Buying guide for Best jade rollers
If you often wake up with a puffy face and noticeable lines — common issues due to aging, environmental stressors, lack of sleep, and other often-unavoidable factors — a jade roller belongs in your beauty arsenal.
Jade rollers were invented as massage tools with soothing properties. Now you can find jade rollers in most beauty supply stores. The polished device fits right in your hand, like a tiny paint roller, and the roller(s) target different areas of the face or body. The larger roller is best for your forehead, cheeks, and areas of your body like your back and legs. The smaller one does “detail” work around your eyes, lips, fingers, and toes.
The way a jade roller works is simple: roll it over a swollen or wrinkly patch of skin to smooth it out by stimulating blood flow. But what’s not so simple? The slight variations from product to product that could make or break your experience trying out a jade roller. We’ve done the work for you by offering our top picks, and our shopping guide has all the information you need to know about buying the right one for you and getting the most out of it.
How do jade rollers work?
You probably want to know how and if jade rollers really work. They have been used in China since the seventh century, and only now are they becoming more common in Western beauty.
But do they really do anything? Yes, they do, although the results you experience may not be super obvious or noticeable. By applying gentle pressure as you move the roller over the skin, jade rollers promote lymphatic drainage, or excess water that is retained, making your face appear bloated. The lymphatic system is composed of the organs and tissues under the skin that help the body detox.
Simply put, a jade roller makes the blood flow more evenly, de-puffs skin, and subtly flattens out wrinkles for smoother skin texture. It also cools the skin and feels good. You will get the best results from routine use, and if de-puffing is your top priority, you should keep your jade roller in your refrigerator to boost its cooling, soothing powers.
Benefits of using a jade roller
As already stated, there are several benefits you can receive from using a jade roller. For the most part, a jade roller delivers the same benefits as any basic facial massage. Here’s the full list of potential benefits, although we are skeptical that it can provide any long-term improvements.
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Smoother, less puffy skin
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Reduced appearance of wrinkles
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Relaxing, comforting massage
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A smoother base for topical skincare and makeup
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Improved circulation
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Brighter, more toned skin
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Smaller-looking pores
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Cooled skin
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A reduced urge to pick at or rub your face with your hands (which can lead to irritation and breakouts)
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No need to apply anything that stays on the skin, so good for sensitive skin (and won’t run out like a topical skin product)
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The removal of negative energy, according to some
Key considerations
To narrow down your options to find the ideal jade roller for you, start by answering the following questions.
On what area of the face or body will you use it?
You may need a smaller or larger roller depending on the area of the body you plan to massage.
Get a small (no wider than one inch) roller for use on targeted areas, like around your eyes and nose or one small part of your body. A wider roller is best for sweeping motions across the entire face, the forehead, or for larger parts of the body like your back, legs, and arms.
Does it need to be authentic jade?
Although they are called “jade rollers”, sometimes you will find rollers made out of materials other than jade. Reiki practitioners and others who believe in the unique benefits of gemstones would argue that they provide slightly different benefits, but for the most part, it comes down to personal preference on appearance. Man-made or lab-created gemstones and plastic rollers tend to be a lot cheaper than genuine jade and quartz. You can find jade rollers made of the following.
Do you prefer a single roller or a set?
Most individuals only need a single roller, but you may want a set if you’re using jade rollers for a wellness practice or massage therapy, or if you just like the idea of getting all the accessories and optional features.
Do you care where it’s made?
For some consumers, an American-made product is preferred; others may want a product that is made in China, where the product and jade originated. Decide if this matters to you, and if so, look over the product details to find out where the product’s components come from, as well as where the product is assembled and distributed from. In our experience, American-made products tend to be higher in quality and more trustworthy as far as consistency between the description of the product and what you actually get.
Jade roller options
While jade rollers themselves are pretty straightforward, the model you buy can differ in the following ways, from included accessories to variations in design. Consider what you want from the possible “extras” listed below.
Gua sha scraping tool
This is for detailed massaging that is said to help contour and smooth out wrinkles on the face. It glides over the skin and provides more precise work than a roller.
Color
While authentic jade is all green, you can buy a quartz one, which tends to be pink (rose quartz).
Travel bag
If you will travel with your jade roller or want a convenient way to store it and any accessories, look for one that includes a bag.
Number of rollers
If you will use it on both small, detailed areas (like around your eyes) and also larger parts of your face and/or body, a set that includes two rollers of different sizes is a good buy. You can also find jade rollers with two rollers, one on each end. These are handy if you treat the skin first with different skincare products and don’t want to transfer residue when you move from one area of the skin to another.
User guide
If you want guidance and tips for using and getting the most out of your jade roller, check the product details to get one that includes a user manual (most should).
Did you know?
For the most noticeable effects, use your jade roller after your base skincare routine, morning and night.
STAFF
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Jade roller prices
Jade rollers cost between $10 and $40.
Inexpensive
On the lower end, you will find bargain rollers, usually of low quality and from China. You will likely only get a simple roller with no extras, and the authenticity of the jade or quartz may be questionable. It likely will only last a year or two before the components break or rust.
Mid-range
For around $20 to $30, you can find some high-quality individual rollers and even some sets that include a gua sha tool, tips on how to use, and a storage bag, case, or box.
Expensive
The most expensive jade rollers, around $30 to $40, will come from trusted American beauty brands, are made from authentic gemstones, and have durable construction, so they should last years if not decades. They should also at least come with a guide for how to use it, if not a whole set with a travel case and gua sha tool.
Tips
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Cleanse and moisturize your skin before using your jade roller. A facial oil or cream will help the roller glide over the skin more smoothly.
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Keep your jade roller in your refrigerator to boost its cooling, de-puffing qualities.
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The rule when using a jade roller on your face: roll up and out. You want to distribute the excess water from the center of your face out to other areas.
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Use the roller at night after applying all your skincare products to help them absorb fully into the skin and relax facial muscles, which can tense up from daily stress.
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Keep your jade roller clean and disinfected, or it can actually make your skin worse should bacteria spread. Simply wipe it clean, or use a gentle cleanser or soap and water, then dry it off. You can also use a makeup remover cloth.
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Keep your jade roller completely dry when it’s not in use, so any metal components do not rust.
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Do not use on bruised or wounded skin.
FAQ
Q. Is there any proof jade rollers work?
A. To improve circulation, yes. All the other supposed benefits are debatable. As with most products with health and beauty claims, a lot of if they work is in the eye of the beholder. The only way to know if it works for you is to try it. We can, however, tell you that too-good-to-be-true claims, especially related to anti-aging and long-term benefits, are false. Jade rollers are massage tools with short-term benefits.
Q. How much pressure should I apply when using a jade roller?
A. Gentle pressure. You should not feel any pain or discomfort, and you should not notice irritation on your skin. It should feel relaxing.
Q. Can I use a jade roller on damaged or wounded skin?
A. No. Jade rollers should only be used on healthy, undamaged skin.
