Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 5 years (and if you have, please turn on the news, you’ve missed a lot), you’ve heard of jade rollers. Although some skincare gurus don’t think they have any real benefits, others experience excellent benefits (plus they feel amazing to use), so why not give them a shot? We will be sharing how to use a jade roller, with everything else you need to know about them.
What is a Jade Roller?
Jade rollers (and other gemstone rollers) have been used since the seventh century. Yes, seventh, not seventeenth. These things have been around a long time.
The thought process behind using these rollers was grounded more in magic than science, as it was believed that jade could stop aging. However, as the rest of the world has caught up with China, a mere 1,400 years later, some science has been emerging to back up claims that jade rollers are effective.
To find out more about the uses and benefits of a jade roller in your skincare routine, keep reading!
How To Use a Jade Roller
Before we get into it, a specific technique to jade rolling isn’t necessary. You can always just roll it wherever it feels nice. Who’s going to judge your jade-rolling technique in the comfort of your own home?
However, if you want to be a real pro at this and enhance the experience, there are a few techniques you can follow.
1. Start with a Clean Face
Before you begin rolling, grab your favorite cleanser and suds up. You don’t want to transfer any bacteria to your jade roller for future purposes.
It also helps to apply a moisturizer or serum, as the roller will help push these products further into your skin.
2. Roll Up and Out
You want to start by applying the roller near the center of your face, and then rolling it toward the perimeter.
Rolling from the center out tightens your skin. If you roll from the edges of your face inwards, this pulls your skin in such a way that could cause wrinkles. Much in the same way as rolling out, you want to roll up.
3. Apply Gentle Pressure
As you’re pushing the roller from the center outwards, apply a slight upward force. This will help to tighten the skin.
If your eyes are puffy (and if they’re not, please tell me your secret), roll directly under your eyes, from nose to temple.
4. Roll on Each Side of Your Face
For best results, roll the jade roller about 10 to 20 times per side, focusing on the areas you want to target such as your jawline, cheeks, under-eye area, and neck.
Jade Roller Benefits
There is not a pure consensus as to whether jade rollers are miracle workers or just this new fad – can I even call it a fad if it’s been around for 1,400 years?
Tons of people have tried out jade rollers and noticed their skin feeling tighter, soothed, and more refreshed. Definitely, in the short term, it is a great pick-me-up. But as of yet, no long-term effects have been scientifically documented.
What we do know is that it has no negative effects, and definitely feels amazing, so why not try it out?
Tightens the Skin
Jade rolling can help firm the skin in the short term, due to the pressure and movement of the stone on the skin.
Try rolling along the jawbone towards the ears to help define this area.
Reduces Puffiness
By massaging certain areas of the face and neck, the lymphatic system can be stimulated, which could potentially have a detoxification effect.
The massaging effects of a jade roller with push out extra fluid in your skin and encourage your lymph nodes to drain it. It might sound gross, but it can help reduce the look of puffiness in your skin!
Stimulates Blood Flow
Using a jade roller can help increase circulation, which in turn gives you tighten and healthier-looking skin. Pushing the roller from the bridge of your nose up to and across your forehead can even help reduce headaches!
Jade Roller Tips & Tricks
Aside from these techniques, there are some things you can do to make the jade rolling experience extra special.
Put It In The Fridge – Or Freezer
If you store your jade roller in the fridge or freezer, you can get that extra blast of cooling when you apply it to your skin. If you choose to jade roll in the morning, using a frozen jade roller is a fantastic way to jolt fully awake.
Just be sure to tell anyone else who might have access to your fridge that you’re storing your jade roller in there – otherwise, they might think it is some sort of kitchen tool and put it in the dishwasher, ruining it forever (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything).
You can also get a skincare fridge to put wherever you get ready, which is also great for lengthening the shelf life of your skincare products!
Apply a Serum or Facial Oil
You can use your roller to apply a serum or facial oil as part of your skincare routine. Not only does this streamline your routine by turning two steps into one, but it can even make your products more effective!
The roller application stimulates your skin and allows the product to penetrate deeper, thus giving you more bang for your buck!
Jade Roll After a Face Mask
If you’re really looking to treat your skin, just add your roller into your spa-day routine. Do a face mask, apply some toner, and then soothe your skin with a cool roller. These rollers are a great way to level up your self-care time!
Types of Jade Rollers
Although “jade” refers to the common green gemstone, there are other types of rollers that use different gemstones as well.
There may not be much scientific evidence for the efficacy of these rollers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it!
When it comes to how to use these other types of rollers, you can use the same tips we shared above.
If you’re struggling to determine which type of roller to purchase, you can look into the different spiritual properties of the materials commonly used for rollers.
Jade
Jade is a symbol of purity, wisdom, tranquility, and protection. It is also believed to get rid of irritability and promote self-sufficiency.
These properties could translate to purifying the skin, providing a barrier, and reducing redness and irritation. Jade rollers are also commonly used because of their beautiful deep green color, historical significance, and perceived value.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is a symbol of love, purification, and inner healing. It is seen as a calming and reassuring stone that helps replace toxic thoughts with positive vibes.
If we pivot to skincare, these properties could lead to healing skin blemishes, calming irritated skin, and removing toxins. It’s also a really cute pink color, which would look good on any bathroom counter!
Amethyst
If you’re looking for a really fancy roller, then amethyst may be exactly what you’re looking for. It is a protective tone that provides a barrier against harm and stress.
Amethyst is a healing and cleansing stone, which are always good things to look for in skincare. It is a natural tranquilizer, which could lead to relieving stress and calming the skin.
Obsidian
Obsidian is black and is viewed as a shield against negativity, which could serve to dry out stress and tension. It stimulates growth, which could translate to repairing damaged skin.
Obsidian is the antithesis of the heat and fire of the volcanoes from which it is derived. As a calming, cooling stone, it could serve to ground you and bring you back to the moment.
Metal
This is the perfect material for a roller on a budget. Metal has a highly protective energy and symbolizes armor, protecting you against anything that would suck away your energy.
Also, if you buy a metal roller, you know that is exactly what you’re going to get; whereas some companies claiming to sell stone rollers sell knock-offs or impure stones.
Bottom Line
Regardless of which jade roller (or non-jade roller) you choose, or how you choose to use it, rollers are a way to elevate your skincare routine and treat yourself.
Incorporating a roller into your morning routine can help you to take a moment to prepare yourself for the day, get into the right mindset, and cultivate positive thoughts.