Although we have only seen jade everywhere in the last few years, probably thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow, it has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times and is often used in Feng Shui. In alternative healing, it is considered a pure, nourishing healing energy with harmonizing and balancing properties. We don't know about you, but we can use some of it in our lives.
How does jade rolling benefit your skin?
Jade is a smooth, green stone that feels very cool on the skin. This is basically why it works, because it produces a slight vasoconstrictive effect (especially if you keep it in the refrigerator), which means that the blood vessels narrow and reduce swelling.
The rolling motion of the jade improves lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. In non-nerd terms, less puffiness and brighter skin.
There are other techniques that help with lymphatic drainage and circulation, such as facial massage, however, for those who are sensitive to touch, facial massage can actually be over-stimulating and arguably slightly more technical than jade rolling, which is a roll-and-go situation.
Many believe that physical manipulation and the ensuing increase in blood circulation will actually increase the penetration of skin care products as well. We - damn - phew!
Jade rollers are usually double-sided, with a larger head on one side for larger areas and a smaller, more bead-like head on the other side for smaller contours, such as around the eyes.
Jade Rolling for self-care
Jade rolling brings an element of ritual and self-care to your skincare routine. If you're a highly results-driven person who doesn't have time for "that kind of thing," you may not see the benefits of doing this at first, but trust us, the cooling sensation has an indescribable soothing effect on the mind as real jade glides over your face morning and night.
It gets you out of the daily grind associated with skin health, and amidst the hustle and bustle of being a 21st century bum, we at Nerd HQ have found it invaluable.
Jade Rolling: How to
Jade rolling is very simple and easy to do, provided you have the right equipment.
You need...
A real jade roller, such as the Afterspa Jade Facial Roller (€18.00)
Optional: Non-slip oil - anything will do, but we'll get into our favorites later
Step 1: Double cleanse, baby
Start as you mean to go on - and we mean that right! Double clean the way your Nerd or Nerdette suggests so you can work with a clean, prepared canvas.
Step 2: Put on the yo-yo
Don't apply serum until you've rolled. Now, we'll apply the oil so our jade roller can slide away frictionlessly. Place a few drops of oil between your palms and press your hands onto your face and neck, making sure they are covered with a layer of oil.
The oil step is optional - you can definitely make a clean, oil-free jade roller!
Step 3: Roll with your partner
Grab your jade roller, starting with the small head and working your way under your eyes. Gently place the small jade head in the inner corner of the under-eye area, below the tear duct. Be careful to only stay on the skin, we don't want the eye to get infected.
Gently roll outward and downward along the shape of the eye, toward the temple, repeating 3 to 5 times. Using the small head again, move down the sides of the nose, from the center outward, moving down as you go.
Flip it over, as it is time to use the larger jade head. Place the jade roller in the center of the top of your forehead and roll it outward and downward toward one of your temples. Which one is up to you, but if you already have a favorite, you have the advantage. Repeat on the other side of your forehead, again ending at the temples.
Next, start in the center of the face (where the cheeks are closest to the nose) and roll outward and downward to the earlobes. Use a smaller head in the upper lip area, you've guessed it, from the center outward and down, then switch back to a larger head and move outward from the center of the chin along the jaw.
Now you need to slide the roller right above your collarbone (clavicle, for the nerds) because you have a ton of lymph nodes around that area.
Congratulations, you all made it! Feel free to roll more yourself, but we know many of you don't have that kind of time to dedicate to rolling.
