As a beauty tool, jade roller aren’t exactly groundbreaking. But a quick Instagram search of #jaderoller pulls up more than 116,000 posts, and for good reason: They’re not only pretty to look at, they feel pretty amazing too. “Jade rolling increases circulation and boosts skin cell turnover, which can help firm the face,” says Dr. Joshua Bard of the Joshua Tree Medical Group in Los Angeles. It’s also been shown to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, which can be caused by water retention or excess fluid. It’s also said to boost collagen production, which can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
The ancient stone—which has been cherished for its healing properties since the 4th century B.C.—also boosts skin elasticity and promotes lymphatic drainage. This helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and promotes clear, radiant-looking skin, especially when paired with a serum packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C.
It’s not a cure-all, though: If you use it too often, you may overwork the delicate skin under your eyes and cause puffiness and dark circles, as well as premature aging. And if you don’t use it correctly (or regularly clean it), you could also risk bacterial infection.
When using it, “be sure to move in a circular motion, and avoid back-and-forth rubbing,” advises Rouleau. It’s also important to cleanse your stone before and after each use to prevent bacterial buildup and keep it feeling cool.
To get the most out of your jade roller, you should apply a hydrating serum to your skin before rolling it around. This ensures that the product is properly absorbed, so you’ll see visible results faster.
It’s also a good idea to avoid harsh skincare products, like chemical exfoliants and retinol, with your jade roller, as they can increase blood flow to the skin, which may cause redness and irritation. Instead, opt for gentle, natural-based ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid.
If you want to try a jade roller, but aren’t quite ready to commit to a pricey one, Nordstrom has an affordable option that comes with a complementary gua sha tool—it’s a double-sided roller, so it’s easy to hit small and large areas of your face. It also gets top reviews from customers for its quality, size, and color, and it’s also eco-friendly.
If you’re looking for a higher-end roller, consider this one from Mount Lai, which is made of green jade and features rose gold hardware. It’s also a little smaller than others, which makes it easier to reach the sensitive area under your eyes. If you want to up the ante, it comes with an electric vibrating version that supposedly amplifies your benefits.
