If you follow beauty influencers on Instagram, you're sure to have seen a photo of an odd-looking handheld tool with two rollable stones, one on each end. Perhaps you're confused as to why your favorite makeup artist posted a photo of herself rolling jade green spheres around her face.
If that's you - you're not alone. While these "face rollers" have been popular in China since the 17th century, it's only recently that they've become popular thanks to the emergence of the beauty blogger community.
Facial rollers are touted as an effective tool for clearing up skin without puffiness. In addition, advocates say that rolling the stone across the skin can drain excess water from the face, help skin care products absorb better into the skin, and even fight wrinkles. (The large roller is used on the forehead, cheeks and neck, while the smaller roller is used under the eyes and around the mouth.) Some beauty editors expressed skepticism about facial rollers and whether they are effective. Others commented enthusiastically on the relaxation level of the facial ritual .
But do facial rollers really work? Or, is there a better option? We asked two skincare experts to examine some of the presumed benefits of facial rollers. Julie Civiello Polier is a Reiki Master and Shamanic Facial Practitioner. Dr. Mary Lupo is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine. In the following, they share whether the claims that facial rollers are beneficial are consistent with reality.
Is a jade roller worth adding to your skincare routine?
Facial rollers have been reported to help stimulate the lymphatic system. Right or wrong?
Julie Civiello Polier: Jade or other gemstone rollers are indeed beneficial in stimulating the lymphatic system, an important fluid responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body so that the immune system can flourish. When following the manual lymphatic drainage pattern (see below), using a conscious, almost feather-light touch can help the lymphatic system flow and release.
Mary P. Lupo, M.D.: Lymphatic vessels are found throughout the body. They do drain fluid in a dependent direction to the heart and kidneys. Damage to the lymphatic vessels can lead to edema and swelling. You can improve the flow of lymphatic fluid manually through massage.
Facial rollers help improve dark circles, wrinkles, acne, and help skin care products absorb more easily into the skin. Right or wrong?
JCP: Facial rollers do help alleviate under-eye bags, dark circles, wrinkles, acne and product penetration. As for dark circles under the eyes, this is due to blockages and tension causing fluids to not flow in an optimal way. Facial rollers help with that movement, bringing fresh fluid to the area and inviting oxygenated blood into the area, which acts like food for the skin. When it comes to wrinkles, facial rollers stimulate collagen production when used vigorously, so these cells create strength and buoyancy in the tissues, thus reducing these cracks.
If we simplify acne as a full-blown inflammatory response, then a frozen facial roller can certainly help reduce all the fluid that may accumulate around these pimples. Product Penetration: Yes, the facial roller provides light pressure on the skin, allowing the serum or oil to penetrate deeply into the skin, so the underlying layers can receive fuel and hydration.
MPL: If the circles are caused by dilated blood vessels from sinus problems or side/face sleep (preferably supine), manual drainage can be helpful. However, there is no benefit for acne, aging or product absorption.
