Looking for a way to improve your skincare routine? A face roller could be the answer. Jade and rose quartz rollers have been used in beauty rituals for centuries, for good reason! We asked dermatologists and aestheticians to explain the benefits of face rolling, and we'll show you exactly how to use a face roller, so you can start incorporating this ancient practice into your daily routine. Let's get rolling!
I splurged on a beauty box subscription last year. The best part was opening the box and discovering new, cool products. I’d haul them into my bathroom, determined to use them. A few ended up making the cut and became a regular part of my skincare routine. My favorite addition? A face roller.
When I got it out of the box, I had no idea what it was (FYI—this is the roller I use). Eventually, I learned that jade rollers were commonly used in the beauty rituals of Chinese royalty going back centuries.
Jump to:
Meet the experts
- Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology
- Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Chelsea DePilla, an aesthetician at Center City Dermatology
- Inna Knyasevch, an aesthetician at In-Glo Med Spa
- Medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist
How To Use a Face Roller
11 Face Roller Benefits
I started rolling my face because it felt good. It’s like a quick facial massage. Little did I know just how much it would benefit me. Here are some impressive skin benefits of using a facial roller:
1. Lymphatic drainage
By utilizing the healing properties of various stones from Mother Nature herself, DePilla says quartz and jade rollers can help to assist lymphatic drainage on our face. Improving lymphatic drainage in the face helps to remove waste and toxins from the body and can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
2. Improving skin circulation
Rolling stimulates blood flow to the skin, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, and increase the production of collagen and elastin. This can help to improve the tone and texture of the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“Keeping healthy blood flow to the face will help smooth out those fine lines and delay the aging process,” DePilla adds.
3. Reducing facial puffiness
Sometimes fluid can get trapped in the superficial layers of our skin, often as a result of rosacea and hormonal changes, per Dr. Ilyas. This can unfortunately make our skin look ruddy, more porous and enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A facial roller can help release this excess fluid back into the lymphatic system.
4. Helping with under eye circles
When you’re going through a period of little sleep thanks to deadlines, children or a bad breakup, cool rollers can be used as a way to get rid of dark, puffy under eye circles. Luckily, the smaller end of a jade roller can help massage out this fluid around the soft tissue of the eyes.
"The soft tissue around the eyes is like a sponge and allergies, eye makeup irritation, rubbing our eyes and not sleeping enough can cause this fluid to build up," explains Dr. Ilyas. "Once that fluid is caught up in the soft tissues around the eyes, it can linger for a long long time."
5. Relieving tension in facial muscles
"The same way a good massage can help your muscles release tension for the body and scalp, so can massaging the skin on the face," says Dr. Ilyas. "The soothing effect of massaging the skin, especially around the eyes and the forehead where the muscles attach directly to the skin, can help relieve tension."
6. Natural facelift
With regular use, facial rolling can help contour the face by toning and lifting the muscles of the face, which helps to create a more youthful and defined appearance. This can be particularly effective in areas such as the jawline, cheeks, and forehead.
7. Reducing facial inflammation
When you place the roller in the freezer, the cool temperature can also fight against swelling, inflammation, and puffiness, too. As you roll across your t-zone and cheeks, you will notice puffiness and inflammation give way to brighter, calmer pores.
As a bonus, the jade stone also feels cool on the face, which makes it perfect for stimulating your skin and waking you up in the morning.
8. Soothing sinuses
When you’re sick, suffering from allergies or stuffed up, Knyasevch says a roller is not only good for your skin, but your sinuses.
9. Deeper cleansing
If you want to ensure all of your makeup is completely off of your face — and thus, not clogging up sensitive pores — a face roller can dig through every layer, according to Knyasevch.
10. Improved product absorption
When used in combination with skincare products, facial rolling can help to improve their absorption into the skin. This can help to enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine, and can help to maximize the benefits of your favorite products.
11. Relaxation
Facial rolling can be a relaxing and stress-reducing practice. The gentle pressure and motion of the roller works like a facial massage to improve overall mood and well-being.
12. Improve the appearance of acne scars
Massaging skin and increasing circulation may help to improve the appearance of acne scars and discoloration.
Types of Face Rollers
Jade Roller
The most common stones in popular rollers today are jade and rose — both suggesting different benefits.
The beautiful green stone has long been a symbol of peace, harmony, and beauty. Jade jewelry is often worn to bring the energy from nature and the Earth to revitalize and recharge your aura. When used on the face, jade is said to draw out blocked negative energy and help balance your chi, or energy.
Jade is known for its natural cooling properties, which can soothe the skin, reduce puffiness, and help calm inflammation, making it particularly beneficial for sensitive or inflamed skin.
According to Erum Ilyas, M.D., a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, jade is known for being durable and firm while maintaining its cool temperature.
Jade remains cool when in contact with the skin, providing a soothing effect that is especially appreciated during warm weather or when dealing with skin irritations. In fact, one way to tell if a roller is made of jade is to put it in the palm of your hand. If it warms up, it's not jade.
Rose Quartz Roller
Originating in ancient Chinese medicine, quartz rollers used to be the practice of the elite rich, and Egyptians believed in their power, too, according to Philadelphia-based aesthetician, Chelsea DePilla. You can consider a quartz roller the oldest form of anti-aging methods — and a practice that DePilla is still worth the time today.
While DePilla says jade is a softer stone that heats on your skin faster, aesthetician at In-Glo Med Spa, Inna Knyasevch says rose quartz brings beneficial crystal healing energies.
How To Use a Jade Roller
A jade roller is most effective when used with your favorite skin serum, oil, or mist because it helps the moisturizer fully absorb into the skin. It’s a simple process. Here’s a quick rundown of the technique.
Using a jade roller is quite simple and can be a relaxing addition to your skincare routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a jade roller effectively:
1. Cleanse Your Face
Begin with a clean face. Use your regular cleanser to remove any makeup, oil, and impurities.
2. Apply a Serum, Moisturizer or Sheet Mask
Before you start rolling, apply a facial serum, oil, or moisturizer. This helps the roller glide smoothly across your skin and helps massage the serum into your skin more effectively.
Sure, sheet masks are popular — but how often do you actually let all of the goodness saturate into your skin? Though the Instagrammable part of the masking ritual is when it’s on your face, the benefits are often found after you remove it. After those five to 15 minutes of application, use a roller to ensure all of the ingredients infiltrate your pores.
3. Use the Roller
Start with the larger roller for bigger areas of your face such as your cheeks, forehead, and jawline. Use the smaller roller for under-eye areas and around the nose. Here’s how to proceed:
- Forehead: Start from the middle of your forehead, using gentle pressure, roll towards the temples. Repeat 4-5 times across the same section. The roller moves lymphatic fluid to the lymphatic drainage points near the ears.
- Cheeks: Start at the middle of your face and roll outwards towards the ears. You can use slightly more pressure here, especially on the jawline.
- Jawline: When you get down to your jawline, start by the center of the chin and roll along the jawline toward the ear.
- Neck: Don’t forget your neck. Start from the base of the neck and roll upwards toward the jawline. This helps with lymphatic drainage. Apply very light pressure and avoid the thyroid area as best you can.
4. Use Small Roller Stone for Lips and Eyes
Most rollers are designed for the larger portions of your face, including your forehead and your cheeks. But to reach the small sections that still need TLC — like your lips and eyes — use the small stone on your jade roller.
Roll the small stone outward around your eyes and down your nose (this helps move out congestion if you have sinus issues). This is particularly soothing for puffy eyes.
Or consider investing in a small gua sha stone. These allow you to reach every nook-and-and-cranny, ensuring all of your face benefits from your ritual.
5. Direction Matters
Always roll upwards and outwards to help lift the muscles, rather than dragging them down. You shouldn’t roll back and forth—or you’ll pull lymphatic drainage in both directions!
Pick up the roller and place it back in the center of the face or neck before rolling again. Continue rolling for a couple of minutes to let your oil or serum fully absorb.
6. Pressure
Apply gentle pressure while rolling; the aim is to stimulate the skin without pulling or stretching it.
7. Cleaning Your Roller
To clean your face roller, wipe it down with a wet cloth and let it dry. If you notice any product buildup, wash the stones with warm soapy water, being careful not to submerge the roller completely in water.
Dry your jade roller with a soft, microfiber cloth. Store it in a clean pouch or the box it came in.
Once a week, sanitize your roller by spritzing the roller with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol or vodka and wiping clean.
8. Frequency
You can use your jade roller every day, either in the morning to help reduce morning puffiness or in the evening as part of your relaxing nighttime ritual.
Rolling twice a day helps to improve drainage and keep skin looking radiant, but you can roll as often as you feel it’s needed.
9. Storage
For best results, make sure your roller is cold by keeping it in your fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use it. Though dermatologist Dr. Hadley King says you can reap the same benefits with a cold spoon or other material, stones are naturally cold, making them an easier go-to.
Jade Roller Benefits + Uses
Jade rollers can be used in several creative and beneficial ways beyond the typical facial skincare routine. Here are some additional ways to utilize your jade roller:
1. Enhanced Eye Treatment
For an extra soothing effect on puffy eyes, you can refrigerate your jade roller before use. The cold stone helps reduce swelling and tightens the skin, providing relief to tired eyes. Use the smaller end to gently roll under the eyes after applying an eye serum or cream.
2. Soothing Sinus Relief
To alleviate sinus pressure and congestion, use the jade roller around your sinuses (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and above eyebrows). The rolling motion can help stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation, potentially providing some relief from sinus congestion.
3. Headache and Tension Relief
Rolling along the temples and forehead with a cool jade roller can help relieve tension headaches. The cooling effect of jade combined with gentle pressure can reduce tension in these areas, aiding in relaxation and pain relief.
4. Jawline Sculpting
Focus on the jawline to potentially enhance the definition over time. Use the larger end of the jade roller to firmly (but gently) roll along the jawline from the center of the chin towards the earlobe. This can help with lymphatic drainage and tension release in the jaw area.
5. Post-Workout Recovery
Use the roller on your neck, shoulders, or any other area where muscles are tight after a workout. The rolling can help in muscle relaxation and reduce soreness by improving blood flow to the muscles.
6. Cooling Relief for Skin Irritations
If you experience sunburn or general skin irritation, a cool jade roller can provide soothing relief. The coolness of the stone helps calm inflammation and reduce redness. Make sure to be extra gentle on sunburned skin to avoid further irritation.
7. Aid in Absorption of Body Skincare Products
Just like with facial products, a jade roller can be used on the body to help absorb body oils, serums, or lotions. This can be particularly enjoyable after a bath or shower.
8. Relaxing Massage
Turn your skincare routine into a mini-massage session. Use the roller to unwind at the end of the day, rolling over facial and neck muscles to release tension and promote a state of relaxation.
9. Acupressure Points Stimulation
Apply the jade roller on acupressure points around your face to help in relaxation and energy flow, similar to the principles used in reflexology.
Using a jade roller in these various ways can not only enhance your skincare regimen but also provide physical and mental relaxation benefits.
FAQ
Yes, feel free to keep your jade roller in the freezer for an extra cooling effect, which can be an effective treatment for puffiness.
It’s a little different for everyone, but you can expect to see noticeably less puffiness in 4–5 minutes.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to jade rolling, but I recommend cleansing your face and applying serum, toner, and moisturizer (everything in your daily beauty routine) before using your jade roller.
By applying it first, you allow the jade roller to essentially press the serum and moisturizer into the skin rather than allowing it to sit on top. If your skin feels dry after rolling, go ahead and apply more moisturizer.
Rolling twice a day is recommended. Doing it slightly more often shouldn’t hurt, but don’t get carried away.
If you prefer to roll more often, keep an eye out for irritation or soreness, and be gentle with your skin (applying too much pressure and/or pulling are huge no-no's.) Cut back to 1–2 times a day if you notice any issues.
Look for noncomedogenic oils with regenerative properties, such as rose hip seed, carrot seed, and argan oil.
"If acne is active, with an inflammatory pustular component, the use of a jade roller could 'pop' some of these inflamed pustules," says Dr. Ilyas. "Managing the skin appropriately afterwards and taking the time to clean the jade roller is important to avoid aggravating the skin."
On the other hand, using a dirty jade roller can introduce new bacteria to skin, which in turn may cause breakouts. So be sure to clean your jade roller regularly.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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