By now, we're all familiar with the jade roller as a beauty and skincare tool. These handy crystal rollers are often found in the beauty cabinets of our friends and family, and often in the pockets of our Instagram dynamic. While we can spot the fuzzy shape of this tool immediately from a mile away, understanding how your skincare routine can truly benefit from this technology is worth the time.
To save you from searching to the ends of the earth (or the internet) for answers, we're sharing everything you need to know about the Jade Roller before you buy.
What is a jade roller?
Jade rollers are just one of the many crystal rollers offered in the beauty and skincare tool world. While we have certainly witnessed their resurgence in popularity over the past five years or so, the practice of using jade on the skin dates back to 7th century China. This began with a treatment we now commonly call gua sha; gently scraping the skin with the stone to promote oxidation and regeneration.
The jade roller replicates the same practice; but instead of a separate stone, it is two different sized round stones attached to the ends of the roller. It is important to note that these are not the only rolling tools available and that different crystals have their own unique advantages.
What are the benefits of a jade roller?
If used properly, the benefits of using this tool on the skin are endless - and that's no exaggeration. First, the use of the rolling technique on the skin is ideal for improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. This directly helps to reduce puffiness and increase overall skin radiance. This brightening is a result of the natural detoxification process that occurs when blood flows under the skin.
In addition, jade rolling causes the skin to produce natural collagen; reduces wrinkles and fine lines; improves skin tone and elasticity; and tightens pores. It's also a great way to get serums deep into the skin; meaning your beauty products can work smarter, not harder.
How do I use a jade roller properly?
Although there are no hard and fast rules, it is usually recommended to use a jade roller on clean skin. Cleanse your face and roller before applying your serum, cream or eye cream, then begin rolling up and out. This is because you want to push the stagnant fluid towards the temples where the lymphatic drainage points are located. The most important starting point is the neck to clear the lymphatic channels before starting the facial. After this, it is best to center on the nose and roll in all directions from there.
If you have a double-headed roller, use the larger stone to cleanse larger surface areas and the smaller head to cleanse more compact or difficult areas of the face. One thing to keep in mind is that jade has a natural coolness to it, but if you want to enhance that coolness, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours before you start rolling.
How to care for and store your jade roller.
The first step in caring for your jade roller is to make sure you clean it after each use. For a deep clean, gently wash all areas of the roller to ensure that any excess oil or serum is removed. It is important to use only warm soapy water and not extremely hot water; as this will strip away the protective layer of jade. Likewise, do not use chemical cleaners or alcohol on the roller. For daily cleaning, simply wipe the rollers with a soft, damp cloth or towel each night.
How you store your rollers is equally important to prevent damage from drops and bumps. If your roller has a storage bag or box, be sure to return it to its original location; preferably wrapped in a soft cloth.
