The jade roller was all the rage a few years ago and is still a common part of many skin care routines today. While this tool may seem rather puzzling at first glance - the deep-rooted history suggests that jade rollers were used for facial massage thousands of years ago as part of an Eastern medical ritual - it works. The jade roller claims to promote lymphatic drainage in the face by applying pressure to the lymphatic system, thus allowing excess fluid to flow outward. The extra contouring effect certainly helps - who doesn't want a well-defined face without having to remove makeup? But I wanted to know if they were really worth the hype, so I brought in some skincare experts to tell me if the Jade Roller was really as good as I'd heard. With the help of an esthetician and dermatologist, read on as we explore whether jade rollers really work.
What is a jade roller?
In short, "Jade rollers are stone rolling devices made of jade that have been used in skin care products for decades," explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D. The practice of face rolling has been around for thousands of years, with origins dating back to China, where jade is a semi-precious stone said to have energetic restorative properties that help keep skin young and cool. . "The cool touch of the stone helps relieve skin inflammation," Zeichner says.
Benefits of Jade Rollers
Zeichner explains, "Rolling the device over the skin care products you apply may help enhance the penetration of active ingredients." In my book, anything that might make my serums SuperSerums is great. Facial massage and face rolling do have some similar tendencies, but facial massage tends to penetrate deep into the skin tissue to relax muscles and relieve tension. Both techniques help increase circulation, giving you a rosy, glowing complexion and making your skin look smoother and firmer. 1
Do jade rollers really work?
"Tools and lasers will do their best, but at some point, they won't [lift the face]," says Renée Rouleau. "The muscles in your face will decline as you get older. It's just a reality. The jade roller, because of its 'rolling pin' shape, doesn't adequately target muscles to stimulate muscle tone and help lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness."
Although he doesn't like its ability to fix puffiness, Rouleau isn't convinced of the Jade Roller's ability to de-puff either.
"The stone is said to draw out negative energy and balance your 'chi'. Beyond that, the main function is that it's a massage gadget," Rouleau says. "A facial massage helps to increase circulation, bringing fresh blood and new nutrients to the skin cells. I'm a firm believer in boosting blood flow to the face, especially as we get older. That's why I do this three-minute technique every day at night and recommend my clients do the same."
How to use a jade roller effectively
One of the best parts about face rolling is that it can really be done anywhere you want, for however long you want. The Jade Roller is a quick-on-the-eye product that is perfect for pumping up your face before a party or meeting because the results can be seen in seconds. You can do this on clean, dry skin, after makeup or over skin care products. Simply roll gently upward and outward, always aiming for the temples and in front of the ears, toward where your body's lymphatic drainage points are located: "When using the roller, start on the inside of your face and move to the outside of your face. When treating the chin and cheeks, start from below and roll upward against the direction of gravity," Zeichner explains. When treating the neck, roll down to the collarbone.
