Long before jade rollers became an icon of #selfcare Instagram, they were an integral part of Chinese skincare. Like scraping tools, jade rollers have been used for centuries to de-stress, massage and care for the skin, and in recent years they have become hugely popular in Western beauty procedures. However, despite the jade roller's long history, the efficacy of the tool has been (somewhat unfairly) questioned. To learn more - from what jade rollers really do to how to use them for optimal results - we reached out to Cecilia Wong, a celebrity facialist in New York City, to share her expertise.
What is a jade roller?
"It's a tool used by Chinese queens and emperors for centuries. It was one of their ways to get to the fountain of youth," Wong says. But thankfully, this ritual is no longer reserved for the rich or ancient. "To this day, many Asians still use it and it has become an essential part of their skin care routine."
And the rollers may not actually be made of jade; you'll often see them made of rose quartz, amethyst or other semi-precious stones - but they all serve the same function. As the name implies, you can gently roll it across your skin and enjoy its effects. "This tool is designed to be used on the entire face, neck and décolleté. There is also a smaller jade roller designed for the eyes," says the facialist.
Why you need a jade roller
Jade rollers are certainly skincare tools - but Wong adds that their role may also help regulate chi (pronounced "chee"). "They're used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and brighten skin tone," Wong explains. "Because of the gentle pressure of the tools, this also helps to stimulate circulation, move Qi to the face and relieve muscle tension." (The jade itself is also associated with balancing qi.) The massage movements can also help promote lymphatic drainage. "This will flush out excess toxins, puffiness and help rejuvenate the skin, making it firmer and lifted," explains the facialist, adding that it's especially useful "after a late night party, or after a night of wine and pasta. -Using a jade roller for a few minutes will help reduce the impact."
How to use a jade roller
As with any skincare practice, using the roller from time to time won't show noticeable results (although it will feel great every time you use it). "With consistency, people will definitely benefit from this tool," Wong says. All you have to do is roll upward over your skin, preferably after applying a moisturizer or facial oil, focusing on areas of tension, fine lines and puffiness. The stone also stays cool to the touch and refreshes the complexion. "I recommend placing the roller in the refrigerator overnight before use. The coolness helps reduce puffiness, eliminate swelling and enhance overall radiance," advises the esthetician. "Also, be gentle on the skin and don't apply too much pressure-you don't want to hurt any nerves or capillaries." Repeat every morning and evening to
