Of all the self-care practices out there, the one that's really catching on is jade rolling. It almost sounds silly - or at least, too good to be true.
A jade roller is a polished stone (most often jade, rose quartz or amethyst) that you roll over your face or body. It usually looks like a small paint roller.
The problem is that people make a big deal about what these tools can do: smooth wrinkles like Botox, reduce puffiness, brighten skin tone, and eliminate bags under the eyes. The fact that a jade roller is an inexpensive DIY beauty aid is sure to generate interest. Oh, and interest spiked after celebrities like Victoria Beckham ( Victoria Beckham ) and Instagram influencers started giving them a nod.
"Celebrities tend to fuel trends, and [Jade Roller] is no exception. Consumers also like to take a proactive approach to skin care, so marketing the device as an 'at-home' remedy will appeal to the consumer's sense of wanting to do something that will help them," says Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Beverly HILLS, Calif.
Touted skin benefits of using a jade roller
There is no evidence that jade rollers help in any way, as no studies have been done on them. However, dermatologists say their patients have reported benefits from using them, including
Reduced puffiness
A jade roller may come in handy when you wake up and find your face puffy. "Rolling a cool stone over your skin may stimulate lymphatic drainage, which can help relieve puffy skin caused by excess fluid, especially around the eyes," says Dr. Herrmann. The stones are naturally cool, but you can also place them in the refrigerator or freezer before use.
Rejuvenate your glow
Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, says that in addition to draining stagnant fluid from the tissues, mechanical rolling increases blood circulation to the face. This translates into a "glow.
Enhancing product efficacy
Dr. Jaliman says the pressure provided by the stone may physically push the topical skin care product used prior to rolling. "By mechanically pushing and rolling this gadget on your skin, you're enhancing the penetration of the products you're using," she says. This provides a better opportunity for these ingredients to do their job.
Less stress
Good skin is about more than just a proper skin care routine. There's no doubt that the massaging action of these rollers can help you feel more relaxed. If they're a stress management strategy for you, that's great, says Dr. Herrmann, adding that reducing stress indirectly benefits the skin.
A review published in June 2014 in the journal Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets noted that chronic psychological stress can impair skin function and accelerate aging. Hormones released in response to stress may damage DNA, increase the production of free radicals, and affect sleep (which also has an impact on skin health). Other studies, including one published in Scientific Reports in April 2018, suggest that psychological stress can disrupt the skin's barrier function, allowing moisture loss and letting in potential irritants. A jade roller has limited usefulness, but it can be a tool in your stress reduction toolkit.
Potential drawbacks of the Jade Roller
It's easy to get caught up in anecdotal reports of the skin changes people have experienced after regular use of a jade roller. But we'll ask you - pun absolutely intended - to slow down your pace. Testimonials are great, but they're far from scientific.
"In general, beware when advertisers claim these devices can stimulate collagen or clear acne. There is no scientific evidence to support this," says Dr. Herrmann. One of the advertised benefits is that jade rollers can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; but they don't actually stimulate collagen production, she says.
We also don't know if rose quartz or amethyst rollers work better than jade.
Finally, avoid jade rollers if you have sensitive skin or suffer from conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), acne or rosacea. jaliman says that because these tools increase blood circulation, they can irritate your skin and exacerbate your symptoms.
How to incorporate Jade Rolling into your daily routine
Keep your existing skincare routine. says Dr. Herrmann, "Jade Rolling should not replace useful products such as topical retinoids, antioxidants or growth factors, or in-office treatments such as laser peels, which have been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis." (Growth factors are topical ingredients that increase collagen production, according to a review published in November 2016 in the journal Clinical, Aesthetic and Investigative Dermatology .) Instead, she recommends using the roller a few times a week to promote lymphatic drainage or relaxation.
As for how to do it, Jaliman recommends first cleansing your jade roller with soap and water; next, cleanse your skin and apply a serum; then start rolling. "Roll gently in an upward motion (against gravity), without applying too much pressure. Pressing hard can cause irritation," she says.
Jade Roller Skin Care Essentials
The bottom line is that while there's no scientific evidence that jade rollers are good for your skin, they can still be incorporated into your daily skincare routine. "I love these jade rollers. They're a great price point, and they're free for in-office treatments," Jaliman says.
While they won't smooth out wrinkles, they can reduce puffiness and leave you glowing, or at least a fun addition to your skincare routine. Remember, they are not a substitute for other healthy skin care products. Now get ready to start.
