I’m not usually into fads and gimmicks, which is why it took me so long to try a facial roller. It was finally too pretty to resist....and I got it on sale!
The packaging claimed this:
- Removes toxins
- Drains lymph nodes
- Relieves stress and tension
- Depuffs skin
- Helps with dark circles
- Reduces inflammation
- Rolls out wrinkles
- Tones facial muscles
- Can help with breakouts along the jawline
- Soothes skin
- Stimulates blood flow and circulation
- Boosts collagen
- Relieves sinus pressure
- Stimulates acupuncture and reflex points
I was surprised it didn’t cook and clean too. With a list that long, I became more skeptical. I wanted to know what actual benefits I might see so I popped on over to Google. Here’s what the experts say:
- “The only benefit of the facial roller, in my opinion, is that you do have lymphatic drainage,” says board-certified dermatologist Marie Jhin. “Sometimes, you wake up, and your face is a little swollen, and your eyes are a little full. The roller could help move some of that lymphatic fluid and remove some of the inflammation or swelling.” https://greatist.com/live/facial-roller-benefits#2
- “If you really have nothing else to do,” says Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at the New York University Langone Medical Centers. “When you’re putting on your serums and other things, you’re stimulating lymphatic drainage manually. Just by moving and making facial expressions, you’re doing lymphatic drainage.” https://greatist.com/live/facial-roller-benefits#3
- In reality, explains Suzanne Friedler, a Manhattan-based dermatologist, jade rollers are about as effective as any form of facial massage when done correctly. “Any time you massage any of the tissues, you’re increasing circulation. Your skin may look brighter, more luminous, maybe more contoured and less puffy,” she says. “But if you’re looking for substantive change, that’s not going to happen with the jade roller. It’s also not going to have an effect on inflammatory conditions like eczema or psoriasis.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html
- Susan Bard, a dermatologist with Manhattan Dermatology Specialists, says that people need to be wary about the potential for jade rollers to transmit bacteria — if you’re not disinfecting your roller, you may wind up doing more harm than good — and about overly aggressive usage. “The coldness of the stone can certainly help reduce puffiness. But the drawbacks are if you rub too vigorously, you can actually aggravate acne or create irritation.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/jade-rollers-wrinkle-fighting-wonder-cure-or-pointless-yet-pretty-sham/2019/01/11/712c3e9e-1373-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html
I pull the facial roller out of the box and read the directions, which basically says how to hold it and that you don’t have to apply much pressure. On my first use, it feels calming like a face massage. And the cold stone feels nice on my sleepy, puffy eyes first thing in the morning.
The experts also recommend that you roll from the centre of your face outward, towards your lymph glands. Some also say that you must start with your neck to clear any lymph build up. I tried this and it doesn’t feel pampering anymore. I’m concentrating on how to roll it instead of using it where it feels good. After a few days I decide to roll like I did on my first day and finish in the direction of lymph glands.
You can use a facial roller daily or up to three times a week for a few minutes at the most. You can also use it to apply serums and lotions.
Finally, facial rollers come in different materials. Jade protects against negative energy and balances your chi. Rose quartz promotes love and healing, is calming, dispels negativity energy and protects from environmental pollution. Obsidian shields and protects our skin and our minds against negative energy. Or just pick your favourite colour!
After using it for a month, I don’t really notice any other benefits. It’s a quick little pamper to start your day and feels great when you have a headache. Going forward, I will probably use it for the occasional headache and its cooling effect on my eyes rather than for daily use.
Have you tried a facial roller? What did you think?
