Beauty bloggers seeking a holistic approach to skin care are embracing the practice of jade rolling, a surprisingly traditional approach to skin care. The trend goes back a long way: jade rollers date back to the Qing Dynasty as an indispensable beauty tool for wealthy Chinese in the 17th century. Beauty influencers looking to revive a long-lost trend suggest the mysterious "healing" properties of jade as a reason to use the tool.
What is a jade roller?
Although no actual jade is involved, the term "jade roller" has become the standard name for these tools. The roller itself mimics a mini paint roller, but where the foam would go is a smooth stone. When used, the stone will glide across your face as if you were applying paint to a wall.
Jade or jade replicas are the more popular face rollers on Instagram and YouTube, but rollers can be made from other stones, such as amethyst or rose quartz.
How do you use a jade roller?
Using a clean jade roller, start in the center of a freshly washed face and move outward and upward toward the edges. As with most skincare applications, it is best to fight gravity and avoid pulling on the skin.
You can use the same rolling technique to massage in your favorite cream or serum - simply clean the roller when you're done.
If you want the stone to feel extra cold to the touch, place the roller in the refrigerator before use. This feels great under the eyes.
What do people claim it does?
Jade roller fans (and manufacturers) associate these tools with many skin benefits, including: helping with lymphatic drainage (flushing toxins through tiny blood vessels under the skin); smoothing wrinkles; tightening pores; and increasing collagen to help skin elasticity. Another claim is that using a facial roller immediately after applying a skin cream or serum helps the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.
Does it do everything it claims to do?
There are no scientific studies to support the efficacy of jade rolling as an anti-aging tool or its long-term benefits, but that doesn't mean you won't notice any positives, no matter how fleeting they may be. Most of the benefits of jade rubbing come from the cold application to the skin, which helps constrict blood vessels and calms the skin, making it look less red and swollen
