Jade roller or a facial massager, is one of the beauty world’s most popular tools that has been around for ages, but is experiencing a major moment thanks to Instagram. Made from a smoothed-out semi-precious stone, such as jade or rose quartz (although you can find it in many different materials), this tool is designed to be used for a face-to-face self-care experience that relaxes and stimulates the skin. Often, it’s used in conjunction with other products like serums or moisturizers to help them penetrate the skin.
“The jade stays cool while it’s on the skin, restricting the dilation of blood vessels and reducing puffiness,” explains Erum Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to reduce stress on the skin and keep it taut and healthy.
It’s thought that the roller can also help to reduce blemishes by stimulating the skin and encouraging circulation. This may be especially helpful for those with clogged pores or acne, but it’s important not to press too hard and risk breaking capillaries, which could lead to little red marks on the skin.
You can use a jade roller on its own or apply a face or eye oil, such as this vitamin C-rich serum from Deep Blue Med Spa, and then roll. Some people also use the tool on top of a face mask for extra added benefits, such as this hydrating option from Garnier.
Another benefit of jade rolling is that it helps to calm the skin, which can be a problem for those with sensitive skin. It can also be a great way to de-stress, since chronic psychological stress can speed up aging and can cause the body to release hormones that can damage cells and impact skin health.
Getting the most out of your jade roller can take some practice, but it’s simple enough to add into your routine. First, make sure the stone is clean and hasn’t been used on broken or irritated skin. Start with the neck and collarbone area and then move to the jawline and cheeks, making sure to roll outward. Then, continue to the forehead center and finally, the eyes. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, try to do this daily.
This set from Nordstrom includes a jade roller and a complimentary gua sha, a similar facial-sculpting tool that’s useful for hitting smaller (around the eyes) and larger areas of the face. The jade roller is made from Xiuyan jade and is said to be sound-free, so you won’t have to deal with those annoying squeaks other tools sometimes make when rolled over the skin.
If you’re looking to upgrade your jade roller, this model has a sleeker design that’s easy to grip and is a little lighter. It’s also more affordable than some options on the market.