Made of jade or rose quartz, these rollers are a handheld beauty tool used to massage the skin on and around the face. They are usually double-sided, with two rolling pieces of different sizes at each end.
"The smaller roller is used around the eyes and the larger roller is used on the rest of the face and neck," says Brooke Jeffy, M.D., a dermatologist with Spectrum Dermatology in Phoenix, Ariz.
While the exact timeline surrounding the creation of jade rollers is murky, it is believed that the ancient Egyptians and Mayans used the stones as cold massage tools. jeffy says the history of jade rollers became clearer during the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century, when the Chinese elite used jade rollers in their beauty procedures.
Centuries later, jade rollers are now easy to find in department stores or beauty stores. Because of its temperature control, jade is still the stone of choice.
"Real jade will stay cool and not get hot when it absorbs ambient or direct heat," says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist with SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Los Angeles. "Most of the benefits of rubbing jade come from the cold application to the skin."
1. Jade rollers reduce puffiness
Facial puffiness occurs when fluid builds up in the skin, Shainhouse says. If left to its own devices, she says it can worsen the appearance of bags and pores under the eyes, as well as exacerbate skin inflammation. Regular use of a jade roller can prevent this from happening.
"With massage, the jade roller increases circulation to the skin and promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce puffiness," Jeffy says. Lymphatic drainage is the removal of a fluid called lymph fluid, which is part of our immune system and contains white blood cells as well as viruses, toxins and bacteria that our bodies try to get rid of.
2. Jade roller soothes inflamed skin
Jade rollers should be kept cold before use to help reduce inflammation. Studies have often found that applying a cold object (such as ice) to the skin can reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.
The same effect applies to jade rollers. When they are kept cold, "[jade rollers] can help constrict blood vessels and calm the skin, making it look less red and inflamed," Shainhouse says.
Cooled jade rollers can also help treat facial rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness, says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.
For added cooling, store the jade roller in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
3. Jade roller relaxation
In addition to being good for the skin, jade rollers are relaxing. Without the expense of a trip to the salon, the Jade Roller offers a little home facial.
"In addition to the possible temporary effects of using it directly on the skin, using a jade roller can be relaxing and part of an overall self-care routine to minimize stress, which can also lead to aging skin and acne," says Jaffe.
In a small study conducted in 2017 on college-aged women, researchers found a direct relationship between stress and increased acne severity. Therefore, reducing stress levels may be important for overall skin health.
Repeatedly rubbing pressure points on the face, such as the cheeks and chin, can also help relax muscles, Shainhouse explains.
4. Jade roller saves more product
Jade rollers can also help apply skin care products such as moisturizers and serums to the face and neck. This practice can help you save product for two reasons.
When you apply something like moisturizer with your hands, some of it will inevitably seep into the skin of your palms or fingers. This unexpected loss of product will require you to use more overtime.
The Jade Roller also helps your skin absorb the product, reducing the amount you have to use. "The Jade Roller helps to better penetrate and absorb serums and moisturizers," says Green.
How to use the Jade Roller
To reap the full benefits of the Jade Roller, Jeffy recommends the following procedure.
Using the large roller, start at the lower center of the neck and roll outward and upward toward the earlobe. Repeat, moving the jade roller closer to the center of the neck each time.
Starting at the chin, roll upward along the jaw line to the ear, then move from the corner of the mouth toward the ear. Do the same from the nose to the ears.
Switch to the small roller before moving along the inner area of the lower eyelid to the temples.
Finally use the large roller to move along the forehead from the eyebrows to the hairline and then horizontally across the forehead.
Repeat three times on each side of the face.
Complete the entire routine twice a day.
However you use the jade roller, take your time and apply gentle pressure to avoid irritation. Cleanse the Jade Roller with warm soap and water after each use to prevent dirt, oil or bacteria from building up on it.
