Facial rollers are a popular tool that people use for skin care. Some evidence suggests that they may improve circulation, temporarily tighten the skin and reduce puffiness.
Many facial rollers are made of crystal, such as jade or quartz. They have a handle with a smooth roller on one end. Some have rollers at both ends of the handle, one large and one small.
This article will explore what facial rollers are, their potential benefits and myths. It will also explain how to use them.
What is a facial roller?
A facial roller is a tool that some people use to massage their face. They usually have a smooth, cool surface and are available in a variety of materials, such as
Crystal, including emerald, rose quartz and amethyst
Stainless steel (sometimes called ice rollers)
Plastic
Some of these materials are more durable than others. For example, crystal can chip or crack over time.
What are the benefits of using a roller?
People claim that facial rollers have a variety of benefits for the skin and a person's overall health. While there is not much scientific evidence of the benefits of using facial rollers, there is limited evidence that they can.
Improve blood flow to the face
Reduce puffiness
Uplift mood
Temporarily tighten the skin
Here's what the research says about facial rollers and their benefits
Improves blood circulation
According to a small 2018 study, massaging the face with a roller can increase blood flow to the face.
The study looked at how short- and long-term massage treatments affected blood circulation. After 5 minutes of massage with a facial roller, researchers noticed an increase in blood flow to the immediate area. After 5 weeks of regular facial massage, they recorded an increase in vasodilatation in response to heat.
This suggests that regular massage can improve overall circulation.
Reducing puffiness
Some people use facial rollers to reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes. Facial puffiness often occurs due to fluid accumulation in certain areas. By massaging the face, this fluid can be dispersed.
Cooling the facial roller in the refrigerator may enhance this effect, reducing puffiness under the eyes and temporarily making sagging skin look firmer. A cold facial roller may also reduce the appearance of pores.
However, this effect will disappear once the skin warms up again.
Mood Lifting
There is limited evidence that facial massage may help improve a person's mood.
An earlier study in 2008 found that a 45-minute facial massage activated the sympathetic nervous system and improved mood scores in 32 women with poor health.
Because the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for alertness, researchers suggest that facial massage may help people feel refreshed.
It's important to note that the study did not specify the use of facial rollers or similar devices, so the experience of those using these tools may vary.
Skin tightening
There may be a link between regular facial massage and firmer skin. A 2017 laboratory study found that massaging skin tissue for 1 minute twice a day increased protein levels in that tissue after 10 days compared to skin that did not receive this treatment.
The same researchers also tested an 8-week massage device on 20 women. One group applied an anti-aging cream and used the device daily, while the other used only the cream.
At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that visible wrinkles improved more in the group that used the massager.
In addition to these potential benefits, facial rollers are a practical tool for applying products to the face, reducing the need to touch the face with the fingers. They can also encourage people to relax and take care of themselves, which may have psychological benefits.
All research on facial rollers and massage is currently limited to small studies with a small number of participants. Therefore, scientists need to conduct more studies to verify these results.
What rollers can't do
Some claims about facial rollers are myths. Be wary of those who claim their facial rollers can.
Slim the face: There is no evidence that facial rollers affect weight loss or reduce fat deposits on the face and neck.
Treat disease: Some people believe that crystals have healing properties and that different crystals have different health benefits. There is no scientific basis for this. However, due to the placebo effect, some people may feel a benefit from using a crystal roller.
How to use a facial roller
If someone wants to try using a facial roller, they can incorporate it into their daily skin care routine. People may find it beneficial to use a facial roller at night after cleansing, allowing them to relax on clean skin.
To use a facial roller, follow these steps.
Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser, then pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply a skin care product, such as an oil or serum, to your face. This will add lubrication and prevent irritation when using the roller.
Begin using the roller. Start with an upward movement of the neck, using gentle but firm pressure. Avoid rolling from side to side or up and down.
Continue stroking upward over the chin, cheekbones, forehead, eyebrows and bridge of the nose.
Continue massaging for approximately 1 minute. If there is any discomfort or pain, reduce pressure. If discomfort persists, stop using the roller.
After use, clean the facial roller according to any manufacturer's instructions. Cleaning instructions may vary depending on the type of roller.
Some people may wish to chill the facial roller in the refrigerator and use it in the morning for a more refreshing facial massage. This may reduce post-sleep puffiness and help people feel more awake.
When used properly, facial rollers are safe to use daily. The limited evidence on facial rollers and facial massage suggests that regular use is more likely to be effective.
Summary
Although the benefits of using facial rollers have not been fully studied, massaging the face can be soothing and may help improve blood flow to the face.
Facial rollers cannot help someone lose weight or permanently slim their face. However, their cool surface may help reduce puffiness and temporarily make the skin look firmer.
It is a good idea to use facial rollers on clean skin along with products that lubricate the skin's surface. Clean the roller after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
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