Not sure what a jade roller is? You may have seen one on Instagram or barely registered it while snooping through your friend's medicine cabinet. The disposable razor-sized skin care tool looks a bit like the bastard child of a foot massager and a rake from a small Zen garden. And they're popping up in more men's Dopp jerseys every day. Skincare experts back them up with the same vigor as CrossFit freaks touting the benefits of foam shafts and, really, the same concept: muscle massage. Jade rolling obsessives tout their ability to increase circulation and the anti-aging and decongesting benefits that come with it. So the question is, should you be rolling? Here's what you need to know.
What is the Jade Roller supposed to do?
From a functional standpoint, this device can be made of any stone or plastic. But here is an ancient Chinese tradition (about 400 years young) in which jade is believed to have healing and holistic powers to purify the skin. When used to gently massage facial muscles, it reduces puffiness and swelling and increases lymphatic drainage. The daily practice is believed to result in fewer fine lines and wrinkles and a brighter, clearer complexion. You can even use it to apply a daily serum.
Does it really work?
After rolling for a week, your skin feels tighter and the blood circulation in your face is faster. As for the long term, it depends on how faithful you are. Like any skin care product or skincare product, you have to stay loyal to it and keep your eyes on the prize with your decongested eyes. This is the anti-aging game, so you have to remind yourself that the goal here is to look younger. That could mean looking 35 at 50, or 50 at 70.
DIRECTIONS:
Start with a freshly cleansed face.Apply your favorite moisturizingoil or serum.Gently glide the jade roller over your skin, followingthe pattern below:
1. ROLL UP AND OUT:
NECK
With the large end of the roller, start atthe base of the neck,rolling upwardtoward the chin.
CHEEKS AND JAWLINE
With the large end of the roller, start atthe chin,rolling up and out toward thecheeks.
EYES
With the small end of the roller,start atthe inner corners of both under-eyesrolling outward.
FOREHEAD
With the large end of the roller, start atthe middle of your forehead. Roll first tothe left, then to the right.
2.ROLL DOWN AND OUT:
Repeat the process but roll down the face starting from the forehead and going downeach temple, down and out on each area of the face.
3.SQUEEZEAT LYMPH NODE AREAS:
To aid in lymph node detoxification, squeeze each lymphnode for about 2-3 seconds.Start with the lymph nodes at the base of the neck.
End with the lymph nodes under each armpit.
EYES
With the small end of the roller,start atthe inner corners of both under-eyesrolling outward.
FOREHEAD
With the large end of the roller, start atthe middle of your forehead. Roll first tothe left, then to the right.
