By now, we're all fairly familiar with the beauty and skincare tool that are jade rollers. These handy crystal rollers make regular appearances in the beauty cupboards of our friends and family, and frequently pop up in pockets of our Instagram feeds. While we can spot this tools instantly recognisable obscure shape from a mile away, understanding how your skincare routine can actually benefit from this technique is worth making the time for.
To save you from searching to the ends of the earth (or internet) for answers, we're sharing everything you need to know about jade rollers before you make your purchase.
What is a jade roller?
Jade rollers are just one of the many crystal rollers that are on offer in the realm of beauty and skincare tools. Although we have definitely witnessed a resurgence in their popularity over the last five or so years, the practice of using jade stones on the skin can be dated back to 7th century China. This began with the treatment we now commonly known as Gua Sha; where the skin is gently scraped with a stone to promote oxygenation and regeneration.
Jade rollers replicate this same practice; but instead of an individual stone, it is two rounded stones of different size attached to either end of the roller. It's important to note that these aren't the only rolling tools available, and different crystals have their own unique benefits.
What are the benefits of jade rollers?
When used correctly, the benefits of using this tool on the skin are endless – it's not an exaggeration either. First and foremost, using a rolling technique on the skin is great for improving circulation and lymphatic draining. This directly helps to reduce puffiness and increase overall skin glow. This brightening occurs as a result of the natural detoxification process that happens when the blood flow beneath the skin is generated.
Additionally, jade rolling gives the skin a natural collagen boost; reduces wrinkles and fine lines; improves skin tone and elasticity; and tightens pores. It's also a great technique for penetrating serums deeper into the skin; meaning your beauty products can work smarter not harder.
How do you use a jade roller properly?
Although there's no hard and fast rule, it's generally recommended to use your jade roller on clean skin. Cleanse your face and your roller before applying your serum, facial cream or eye cream then start rolling in an upwards and outwards motion. This is because you want to push the trapped fluid towards your temples where your lymphatic drainage points are. Before you begin on the face, the most important place to start is your neck to clear the lymph passages. Following this, it's best to use your nose as the central point and roll away from there in all directions.
If you have a dual-ended roller, use the larger stone for the bigger surface areas, and the smaller head for the more compact or difficult areas of the face. One thing to note is that jade stone has a natural coolness, but if you're wanting to enhance this you can keep it in your fridge for a couple of hours before you start rolling.
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How to care for and store your jade roller.
The first step to caring for your jade roller is to ensure you clean it after every use. For a deep clean, gently wash all areas of the roller to ensure any excess oils or serums have been cleaned off. It's important to only use warm, soapy water and not extremely hot water; as this will strip the jade gemstone of its protective layers. Similarly, never use chemical cleaners or alcohol on the roller either. For an everyday clean, simply wipe down your roller with a soft, damp cloth or towel every night.
How you store your roller is also equally important to prevent damage from falls and bumps. If your roller has a storage bag or box, be sure to store it back in there; preferably in a wrapped, soft cloth.
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