Jade rollers aren't a new beauty tool - in fact, they date back to seventh-century China - but if our Instagram feed is any indication, they're certainly more fashionable than ever. Over the past few years, they've slowly transformed from an obscure skincare device to a mainstream must-have for beauty enthusiasts. That makes sense; they promise to address a range of common skin concerns, including wrinkles and puffiness, all in a beautiful jade package that fits the growing trend toward natural beauty and healing crystals.
So are these claims legitimate - and should you go out and buy one as soon as possible? Here's everything you need to know.
What is a jade roller?
Simply put, a jade roller is like a small rolling pin made of gemstone jade, ranging in color from pale green to deep turquoise. It has been used for centuries as a skin care tool in China, where jade is abundant. For years, jade rollers have been the secret weapon of estheticians. Until modern iterations of the roller, jade rollers were used in egg-shaped form throughout history.
Jade's power is due in part to the fact that it is a cool and non-porous stone, which means it does not retain bacteria. While you can find facial rollers made from other materials with similar properties, such as rose quartz, the OG Jade version is thought to have some unique healing and spiritual properties: Jade is known as the stone of eternal youth.
Jade is a calming stone and is believed to help relieve tension in the face. Plus, according to healing crystal experts, jade is a lucky charm that can bring prosperity and wealth into your life - which must help get rid of those troublesome wrinkles, right?!
Skin Care Benefits
So, what do skin experts say about the real skin care benefits? "Facial rollers help eliminate puffiness because they help eliminate fluid from the lymphatic vessels," says Dr.
Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, adds that for this reason, jade rollers are especially useful when used under the eyes. While jade naturally stays cool, she recommends storing your jade roller in the refrigerator and using it in the morning to eliminate puffiness (just as you would with a cold spoon).
When it comes to claims of wrinkle elimination, the jade roller helps, at least in the short term. Massaging your skin with a jade roller will stimulate facial circulation so you can plump up and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Don't expect Botox-like results, though.
There's another benefit: Using a jade roller after using other products may help enhance the penetration of active ingredients into the skin.
Sadly, when it comes to other supposed benefits, such as refining pores or eliminating those cursed genetic dark circles under the eyes, a jade roller may not help.
The bottom line: A jade roller is not a miracle product and is not a substitute for good skin care, but it certainly has no downside either.
How to use a jade roller
There is a proper way to use a jade roller that will ensure you get all the skin care benefits. Start in the middle of the face and work your way down the neck to help promote lymphatic flow, making sure to roll up and out to draw fluids away from the face, and don't forget about often neglected areas like the lips and neck that may show signs of aging.
Be sure to apply gentle but consistent pressure to help eliminate puffiness - if you feel pain, you're pushing too hard, adds Dr. Patel. Use it in the morning or evening - and be sure to keep it clean with soap and warm water.
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