You've probably seen it all before when it comes to anti-aging skin care products. Anti-wrinkle creams, moisturizing masks, vitamin C serums and retinol-based products may already have a place in your daily routine.
Another one to add to the list of potential must-try's? Jade rollers.
Just like your muscles feel more relaxed after a massage, the skin on your face will experience the same release of tension after receiving the massage technique of a jade roller-at least, that's the Instagram side of the skincare obsession claim.
A jade roller is a small beauty tool that looks a lot like a mini paint roller for your face - except it's made of stone and looks even better on a dresser. Take a look at the 30,000 posts on Instagram tagged #jaderoller and you'll find countless women using the tool to massage their faces, usually after applying a mask or serum.
But what exactly does the jade roller do for your skin - if anything? Can it really make your complexion look younger? We asked skin professionals to weigh in on how jade rollers work, whether their benefits are legitimate, and if you'd like to try out how to use a jade roller yourself.
What is a jade roller and what does it really do?
Rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, a jade roller is a handheld massage tool that you roll back and forth across your face for a few minutes. Most companies that offer jade rollers promise they help remove puffiness, tighten skin, improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
The use of gemstone jade plays a crucial role here, as it maintains a cool temperature despite exposure to body heat. In fact, one of the first ways to tell if it is really jade is to hold the stone in the palm of your hand. If it warms up, it's not jade.
Like many people, Erum Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, is skeptical of jade rolling. However, she says the concept behind the benefits of jade rolling is rooted in science.
First, a quick look at the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphatic fluid - a colorless liquid containing infection-fighting white blood cells - flows to tissues throughout the body, including the face. From them, a network of lymphatic vessels (which connect to your lymph nodes and attack toxins such as bacteria and damaged cells) carry the fluid and drain it into your bloodstream.
"We do know that fluid tends to accumulate in the soft tissues around the face and eyes, which can worsen with allergies, rosacea, high blood pressure and hormonal changes, and can begin to change the texture of the skin if left there for long periods of time, facing the face," explains Dr. Elias. "In addition to medications, using a jade roller to gently send excess fluid back into the lymphatic system can help control the effects of this swelling."
So, do jade rollers work?
While there are no scientific studies to support the benefits of using a jade roller, most dermatologists agree that it certainly doesn't cause harm and can be very good at improving the health and appearance of the skin - at least temporarily.
In fact, even before jade rollers became super popular on social media, Dr. Elias told her patients to massage excess fluid into their skin with their fingers, but jade rollers may be more effective. "Even when in contact with our skin, the jade stone stays cool, which will limit the expansion of blood vessels in the skin because the sliding motion of the stone creates firm and constant pressure," she explains.
Jade rollers can be good for your skin
Reduces puffiness
Lack of sleep, eating too much salt, hormonal changes and simply crying can all contribute to puffy skin and dark circles under the eyes. "In all of these cases, our blood vessels dilate and fluid is retained on the surface of the skin, which can make our skin look rosy, pores look more prominent and fine lines and wrinkles more prominent," explains Dr. Elias. "The jade roller helps 'squeeze' the excess fluid out of the skin and back into the lymphatic system."
Reduce under-eye puffiness
Aging is often the culprit for fluid buildup in the soft tissues around the eyes, as are allergies, eye makeup irritation, eye rubbing and lack of sleep. "Once this fluid gets into the soft tissues around the eyes, it lasts a long time," says Dr. Elias. "The smaller end of the jade roller can help gently massage this fluid into the soft tissues around the eyes without stinging the eyes too much to cause bruising or further irritation."
Relaxing facial muscles
"The soothing effect of massaging the skin, especially around the eyes and in the forehead where the muscles attach directly to the skin, can help relieve tension," says Dr. Elias.
Fight the signs of aging
Jade rollers are widely praised for their anti-aging ability, which stems from reducing excess fluids that can age the skin. In addition, Dr. Ilyas notes that by temporarily relieving tension in the facial muscles (i.e., in the forehead and around the eyes), you may appear less stressed and thus look younger. Unfortunately, jade rubbing is not a panacea for wrinkles.
