As hormone levels shift during perimenopause and menopause, your skin starts to speak a new language. You might notice more puffiness in the morning, dryness that no cream seems to quench, or a sensitivity that didn’t used to be there. This stage of life calls for more than a routine—it calls for rituals that restore, support, and reconnect you with your skin. If you’re still searching for ways to revamp your regimen, we’ve written about that here. Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to add on extras like gua sha, a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves massaging your skin with a stone tool, to enhance your results.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha has been practiced for centuries as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), originally used to move stagnant “qi” (life force) and support the body’s natural healing processes. Traditionally performed on the body with a smooth-edged tool, gua sha was used to address everything from chronic pain to fever to fatigue. In its modern, facial form, the technique has been refined to promote circulation, ease muscle tension, and support the lymphatic system—all while offering a meditative, grounding experience.
If you’re interested in trying a professional treatment, seek out a trained Traditional Chinese Medicine provider. If you're curious about how to begin at home, start here.
Why Should I Use a Face Oil for Gua Sha?
Gua sha isn’t just about sculpting—it’s about circulation, lymphatic flow, and releasing the tension that tends to build up as estrogen declines. When performed regularly, gua sha may help reduce fluid retention, soften fine lines, and even calm the nervous system. But the tool is only half the story. “The face oil you choose determines how effective—and enjoyable—the experience is, says Susan Campbell, a menopause educator, skincare formulator, and founder of Phosis.
What Makes a Face Oil Good for Gua Sha?
Skin in perimenopause needs more than just “slip.” It needs support. A great gua sha oil should:
-
Provide the right glide – enough to protect your skin, but with enough grip to allow intentional sculpting.
-
Be deeply nourishing – rich in omegas, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory botanicals to replenish skin that's becoming drier and more reactive.
-
Absorb with elegance – lingering just long enough to support the massage, then soaking in without heaviness or greasiness.
-
Be free from irritants – no synthetic fragrance, essential oils, fillers, or harsh preservatives that could disrupt delicate skin.
Why Phosis Luminous Ultrafine Revitalizing Face Oil is the Best Face Oil for Gua Sha
Phosis Luminous Ultrafine Revitalizing Face Oil was designed for hormonally evolving skin. Every drop supports the unique needs of perimenopause and menopause with luxurious ease.
-
Silky texture: It glides beautifully, never greasy, allowing for smooth, effective gua sha strokes.
-
Calming ingredients for dry, sensitive skin: Luminous mimics the skin’s natural lipids, allowing its potent, antioxidant-rich plant-based oils to absorb quickly and completely. It seals in hydration while reinforcing the skin barrier and supporting the microbiome—two key needs for midlife skin. The result: skin that’s stronger but feels softer, looks more radiant, and stays balanced throughout the day.
-
Gentle purity: No fragrance, no parabens, no unnecessary additives—just high-integrity ingredients that calm and nourish.
-
A sensory ritual: Beyond the visible glow, Luminous helps you feel more grounded, more connected, and more in tune with your changing skin.
How to Do Gua Sha with Phosis Luminous Ultrafine Revitalizing Oil
You don’t need a complicated protocol. Just a few minutes of presence and intention. Campbell typically prefers to gua sha her face and neck at night. “It’s a grounding ritual I look forward to at the end of the day,” she says. “But on days when I have a speaking engagement or know I’m going to have my photo taken, facial massage is something I add to my morning routine. Luminous was formulated to be lightweight enough to put makeup on top.”
-
Cleanse: Start by cleansing the face with a non-drying, sulfate-free oil-based cleanser.
-
Apply Luminous: Warm a few drops in your hands and press into your face, neck, and chest.
-
Open the neck: Use downward strokes toward your collarbone to begin lymphatic flow.
-
Define the jaw: Use the gua sha to glide along the jawline, starting from the chin and moving towards the ear, repeating several times.
-
Lift the cheeks: Stroke from nose to temple several times until you begin to see the natural contours of your face emerge.
-
Soften the eyes and brow: Gently move the tool under your eyes, moving from the inner corners toward the temples. Then, scrape along the brow bone, from the inner corner to your temple. Remember: The skin around your eyes is thinner than other parts of your face, so it’s critical to treat it extremely gently.
-
Repeat and Finish: Repeat each movement 5-10 times per section, and complete the ritual by gently moving down the neck once again to help encourage lymphatic drainage.
This Ritual Is for You
Perimenopausal skin isn’t something to fix—it’s something to understand. As your skin changes, gua sha paired with Luminous becomes more than skincare. It’s a daily act of rest, restoration, and attunement.
