If you've spotted a jade roller on your favorite beauty influencer's Instagram grid, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about - or even what it really is.
We spoke with skin expert Dr. Lucy Glancey to learn more about what a jade roller is, how to use it, and the purported benefits for your skin.
What does a jade roller do?
While jade rollers seem to be the latest beauty trend, you may be surprised to learn that jade rollers are actually a centuries-old Eastern tradition used in Chinese medicine to help balance the "qi" (or life force). But what do they do?
The magic of the jade roller lies primarily in the fact that it is a cool stone that maintains its temperature even when in contact with warm skin.
How to use a Jade Roller
As with most things in life, technology is everything.
"Most jade rollers have two ends - a larger side and a smaller side," says Dr. Glancey. "The larger side is used for larger areas of the face, and the smaller side is used for smaller areas, such as under the eyes, eyebrows and nose.
'It's best to cleanse the face thoroughly before rolling. Follow with a serum or moisturizer to make sure the skin is moist - it's best to leave the skin slightly damp so it will be more comfortable when using the roller.
'Start at the chin and roll horizontally to the hairline. The pressure should be light and comfortable. The smaller end of the jade roller should be used around the eyes, so place it in the inner corner of the eye and roll it toward the temple. You can also roll it from the eyebrows up to the hairline, moving across the forehead. The smaller side can also be used under the nose area, moving it in a horizontal motion.
"After rolling, complete your normal skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing."
How often should you use a jade roller?
Love the relaxing feel of the Jade Roll-On? The good news is that there is no limit to how often you can do this.
"You can use the Jade Roller as often as you need to, once or twice a day or three times a week," confirms Dr. Glancey. "It all depends on using the right technique, so check out the YouTube video or you could be in danger of just stimulating your skin or doing nothing at all."
Do jade rollers really work?
So, you know how to use them and the supposed benefits, but as always the million dollar question is, do jade rollers really work?
Unfortunately, there is no concrete scientific evidence to support the benefits of jade rollers, and it is unlikely that they have long-term anti-aging properties or the ability to clear up skin conditions such as eczema, acne or rashes. That said, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that jade rollers can improve the tone and appearance of the skin.
Dr. Glancey confirms, "There is no real evidence that jade rollers actually do all that is suggested." "However, many women claim it helps reduce puffiness, minimize fine lines and give them more radiant skin."
