What does a jade roller do? You’ve probably seen jade roller lately in conversations, at your local beauty store, or on Instagram. This popular product has a variety of benefits, including removing facial puffiness, smoothing fine lines, reducing dark circles and calming inflammation. Jade Roller is often talked about with Gua Sha, but does Jade Roller really deliver on these lofty promises? Our team spoke to the experts, here’s what you need to know.
The Benefits of Jade Roller
It turns out that jade rollers are not a new concept, a new product, despite their recent popularity. “Jade rolling has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries,” said Dr. Deng, a senior Chinese beauty expert with more than 20 years of experience in natural beauty. “Gemstones are used to draw out negative energy and balance ‘qi’, which is also called ‘vital force’ or ‘energy’ in Chinese medicine.”
The idea behind it is fairly simple: Emerald is relatively cool to the touch and stays cool even when it comes in contact with the skin. “This cooling helps to brighten the complexion, reduce puffiness, stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve blood circulation,” Dr. Deng. “Healthy blood circulation transports oxygen to skin cells, and it also helps penetrate the product deeper into the skin tissue. In this way, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles.”
People who use jade rollers claim their ability to help with lymphatic massage. The lymphatic system is a network of blood vessels that transport lymph (a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells) throughout the body to help flush out water, toxins, and other unwanted substances. Research suggests that lymphatic massage may help stimulate the lymphatic system, which can help remove accumulated toxins. Big fans of the Jade Roller say it makes for brighter skin, a better complexion, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
“The design of the roller itself is helpful because it is a double-ended component with a large oval stone on one side and a smaller round stone on the other. The different sizes allow for proper rolling coverage in different areas of the face ,” Kruger said.
Is the Jade Roller Easy to Use?
- Technique is extremely important when using jade rollers. While it can be an effective home skin treatment, not using it in the right way can end up doing more harm than good.
“It’s important to start with a clean, fresh face with the serum of your choice. Use medium pressure and take your time,” says Dr. Deng. Here’s her step-by-step guide:
Neck: “I like to work from the neck up. Using one side of the larger oval, roll the neck up and down from side to side with moderate pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system.” - Jaw line: “Still using the large oval side, move to the mandible (jaw line) and start from the center of the chin. From the middle of the chin to the earlobe, do 5 to 6 rolls in each area while working on the face. And repeat on the other side.”
- Forehead: “Next, move to the forehead, this time using one side of the larger oval. Start at the center of the forehead and work your way to the outer temple, repeating five to seven times, then the other side as well. Finally, start with the eyebrows Start crossing, then move up to the hairline.”
- Eyes: “Using the smaller end, with medium pressure, gently roll from the inner corner to the outer corner, up toward the brow bone. Make sure to get the under-eye area and crow’s feet. Roll back and forth, about 10 times. Repeat on the other side.”
It’s also important to note that like many other skincare trends, jade rollers aren’t for everyone. “I would also recommend avoiding rollers if you have any type of rash or herpes, and it should also be avoided for acne-prone skin, as there is a chance that a jade roller can spread the bacteria from these lesions to other areas of the face while rolling,” Mr. Deng said. “You should also make sure to sanitize the roller with a mild soap between uses to avoid bacterial growth that can damage your skin.”
