Jade roller have become a staple in the beauty arsenals of natural skin care gurus, with many fans swearing they help everything from diminishing fine lines to reducing puffiness to aiding lymphatic drainage. But does the ancient Chinese face massage practice really work, or is it just another gimmick that will end up at the back of your drawer?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claims of anti-aging benefits or other benefits like depuffing and lymphatic drainage, but it’s worth incorporating a jade roller into your routine to see if it works for you. “The jade stone is naturally cool, so it helps to calm the skin and reduce redness,” explains dermatologist Erum Ilyas. “Another benefit is that it helps to improve blood circulation, which can result in brighter and clearer skin.”
The best jade rollers are made from nephrite or chrysoprase, which both have high density, meaning they maintain a cool temperature for longer than other stones. It’s also important to make sure the stone you’re using is genuine jade and not dyed marble (one way to check is to place the roller in your palm; it should be cool, but take a while to warm up). If it’s too hot, it’s likely not real.
If you’re considering a jade roller, start by applying a serum to clean skin and rolling it around in a circular motion for a few minutes. Aim to roll gently and avoid over-pressing. “If you press too hard, it can actually rupture the tiny capillaries under the surface of your skin,” explains Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist. This may leave you with tiny red marks, so be careful!”
A good tool for beginners is this one from Mount Lai, which has two rollers in the package: a large roller and a smaller, more sensitive one for around your eyes. It’s sourced from ethically-sourced green jade and comes with a protective case for safekeeping and travel.
Another budget-friendly option is this one from HERBIVORE, which has both a smooth and textured side for gentle exfoliation. It’s a standard size and double-ended for hitting small and larger areas of the face.
Some people use jade rollers on the body to help de-puff their hips and reduce cellulite, but this is a stretch. “It’s unlikely to have the same effect as a full-body lymphatic drainage massage, but it might decrease puffiness and give you a glow,” says dermatologist Jennifer Engelman.
It’s also a good idea to use a hyaluronic acid serum before you roll. This ingredient can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, which will hydrate the skin. When rolled on top of a serum, it can increase its efficacy by allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin. That way, you’ll get even more out of your skin-care routine.