents include terpinen-4-ol, cineole, and alpha sabine. Tea tree is known for its antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. For these reasons it can be a great choice for acne sufferers.
Frankincense | Boswellia serrata

This is an essential oil that is often raved about for its anti ageing properties. However, to date there are actually no published studies reporting these effects (not to say that it doesn’t still have them – there is just no research as of yet). What has been found (in vitro) is that it can aid in skin remodelling in terms of wound healing; so it may be useful when it comes to acne and reducing scarring that can occur afterwards.
ANTI-AGEING

The main issues at hand here include fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, dry skin and simply lack lustre and dull looking skin. Adding the following essential oils to your routine may help combat these issues and maintain a youthful glow.

Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia

It is an essential oil that contains lineally acetate, linalool, camphor, terpinen-4-ol, 1-8 cineole and beta ocimene. These constituents vary in amounts within the different species of lavender. Linalool and lineally have been found to absorb the best through the skin; and have the ability to calm the central nervous system.

Lavender essential oil added to your guasha routine is something I would recommend you keep for the evenings, as it will help you to relax, and feel ready to sleep. Aside from its relaxing properties, lavender has also been found very useful in the treatment of burns and abrasions, as it can promote new cell growth. So whether you have actual burns, or simply use this as part of your anti ageing regime, lavender is a great choice.
Ylang-ylang | Cananga odorata

The constituents within this plant include pinene, Farnese, eugenol, geranial, methyl chavicol, beta caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, geraniol, linalol, farnesol and benzyl acetate. Ylang-ylang has been shown to have euphoric properties, giving us the sense of wellbeing as we inhale its aroma. Studies have shown this essential oil can slow one’s heartbeat and breathing, suggesting its use for anxiety and stress.

Ylang-ylang is said to improve both oily and dry skin, the latter of which can be an issue for ageing. Other studies have also looked at the use of its essential oil for improving one’s self esteem. Whether you use it for its physical properties or for its aromatherapy benefits, this is a lovely oil to add to your routine.
Rose Otto | Rosa damascena

This botanical contains constituents such as esters, aliphatic aldehydes, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, and phenols. When it comes to the skin, rose has been found useful for signs of ageing such as broken capillaries, fine lines and wrinkles, redness and inflammation; as well as dry and sensitive skin. It is an antiseptic and astringent. Editor’s Note: if you’re looking for a ready-to-use rose oil blend, we have one in our online shop here that incoporates the potent anti-inflammatory power of tamanu oil and the nourishing properties of rose otto.

 

DULL SKIN

Lemon | Citrus limon

The main constituents within lemon include D-limonene and L-limonene, which form the largest part of the essential oil. The remainder includes traces of pinene, phellandrene, and sesquiterpenes; as well as aldehyde citral. The essential oil of lemon has antiseptic, and astringent properties (astringency may help to shrink pores), and is another great option for acne prone skin. It is also said to brighten and rejuvenate dull looking skin.

DRY SKIN

Chamomile | Matricaria recutita

With this essential oil it is important you look for one that is blue in colour, and that is also Roman chamomile, rather than German. The blue colour is due to its sesquiterpenoid chamazulene. It also contains constituents such as myrcene, camphene, azulene, pinocarveol, beta-caryophyllene, cineole, pinocarvone, farnesol, pinene and bisabolol. For the skin it may be useful in the treatment of conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as sunburn and even cold sores. This is due to its antibacterial and anti inflammatory effects.Again, please keep in mind that what we do externally for our skin is only a very small part of the picture. Internal wellness such as the lifestyle you live and the foods you consume are key players in how your skin will look now, and in the future.

We hope you enjoyed this post and found it insightful – and would love to know in the comments below – which essential oils will you be adding to your gua sha skincare routine tonight?

Sending love,

Sarah x

Final semester Student Naturopath (BHSc)

Owner of Lavender & Co. Botanicals – wellness and creative studio

Website: www.lavenderandcobotanicals.com

IG: @lavenderandcobotanicals | Email: [email protected]