DIY Beauty: Should You Try Jade Rollers At Home?

The age of DIY is upon us; with the popularity of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram tutorials, many people are experimenting with their beauty routines at home. Why pay for expensive spa treatments when you can do them yourself at a fraction of the cost? As a plus, it’s exciting to learn a new beauty technique. But like any new beauty trend, trying it out can be a bit intimidating. One of the latest trends on the block is jade rolling. If you’re unfamiliar, jade rollers are an ancient Chinese practice that dates back centuries ago and involves rolling a smooth stone roller over your face to promote lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation. Should you try jade rolling at home? The answer is yes – but with some caveats. Read on to find out why and how you can do it safely and effectively. But first, a little history lesson.

The History Of Jade Rolling

Jade rolling has been used as a beauty and wellness tool in Chinese culture for centuries.

The practice originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Chinese who believed that jade had calming energy, which made it beneficial to use on the face. While the exact origin of jade rolling is unclear, many believe it was first developed by the Empress Wu Zetian during the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

The Empress Wu Zetian was known for her use of jade in beauty rituals. She believed that jade’s cooling temperatures and unique energy would help to reduce puffiness, fight wrinkles, brighten skin tone and promote relaxation. The practice then spread to other parts of Asia, such as Japan and Korea. 

In more recent years, jade rolling has seen a huge resurgence in popularity due to its numerous beauty benefits.

In addition to providing the same calming energy it was originally thought to possess, modern jade rollers now claim that they can help reduce puffiness, fight wrinkles, improve circulation, drain lymphatic nodes and promote a healthy complexion (2). 

Jade rolling is still popular in Eastern culture today, where it is seen as an important part of beauty and wellness rituals. It is also becoming increasingly popular in the West as people are discovering its numerous benefits. 

Is Jade Rolling All It’s Cracked Up To Be?

The truth is, the jury is still out on the effectiveness of jade rolling. While some people swear by it, there is not yet enough scientific research to back up its claims.

That being said, dermatologists associate jade rolling with some potential benefits, such as:

Improving Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps to remove toxins from the body.

This network lies just beneath the skin, and jade rolling is thought to help stimulate it. Naturally, this could lead to improved drainage of toxins, reduced puffiness, and a more youthful appearance (1).

Improving Circulation

Facial massage is believed to help improve circulation, which can lead to healthier-looking skin. The gentle massage motion of the jade roller could potentially help stimulate blood flow and oxygen to the skin, resulting in a healthier complexion (1).

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Reducing Inflammation

The cooling temperature of the jade stone may help to reduce inflammation as it passes over your skin. This can help with puffiness and dark circles under the eyes (1). A popular trend of storing jade rollers in the fridge makes this even more effective.

Promoting Relaxation

Jade rolling is often used as a calming ritual to promote relaxation. The repeated motion of the roller over your skin can be meditative, and the cooling sensation helps reduce stress levels. This could lead to improved mood and energy levels overall (3). 

Relieve Headaches

The combination of cooling temperature and massage-like motion may help to reduce muscle tension, which can lead to relief from headaches (1). 

Improve Penetration Of Products

Jade rolling can also help to improve the penetration of beauty products, such as facial oils and serums. This is because the motion of jade rolling helps to open up pores, allowing your products to be absorbed more readily into the skin.

It can also help to spread the product evenly over your face for a more even result.

What Makes A Good Jade Roller?

With many jade rollers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for you. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect jade roller: 

Made Of Genuine Jade

Without the properties of genuine jade, your roller won’t be able to give you the same cooling and calming effects.

Here’s how to differentiate between real and fake jade:

Look For Translucency

Real jade is translucent and can be seen through when held up to the light. Fake jade is usually opaque, meaning it’s solid and not see-through at all.

Go For Color

Real jade often has a beautiful green hue, but other colors like pink and yellow are also possible. Fake jade is usually more uniform in color and does not have the natural mottled pattern that genuine jade has. 

Check For Weight

Genuine jade is heavier than fake jade, due to its higher density.

Feel The Texture

Real jade has a slightly rough yet smooth surface, while fake jade is often much smoother. Scratch the surface of the jade with a fingernail or something similar – if it gets marked, it’s likely to be fake because real jade is scratch-resistant. 

Research The Seller

Only buy your jade roller from a reputable seller, as this will help to ensure that you’re getting a genuine product.

Read The Materials List

Real jade comes in only 2 variations – nephrite and jadeite. Make sure the roller is listed as one of these 2 materials on the packaging. Serpentine, prehnite, Xiuyan jade and aventurine are not real jade. 

Consider The Price

If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Real jade rollers can cost anywhere from $60 to over $100, depending on how big the stone is.  A cheaper price tag could be a sign of a fake jade roller.

Ask For A Certificate Of Authenticity

A reputable seller should be able to provide you with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer, to prove that the jade is real.

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Consult A Jeweller And/Or Gemologist

If you’re still unsure, you can always consult a jeweler or gemologist for help in determining if the jade is real. 

Double Head Design

Some jade rollers come with two different heads, usually one larger and one smaller. The larger head is better for larger areas such as your cheeks, while the smaller head is perfect for getting into those hard to reach areas around the eyes and nose. 

Ergonomic Handle

The handle of your jade roller should feel comfortable in the hand, as this will make it easier to roll over your skin. Look for a handle that is easy to grip and won’t slip out of your hand while you’re using it. 

Easy To Clean

Finally, make sure your jade roller is easy to clean and won’t harbor bacteria. Some jade rollers come with removable heads for easy cleaning, while others can simply be washed with soapy water and a soft cloth. 

How To Use A Jade Roller

Using a jade roller is simple and easy, but there are some steps to follow in order to get the most out of your skincare routine. 

1. Cleanse And Exfoliate

Start by cleansing and exfoliating your skin to remove any dirt, makeup or other debris.

2. Apply Moisturizer Or Serum

Next, apply your favorite moisturizer or serum to the area you want to treat. 

3. Start Rolling

Now it’s time to start rolling. Begin in the middle of the face and work your way outward. Move in an upward motion, rolling from the center of the face out towards the temples. Use gentle pressure and don’t forget to roll downwards on the neck.

4. Clean Your Jade Roller

When you’re finished, make sure to clean your jade roller with a soft cloth and soapy water. 

5. Consistent Use

For best results, use your jade roller consistently. As there are no known side effects, you can use your jade roller as often as you’d like, even daily. 

6. Store Your Jade Roller

When you’re not using your jade roller, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help to ensure that your jade roller stays in perfect condition for years to come. Refrigerating your jade roller may help to keep it cool and ready for use.

Read More: Should You Get A Massage Before Or After Your Workout?

How To Get The Best Results From Jade Rollers

In order to get the best results from your jade roller, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use: 

Never Roll Backwards

The whole point of using a jade roller is to help stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage. Your skin should be moving in one direction to maximize this effect. Rolling backwards will not help your skin and could even cause damage. 

Start From The Neck And Work Your Way Up

Before you start rolling your face, begin with your neck to get the lymphatic fluid moving. Make sure you roll from the center of your neck outward, then go up to your chin, cheeks and forehead. 

Roll Over One Spot At Least Three Times

When you roll over a spot on your face, make sure to roll over it at least three times. Why? This helps massage the area and break up any toxins that have settled underneath your skin. 

Press Gently, Not Hard

You want to press gently with the jade roller, not hard. This ensures that you don’t damage your skin or cause any bruising. Slow and steady is key. Rushing through your jade roller routine won’t help get the best results. 

Always Work On Clean, Moisturized Skin

Jade rolling can easily cause your skin to dry out or become irritated. The massaging motion of the roller can also drag dirt, oil and makeup around your skin if you’re not careful. To avoid this, always start with a clean face and use a gentle moisturizer before you begin.

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Review Other Skin Care Products

Before you commit to using a jade roller regularly, make sure that it fits in with your existing skin care routine.

If you have active acne, for example, you may want to switch out other products in your routine before using a jade roller. You don’t want to make your skin problems worse by adding a product that isn’t compatible with it. 

Care For Your Jade Roller

After every use, make sure you clean and dry your jade roller. Despite how sturdy it seems, jade is actually a fairly fragile material that can chip or crack if not cared for properly. To clean your jade roller, simply use mild soap and warm water and let it air dry.

Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners on your jade roller. Hot water can also damage the jade, so always use lukewarm or cool water. 

The Bottom Line

Jade rollers are wonderful tools for helping reduce puffiness, wrinkles and toxins from your skin. They’re also great for increasing blood circulation. While jade rollers are generally safe, it’s important to use them correctly and take care of your jade roller in order to get the best results.