We’ve all had those mornings. The kind where you wake up after staying up too late, only to see your tired, puffy face in the mirror. Maybe you had one too many midnight snacks or couldn’t resist another episode of Netflix, and now you’re left to bear the consequences.
Luckily, there are ways to manage a bloated complexion, and that’s exactly what jade rollers claim to do. The question is, do they actually work?
What Is a Jade Roller?
Despite the sudden popularity of these pale green beauty tools, jade rollers are not a modern contraption. Their history is vague, but the companies that promote jade rollers claim to have borrowed this device from the Qing Dynasty of China.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, jade is regarded as “a symbol of all that is supremely excellent and virtuous, and of the power of Heaven.”
It is even likened to the value of gold in the West.
In addition to its historical value, jade is a very durable stone. Its high quality and longevity make it a worthwhile investment and perfect for prolonged use.
Depuff Your Face
The way jade rollers work is quite simple. All you do is apply pressure in sweeping motions from the center of your face outward. It’s that easy.
Dermatologist Suzanne Friedler says this simple practice is about as effective as a facial massage. In an article for The Seattle Times, she explains that jade rollers can make your skin “look brighter, more luminous, maybe more contoured and less puffy.” It does this by “increasing circulation,” Friedler says.
Just don’t go in with more dramatic expectations. Jade rollers aren’t going to have an effect on inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, or acne. They’re only going to work in terms of easing lymph retention.
Susan Bard, a dermatologist with Manhattan Dermatology Specialists, emphasizes jade’s effect being below the skin’s surface.
Massages can help to move lymph fluid when it’s stagnant or moving too slowly, she explains. This lymph fluid, which can be likened to blood plasma, isn’t circulated through the body as quickly as red blood cells. For this reason, it’s often beneficial to manually move it along, which is the function of a jade roller.
Best Served Cold
The secondary function of jade rollers is similar to that of rinsing your face with cold water or pressing a cold spoon to under-eye circles.
Essentially, the cold temperature causes blood vessels in the face to contract, leaving less room for fluid retention.
It’s ideal to refrigerate your jade roller in order to have this effect. Just be sure to properly care for your stone. Otherwise, it could possibly make existing conditions worse, Bard says.
Keeping It Clean
As with everything you allow to touch your face, cleanliness is important with jade rollers. Because it’s something you’ll be pushing across your face, being mindful of bacteria is a must.
Keeping your jade roller disinfected before and after each use will make sure you aren’t doing more harm than good. Certain skin conditions could become worse if they’re introduced to any extra bacteria, especially when it’s being massaged into the skin.
Staying gentle with your approach is also essential. Bard mentions the irritation that can result if jade rollers are used too rigorously.
Oftentimes, less is more when it comes to skincare. So don’t go too far with it.
Other Ways to Reduce Puffiness
Facial puffiness can be caused by a variety of factors. Consuming too much sodium, not getting enough sleep, hormonal imbalances, and even drinking alcohol are just a few of the possible culprits.
Jade rollers can be a quick solution for this kind of issue, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent facial bloat in the first place.
Some worthwhile practices to consider are drinking plenty of water each day and staying mindful about your sodium intake. Dehydration is known to cause fluid retention and bloating, so drinking enough water each day is important for deterring puffiness.
Additionally, eating too many salty foods can sometimes have a similar effect, causing you to wake up in the morning with swollen cheeks. If this happens, it’s worth taking a look at your eating habits. Replacing salt with certain herbs and spices can help cut down on sodium without missing out on flavor.
Conclusion
Jade rollers are a great way to highlight facial contours by reducing puffiness and swelling. To fully reap the benefits of this beauty tool, it’s recommended to keep it refrigerated and disinfected. That way, inflammation and bacteria can be kept to a minimum, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion.
Jade rollers can be found at a variety of retailers, and the durability of jade will allow it to last for quite some time. Doing some company research and reading customer reviews will usually guarantee a quality purchase.
Pair up this skincare ritual with plenty of water and a balanced diet, and you’ll be well on your way to radiance!
