Are you looking for the perfect serum to use with your gua sha routine? You’re in luck!
Gua sha has quickly become one of the most loved skincare and beauty rituals worldwide. And for good reason: it’s a great way to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage.
But did you know that pairing gua sha with the right serum can take the benefits to the next level?
In this post, our team will be sharing our top 10 picks for the best serums to use with gua sha for glowing, healthy-looking skin. From hydrating hyaluronic acid to brightening vitamin C, we’ve got a serum for every skin concern.
Whether you’re a gua sha pro or just starting out, these serums will help you achieve the ultimate beauty boost.
Because the truth is: introducing a suitable face serum will take your gua sha routine to the next level! We’ve done the research for you, so you can spend less time researching and more time getting your glow on.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect serum to use with your gua sha practice!
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Table of Contents
What is gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping the skin with a tool.
It’s believed to help loosen up any blockages in the body, allowing blood flow to increase and reduce inflammation.
You can use gua sha to treat pain and muscle tension, as well as reduce swelling. It’s usually done on the back, shoulders or legs.
When it comes to facial skincare, gua sha helps to reduce puffiness and remove dead skin cells. It’s also great for treating acne, as it can help to open up clogged pores.
What are facial serums?
Facial serums are skin care products that contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients.
Common active ingredients in facial serums include:
- Antioxidants (e.g. Vitamin C, resveratrol, EUK)
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Retinol
- Peptides
If you are not familiar with face serums yet, check out our free guide: What Are Face Serums And How to Use Them? The Ultimate Guide
Most often, you will use face serums together with other skincare products to boost their effectiveness.
Serums have a lighter texture than creams or lotions, so they can be easily absorbed into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. This makes them ideal for daytime use because your face won’t look shiny when you apply makeup over it later on.
That being said, you can use different serums for daytime and nighttime, depending on the specific skincare issues that you want to address.
When it comes to texture, you can choose between water-based and oil-based serums:
- Water-based face serums:
Water-based serums are lighter in texture than oil-based ones. They will absorb into your skin quickly. Most water-based serums are also less likely to cause irritation if they come into contact with open wounds or sensitive areas like around the eyes or mouth. - Oil-based serums:
Oil-based face serums are heavier in texture than water-based ones. Therefore, they work well as night creams but not so much during daytime, since they can leave an oily shine on your skin. However, you can use oil-based serums for daytime by pairing them with a light moisturizer underneath them. When using strong active ingredients, applying your moisturizer underneath a serum helps reduce irritation and redness.
10 best serums to use with gua sha
Serums are a great way to get extra benefits from your skincare routine. They’re light, easy to use and can be easily incorporated into your existing routine.
If you’re looking for the best serums for gua sha, here are our favorites:
1: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it attracts water to your skin and holds onto it. This can help hydrate dry skin and plump up fine lines.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an affordable option that’s available online, but you can also find hyaluronic acid in other serums, moisturizers or even some face washes.
If you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to use every day (or night), this serum may be the best choice for you!
2: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is a powerful serum that brightens and smoothes skin.
It’s gentle enough for daily use, and it enhances the benefits of gua sha by helping to exfoliate dead skin cells.
The lactic acid in this product works to refine pores, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, reduce inflammation and redness, all while delivering an intense dose of moisture.
3: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
If you’re looking for a serum that will nourish and rejuvenate your skin, then Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum is the one for you.
This product is made with 22 active botanicals and has been formulated by the same team behind Vintner’s Daughter Skincare line.
The main ingredients include rosehip oil, argan oil and sesame seed oil which are known to help reduce inflammation while hydrating dry skin.
The best part about this product is that it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or alcohols.
4: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum is a true cult favorite. It is packed with antioxidants and protects skin from environmental damage. This face serum is great for people who have sensitive skin, as it doesn’t contain any fragrances or harsh ingredients.
If you’re looking for a lightweight serum that will give your face an extra boost of hydration, this one is the way to go!
5: The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum is a great, affordable choice for those who have oily skin.
Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that regulates oil production, reduces the appearance of pores and brightens your complexion.
The niacinamide in this serum also helps to increase collagen production in your skin, which means that it will help you look younger as well as improve the overall health of your skin.
6: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is a great option for those looking to exfoliate and brighten their skin.
The product is gentle enough to use nightly, and it enhances the effects of gua sha by helping slough away dead skin cells and increase circulation in the dermis (the layer of skin underneath your epidermis).
7: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
The Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil serum is a great choice for those looking for bright, glowing skin.
It’s vegan and cruelty-free, so it’s perfect for conscious consumers who want to avoid animal testing.
The rose oil also helps to hydrate the skin and reduce redness.
8: Herbivore Botanicals Prism AHA + BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum
If you’re looking for an exfoliating serum that will gently brighten and enhance the effects of gua sha, Herbivore Botanicals’ Prism AHA + BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum is a great choice.
This vegan and cruelty-free product contains a blend of brightening ingredients such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which work together to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while increasing hydration levels in the skin.
The formula also contains jojoba seed oil and shea butter to moisturize dry areas like the neck and chest area. This helps prevent flaking when applying gua sha treatments on these regions in addition to improving overall texture throughout your body.
9: Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
The Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is a great serum to use with gua sha.
The product contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which are both known for their anti-aging benefits. Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots on your face while hyaluronic acid plumps up skin cells so they look fuller (and therefore younger).
10: Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum
Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum is a vegan and cruelty-free serum that hydrates and plumps skin. It’s also great for conscious consumers who want to use products that are free of toxins and chemicals.
The formula contains a blend of hyaluronic acid, algae, aloe vera juice, cucumber extract and vitamin E oil to hydrate your face while giving it an instant glow.
You’ll notice how soft this product makes your skin feel right away, plus it has a pleasant cooling effect when applied.
How often should you use a serum with gua sha?
Now that you know what serums to use with gua sha, let’s talk about how often to do it.
The answer is simple: you can pair a serum with gua sha as often as you like.
Serums are great for adding extra hydration and nutrients to your skin, so there’s no reason not to use them daily if you want.
It all boils down to your personal preference and what kind of results you’re looking for.
If your goal is just general improvement in overall appearance (e.g., brighter skin tone), then once a day should be enough.
But if there are specific concerns such as fine lines or wrinkles that need addressing, then multiple applications may be necessary until those issues have been resolved.
If you use more than one serum, alternate between using different serums every other day instead of applying them all at once. This way, each product gets its chance without competing with another one’s ingredients. Plus, it will give your face time off from being covered in multiple products every day.
When using serums with gua sha, make sure you follow our guide on how to layer skincare properly for best results.
FAQ: What face serum to use with gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves using a tool to scrape the skin in a downward motion to promote circulation and release tension.
Yes, you can use gua sha without a serum, but using a serum can enhance the benefits of the technique by providing additional hydration and nourishment to the skin.
Using a serum with gua sha can help to enhance the benefits of the technique by providing additional hydration, nourishment, and active ingredients to the skin. The serum can also act as a lubricant, making it easier to glide the gua sha tool over the skin.
The type of serum you use with gua sha will depend on your skin concerns and goals. Look for serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or antioxidants to help hydrate, brighten, and protect the skin.
Yes, you can use oil instead of serum with gua sha. In fact, using an oil can provide additional slip and glide for the gua sha tool. Look for lightweight oils that won’t clog your pores, like jojoba oil or argan oil.
You can use either a water-based or oil-based serum with gua sha, depending on your skin type and concerns. Water-based serums are lightweight and absorb quickly, making them a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin. Oil-based serums are more hydrating and nourishing, making them a good choice for dry or mature skin.
You can use a serum with gua sha once a day or as often as you like. Consistency is key, so choose a frequency that works for you and stick to it.
Yes, you can use different serums with gua sha for morning and night, depending on your skin concerns and goals. In the morning, look for serums with antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental stressors. At night, look for serums with ingredients like retinol or peptides to promote skin renewal and repair.
Some popular serums to use with gua sha include The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, and Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum.
Apply serum to clean skin and use your fingers to gently massage it into your skin. Then, use the gua sha tool to gently scrape your skin in a downward motion, starting from the center of your face and working outwards. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
Summing it up: What serum to use with gua sha
Remember, when selecting a serum to use with gua sha, it’s important to choose one that works well with your skin type and addresses your specific concerns.
Whether you’re looking to target fine lines or brighten your complexion, there’s a serum out there that can help you achieve your goals.
By using gua sha in combination with the right serum, you can enhance the benefits of both and achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin. Go ahead and give it a try!
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