You may have recently seen the Jade Roller pop up in conversation, at your local beauty store or on Instagram. This popular product promises a variety of benefits, including removing facial puffiness, smoothing fine lines, reducing dark circles and calming inflammation. Jade rollers are often associated with shaving, but can jade rollers really deliver on these lofty promises? Our team talked to the experts, and here's what you need to know.
As it turns out, despite its recent popularity, jade rolling isn't a new concept. "Traditional Chinese medicine has been using jade rubs for centuries," says Debra Krueger, New York-based esthetician and owner of Debra Krueger Skin Studio. "The stones are used to draw out negative energy and balance 'qi,' which is also known as 'life force' or 'energy' in traditional Chinese medicine. "
The idea behind it is simple: jade is cooler to the touch and stays cooler even when in contact with the skin. "This cooling helps brighten the complexion, reduce puffiness, stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve circulation," Kruger says. "Healthy circulation delivers oxygen to the skin cells and also helps the product penetrate deeper into the skin tissue. In this way, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles."
People who use jade rollers tout their ability to help with lymphatic massage. The lymphatic system is a network of blood vessels that delivers lymphatic fluid (a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells) throughout the body to help flush out water, toxins and other unwanted substances. A review of studies suggests that lymphatic massage may help stimulate the lymphatic system, thereby facilitating the removal of accumulated toxic substances. Fans of the Jade Roller say it brightens the skin, improves skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
"The design of the roller itself is helpful because it is a double-ended assembly, with a large oval stone on one side and a smaller round stone on the other. The different sizes allow for proper rolling coverage on different areas of the face," says Krueger.
Does the Jade Roller work?
The technique of using a jade roller is extremely important. While it can be an effective home skin treatment, it can end up doing more harm than good if used incorrectly.
"It's important to start with a clean, fresh face using the serum of your choice. Use medium pressure and take your time," says Kruger. Here's her step-by-step guide.
Neck: "I like to work from the neck up. Use the larger oval side and roll up and down the neck, rolling from one side to the other with medium pressure to jump-start the lymphatic system."
Jawline: "Still using the large side of the oval, move to the jawbone (jawline), starting at the center of the chin. Massage from the middle of the chin toward the earlobe, doing five to six strokes in each area of the face as you massage. Repeat on the other side."
Forehead: "Next, move to the forehead, this time using the larger oval side. Start at the center. Move from the center toward the outer temples for five to seven reps, then repeat on the other side. Then, start crossing from the eyebrows and move up to the hairline. Move it up to the forehead."
Eyes: "Using medium pressure on the smaller end, gently roll from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner of the eye and upward to the brow bone. Make sure to remove dark circles 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, the jade roller isn't for everyone. "I would also avoid the roller if you have any type of rash or herpes labialis, and acne-prone skin should also avoid it because the jade roller spreads bacteria around it," Krueger says. "You should also make sure to sanitize your roller with a mild soap between uses."
