What does a face roller do? Benefits, how to use, and do they really work?

What is a Face Roller?

A face roller is a skincare tool that is used to massage the skin on your face. It consists of a handle with a roller ball or cylinder attached at the end. Face rollers are usually made of natural stones like jade, rose quartz, or amethyst. The use of gemstones in beauty routines dates back thousands of years in Chinese culture. Jade rollers in particular have been used since the 17th century to promote youthful, glowy skin.

Today, face rollers remain popular for their potential skincare benefits. Using a face roller involves gliding it over your skin in gentle, sweeping motions. This helps stimulate blood circulation, reduce puffiness, apply skincare products more effectively, and promote an overall radiant complexion. Face rollers can be used both in the morning as part of your skincare routine and at night before bed.

Benefits of Using a Face Roller

There are several touted benefits of using a facial roller, including:

• Boosts blood circulation - The gentle massaging motion helps stimulate blood flow to your face, bringing more oxygen and nutrients.
• Reduces puffiness - Rolling can help drain excess fluid and minimize undereye bags and facial swelling.
• Detoxifies skin - It promotes lymphatic drainage which clears toxins and impurities from the skin.
• Less wrinkles - Increased blood flow provides collagen-boosting benefits to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Relaxes facial muscles - The massage action helps relax tense muscles which may minimize wrinkles.
• Aids product absorption - Rollers help skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Soothes sinus pressure - Rolling around sinus areas can provide relief by promoting drainage.
• Relieves stress - The motion has a calming effect due to the acupressure benefits.

Using a Face Roller

Using a facial roller only takes a few minutes. Here are some tips for incorporating it into your routine:

• Cleanse skin first - Always start with freshly washed skin so the roller glides smoothly.
• Apply serums or moisturizers - For best absorption, roll over top of skincare products.
• Roll in outward motions - Gently glide from chin up the cheeks out toward ears and hairline.
• Don't press too hard - Light pressure is all that's needed, no need to tug at delicate skin.
• Focus on problem areas - Spend more time rolling on fine lines, puffiness, sinus regions.
• Clean roller regularly - Disinfect stone and metal rollers to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Store properly - Keep in protective pouch so crystals don't scratch or lose properties.

Aim to use your facial roller for 5-10 minutes daily for best results. It can be used morning and evening or anytime your skin needs a refresh.

Types of Face Rollers

There are a few common varieties of facial rollers:

Jade Roller

Jade rollers are the most popular type made from solid jade stone. Benefits of jade include:

• Naturally cool temperature helps constrict pores
• Smooth, dense stone glides easily over skin
• Jade properties believed to promote cleansing and serenity

Choose a 100% natural jade roller with no dyes or chemicals added. The stone color varies from deep green to lighter pale green.

Rose Quartz Roller

Rose quartz facial rollers contain crystal quartz infused with rose essence. Benefits include:

• Has a gentle coolness perfect for sensitive skin
• Pink hue lends a soothing, calming effect
• Rose properties help promote skin health and anti-aging

Natural rose quartz ranges from transparent to pale pink. Beware of dyed stones which may fade or leach chemicals.

Amethyst Roller

Amethyst rollers contain natural purple quartz crystal. Touted benefits are:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
• Cooling effect helps reduce puffiness and redness
• Amethyst balances hormones and stress levels

Amethyst crystals range from light lavender to deeper royal purple shades. Opt for a 100% natural stone.

Gold Roller

24K gold rollers are made of real gold-plated metal. Benefits include:

• Pure gold has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties
• The metal helps tool remain cool for depuffing
• Gold helps products penetrate deeper into skin

Look for solid gold plating not just gold paint. Gold rollers may be more expensive but also hypoallergenic.

Stainless Steel Roller

Stainless steel facial rollers quickly cool down to help reduce puffiness. Benefits include:

• Medical-grade steel glides smoothly over skin
• Cool metal temperature helps constrict pores
• Easier to clean and disinfect than porous stone

Stainless steel rollers are an affordable option. Look for food-grade steel with a polished finish.

How to Choose a Face Roller

With all the face roller options, it can be tricky to select the best one for your needs. Here are some tips on what to look for:

Material

Consider your skin type and needs. For example, jade may be ideal for acne-prone skin, while rose quartz is extra gentle for sensitive complexions. If you want something very cooling, stainless steel maintains the chill.

Size

Standard size rollers are around 6 inches long which fits nicely in the hand for maneuverability. Mini travel-size rollers are available too.

Shape

Most have a cylindrical roller ball, but some have unique shapes like heart-shaped stones, wave pattern cylinders, or dual rollers. This is an aesthetic choice.

Number of rollers

Single or double-ended rollers are common. Double sided allows rolling different parts of the face or using larger and smaller roller balls.

Price

Jade and rose quartz rollers range from $10 - $50. Gold or gemstone infused rollers cost $50 and up. But affordable options under $20 work well too.

Reviews

Read customer reviews on quality of material, smoothness of rolling, and ease of use. This can often reveal inferior products.

Brand

Reputable skincare brands like Skin Gym, Herbivore Botanicals, and Mount Lai have quality roller products.

How to Use a Face Roller

Prep Skin

Always start by cleansing skin to remove dirt, oil, and debris so the roller glides smoothly over skin. Gently pat face dry.

Apply Skincare Products

For best absorption, use your face roller over top of serums, moisturizers, or other skincare products. The rolling motion helps press them into skin.

Start Rolling

Begin at your chin and roll gently outwards and upwards toward your ears using light pressure. Continue up over cheeks toward hairline. Use circular motions across forehead and under eyes.

Roll Down Neck

Continue rolling downward from chin to neck and décolletage. This area often shows signs of aging so take care to massage it.

Focus on Problem Areas

Spend extra time rolling over fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, puffy eyes, sinus regions and anywhere that needs extra attention.

Clean Regularly

Wipe down your jade or rose quartz roller with soap and water. Disinfect metal rollers with alcohol to prevent buildup of dirt and bacteria.

Store Properly

Place back in protective pouch or box after use to keep clean and prevent scratches. Don't expose jade rollers to direct sunlight to maintain stone properties.

Do Face Rollers Really Work?

While many swear by face rollers for their complexion boosting and de-puffing abilities, is there scientific data to back this up? Here's a look at the current research on face roller benefits:

Increase Blood Flow

Several studies have found that facial massages and massage tools can increase blood circulation in the skin. This brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to Skin that may promote a healthy glow.

Depuff Eyes

A 2018 study had subjects use a cold facial massager around the eyes. It was found effective at reducing undereye bag size by facilitating lymphatic drainage.

Improves Product Absorption

Research shows that facial massage paired with skincare products helps them absorb up to 13 times more effectively compared to just applying products.

Temporary Plumping Effect

Studies show gua sha massage tools boost microcirculation resulting in a temporary plumping effect. This may minimize the look of fine lines.

Relaxation Benefits

Science confirms that massage stimulates the vagus nerve which activates relaxation pathways in the brain and lowers cortisol. This helps reduce facial tension.

Are There Any Risks?

When used properly, face rollers are generally very safe with few risks. Here are some potential side effects to be aware of:

• May irritate sensitive skin prone to dermatitis or rosacea especially metal rollers
• Pressure can cause broken capillaries on very thin under eye skin
• Jade may interact negatively with skincare products if porous and not cleaned well
• Improper use can stretch out skin over time leading to sagging

Always clean rollers thoroughly, apply gentle pressure, and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

Face Roller Precautions

To use your facial roller safely and effectively, keep these precautions in mind:

• Don't roll over active acne, cuts, burns, or irritated skin
• Apply light pressure and avoid tugging delicate skin
• Clean roller thoroughly before and after each use
• Handle jade roller carefully as dropping can crack stone
• Discontinue use if skin becomes red, inflamed, or painful
• Avoid applying too much pressure around eye area
• Store in protective pouch to prevent damage

Should You Try a Face Roller?

While clinical research is still ongoing into their proposed benefits, many people do enjoy using face rollers as part of their skincare routine. They offer an easy, soothing massage that leaves skin looking brighter, tighter, and more radiant. If you want to test out a roller, jade and rose quartz are safe places to start. Be sure to select a high quality roller and incorporate it properly into your regimen. With regular use, a facial roller may help reveal your most youthful, luminous complexion.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.