Do Jade Rollers Really Work?

If you’re a beauty lover with an Instagram account, you’ve probably seen images of the gorgeous, light-green face rollers that are currently trending everywhere. Otherwise known as a jade face roller, these handheld tools make for more than just a pretty picture—they can have some real skin-boosting benefits, too! If you’ve ever wondered ‘what does a jade roller do?’ or ‘do face rollers work?’ then keep reading. In this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about jade rollers, including what they are and how to use one as part of your regular skin care routine. Bonus: We’ve got tips on the best skin care products to use with jade rollers, from facial moisturizers to facial serums.

WHAT IS A JADE ROLLER?

Simply put, a jade roller is a handheld facial massage tool that’s usually made with two jade stones (hence its name) on either end. Typically, it will have a larger jade stone on one side, which is meant for the larger areas on your face (like forehead and cheeks), paired with a smaller stone on the other end that can be used for smaller areas like the skin around your eyes and your cupid’s bow.

You may also come across similarly shaped face rollers that are made with pink quartz stones instead of jade, although the overall idea and shape of both facial rollers are exactly the same. The history of jade face rollers, much like the gua sha facial massage tool, supposedly dates back to ancient times, although they’ve seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to social media.

WHAT DOES A JADE ROLLER DO?

As we mentioned, jade rollers are a tool for massaging your face. Now, for the big question: Do jade face rollers work? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, facial massage is an efficient anti-aging strategy and can amplify the effects of your anti-wrinkle skin care routine. This means that there is research suggesting face rollers work! Proponents of the jade roller say that it helps stimulate blood flow to the complexion. Jade rollers can also be used to help spread whatever products you use evenly onto the skin, which is really the overall goal.

Bonus tip: Put your roller in the fridge (preferably an adorable mini beauty fridge) for a cooling effect that, if nothing else, will certainly wake you up in the early hours of the AM!

HOW TO USE A JADE FACE ROLLER

OK, so you caved and bought a fancy jade roller. Now what? How do you use a face roller? Grab the tool and start rolling—literally. Generally, you’ll want to use an upward motion. Using the larger end, start at your cheeks, rolling upward toward your temples and over your jawline and chin. Don’t forget the T-zone while you’re at it! Next, flip your face roller around and use the smaller side of the tool on your under-eye area—the skin there is fragile so go slow to start, and be careful to avoid your lower eyelashes. Jade rolling should feel good—you don't need to apply too much pressure.

WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD YOU USE WITH A JADE ROLLER?

What are the best skin care products to use before you start rolling your skin? One word: serum. Meant to be applied onto clean skin before you reach for your facial moisturizer, face serum can have a multitude of benefits when used consistently. Take your pick from one of these potent options:

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum: Formulated with 10% pure glycolic acid, this serum absorbs quickly to visibly even skin tone and reduce wrinkles and dark spots.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This formula, which contains pure hyaluronic acid, will absorb quickly and leave skin looking and feeling visibly plumped.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensive 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum: Give your skin the antioxidants it craves! This serum will help boost radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum: This serum is an all-around all-star product. It will help stimulate skin cell renewal and bring out your most youthful-looking skin.

Of course, you’re not limited to serums when it comes to jade rolling. You can roll over a facial moisturizer too. If you use your jade roller in the morning, try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Day Cream. If you prefer to jade roll as part of your nighttime skin care routine, smooth a night cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Night Balm, all over your complexion.

HOW TO CLEAN A JADE ROLLER

Of course, any tool you use on the regular, whether for skin care or makeup, needs to be cleaned just as regularly to prevent breakouts. Don’t worry, cleaning your jade roller is actually quite simple. Use a soft, damp towel to wipe your face roller off, so it’s free of product after each use. If your face roller has a bit of product buildup or you simply want a deeper clean, add a gentle soap into the mix, then wipe down with water. Leave out to air dry.

A JADE ROLLER ALTERNATIVE TO TRY

If you love the idea of a jade roller but are hesitant to add an extra step to your skin care routine, we know just the thing: the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel. This eye cream option has a built-in rollerball wand applicator that applies the product while gently massaging your under-eye area. That way, when you’re crunched for time, you aren’t tacking another step onto your to-do list, and you can still reap the rewards of facial massage. Win, win!

Ready to learn all about another skin care hot topic? Next, let’s talk face masks. Here are 10 Face Mask Mistakes You Could Be Making.