I’ll be the first to admit that I’m extremely susceptible to beauty-related FOMO. One of my friends debuts new lavender hair? I book an appointment immediately. A fellow editor swears by a yet-to-be-released hydrating mask? I’ve already pleaded with PR to send me a sample. Very rarely does my try-first-and-ask-questions-later approach not result in either a new favorite product or a valuable what-not-to-do lesson to share with other beauty junkies.
So, after witnessing dozens of trusted makeup connoisseurs post Instagram stories with the ubiquitous jade roller for the past few months, I knew it was time to test one for myself (especially since my love of beauty tools is well documented). A few clicks on my Amazon Prime account later, and I was the proud new owner of a trendy jade roller. The only problem was I had no idea how to use it! The first morning I just swiped it up and down my cheeks and forehead, hoping for some heretofore unknown epidermal magic to take place. Clearly, I needed to learn to walk before I could roll.
First, a little historical context from celebrity facialist Cecilia Wong:“Jade rollers date back thousands of years,” she explained via email. “The Chinese empresses and emperors were first to use it for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and to promote a brighter complexion.” And why jade over other stones? “In Chinese culture, jade is referred to as the ‘stone of heaven’ or ‘the emperor’s stone’ and is a symbol of purity, health,and spirituality. Only the emperors and empresses could afford to use it. Jade is believed to have healing properties, as it expels toxins, heals stressed organs, revitalizes the qi in the body, and slows down prematurely aging skin cells.” All of this, plus it looks super chic on my vanity.
My technique, as in how to even use a jade roller, could still use a little work, so I consulted the team at natural beauty brand Herbivore Botanicals—who manufactures their own jade roller—for some tips. “Start at the center of the face—under the eyes and cheekbones—and work your way out to the hairline. Then move down to the jawline, again starting at the center of the chin and moving out along the jawbone. To end, roll from the bottom of the ear down the neck towards the center of the jawbone—this helps to drain all the lymph to the lymph nodes.” Again, lymphatic drainage (aka flushing your body of toxins) is the goal here. That means less puffy morning face and more well-rested Wonder Woman complexion.
Both Wong and the Herbivore Botanicals team encouraged me to store the jade roller in the freezer overnight to help tighten the skin, combat swelling, and boost my overall glow. I also needn’t apply a ton of pressure, as the lymphatic system lies just beneath the skin. So with these tips in mind, I set off on a month’s worth of rolling, snapping selfies each day so I could track my progress.
I’m not sure whether starting this experiment in December—the month when mindful eating goals wither and die—was my best idea, but I quickly began to take note of how *exceptionally* puffy my face becomes after a night of wine and pasta. I’d wake up bleary-eyed and alarmed that my cheekbones, which are usually one of my favorite features, had all but disappeared. Roller in hand, I tackled each section of my swollen face—once on freshly washed skin, and again later to help absorb my various serums and creams.
Four minutes of lymphatic drainage later, my features began to rebound. I started stretching out the time I dedicated to rolling, massaging, and generally babying my face. I even slowly weaned myself off that second-glass-of-wine habit when I’m out with friends. Literal self-reflection for upwards of an hour each week, all in hopes of chiseling your bone structure into top form, tends to make you wary of over-indulgence.
Overall, I’ve kept my jade roller within arm’s reach even after the month was up, and not just because it looks cute next to my perfume bottles. I can slather on moisturizer or eye cream in ten seconds flat, but spending a few extra minutes on my skin feels like a manageable degree of luxury. And my cheekbones have been on point ever since.
FAQs
After using a Jade roller for a month with the right methods of massaging, the difference that we can notice is that it lifts and tightens the skin and reduces crow lines and fine lines. Defined cheeks, nose, and eyes and reduced puffiness are visible differences.
How long does it take to see results from a face roller? ›
Give your skin an immediate boost by using a face roller regularly for an average of five minutes. The act of massaging your face has a sculpting effect, and you can see this almost instantly as the puffiness in your face is gently reduced. Keep in mind that the effects of using a face roller may not last long.
What are the negatives of jade rollers? ›
It's also important to note that like many other skin care trends, a jade roller isn't for everyone. “I would also avoid using the roller if you are having any types of skin rashes or cold sores, and also acneic skin should avoid it, since the jade roller can spread bacteria around,” says Krueger.
Can facial rollers change face shape? ›
Face rollers cannot help someone lose weight or permanently slim their face. However, their cool surface may help reduce puffiness and temporarily give the skin a more taut appearance. It is a good idea to use face rollers on clean skin alongside a product that can lubricate the skin's surface.
What happens if you use a jade roller wrong? ›
Pulling your skin downwards with a roller might cause your skin to sag with gravity and look just like a French Bulldog over time. Always work against the gravity with your jade roller on your face and forehead. The exception is when working on both sides of your neck.
Can a jade roller give you a jawline? ›
Although some may claim and post images of jade roller miracles on social media, trained dermatologists and estheticians agree that jade rollers can't sculpt the face. Although using a jade roller can help de-puff and feel good, it will not tighten the skin or sharpen the jawline.
Do jade rollers help with lymphatic drainage? ›
"Jade rollers, due to their 'rolling pin' shape, can't target the muscles enough to be able to stimulate muscle tone and help with lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness." That being said, there's no harm to be done by using a jade roller, so if you do feel like you're getting enough of a de-puffing effect to see a ...
What happens if I use a jade roller everyday? ›
Regular use can help soften fine lines and maintain skin elasticity. Embracing the jade roller in your skincare routine is a step towards natural beauty and wellness. This ancient tool, known for its soothing and rejuvenating properties, can transform your skincare ritual into a luxurious experience.
Can you overuse a jade roller? ›
You can use a jade roller every day. As long as you're being gentle, you really can't overuse it.
Are jade roller results permanent? ›
Facial rollers can have permanent effects: False.
While you may see some improvement in certain elements of your skin, the changes likely won't be permanent.
We suggest that regular use of face rollers can contribute to a more sculpted jawline and diminished double chin. The purported benefits include improved skin elasticity, tightened muscles, and reduced fluid retention in the facial area.
What is the disadvantage of jade roller? ›
Just as it can push those deeper into the skin, it can also push dirt and makeup in too. I know I said jade rollers are easy to clean, and they are, but you do have to clean them correctly. Despite many articles saying the contrary, jade is a porous material which means it can harbor bacteria.
Is it better to use a jade roller in the morning or at night? ›
We recommend jade rolling twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening after washing your face. However, you can use the jade roller as many times as you want, whenever your face needs a moment of soothing calmness.
Do jade rollers tighten pores? ›
A facial roller, jade roller or an ice roller all help to shrink large, visible pores and they work wonder! Deep cleansing is vital to achieve a megawatt-glowing 'glass skin' look without makeup.
How long does it take to see results with a dermaroller? ›
When will you see results? The longer you carry on rolling, the more likely you are to see a difference. Take stock after 6 to 12 weeks of regular derma rolling. If you're trying to improve signs of aging or scarring, it may take months before you see prominent changes, notes Kearney.
Is it better to use face roller in morning or night? ›
Use the roller up to two times a day, in the morning or the evening. Morning is a great time to use your face roller because fluids can stagnate in the lymph system while sleeping. This causes puffiness upon waking, and the facial roller will assist with flushing the excess fluids.
Do face rollers get rid of eye bags? ›
Rolling may also decrease puffiness (like under-eye bags) by stimulating lymphatic drainage. Some studies have generally linked this type of massage to decreases in swelling. But more research is needed to make the link between facial rollers and any improvements in puffiness in your face.
Can you overuse a face roller? ›
The primary skin risks associated with face rollers, particularly with the blue jade roller, are skin irritation and potential damage to the skin barrier. Overuse of these tools may lead to hypersensitivity and weaken the epidermal barrier. But the real question is, how can you avoid these risks?
