Benefits of Rolling and Scraping your Face
LMents of Style uses affiliate links. By clicking on certain hyperlinks and buying a product, you may help me make a small commission off your purchase. It's links like these that keep this site going. Thank you for your support!
Don't Ask Why Knit T-Shirt | Agolde Parker Vintage Shorts | Jade Roller | Gua Sha Tool | Ice Roller
I'm SUPER EXCITED for this post today y'all. I have been working on it for 3-4 months now and I'm stoked to finally talk about it. As y'all know, I have been working to up my ante regarding my skincare regimen over the past year and a half. In addition to that, making the switch to only cruelty-free and nontoxic products. Since doing this, one of the brands I've discovered is Herbivore Botanicals. They are run by a husband and wife team out of Seattle, made based on the need for more nontoxic products in the market, that actually work! Late last year, I was perusing their site and stumbled upon a jade roller. It wasn't the first time I'd seen one, but it was the first time I'd seen one and cared about how it could help my skin.
Jade rolling is not new, thought it's been trending for the past couple of years. They are from ancient Chinese culture to help cleanse your chi, but amazing enough, they have great benefits for your skin. When I saw the jade roller, immediately read up on its benefits (more on that in a sec), but while I was doing that, I noticed a rose quartz roller and internally said "but which is better?!". The rose quartz was double the price and from what I've read, not much different than the jade roller. Basically there's a slight difference in weight -the rose quartz is heavier, yielding a deeper press and the stones mean different things. Jade is known for healing properties, energy, wellness, and wealth. Rose Quartz is similar, but has more of a looooove aspect.
While I was researching those two, Amazon recommended the ice roller to me. So I was like HOLD THE FRONT DOOR. Do I need this too?! I began looking at some and Amazon's top rated one looked great, but people said that the icepack head would would break and ooze the fluid, but overall they liked the icepack head of the stainless steel. I was able to find an ice roller that came with 2 heads, so I could try out both for myself.
Once I figured that out, I noticed that Amazon was suggesting the gua sha tool to me. So, I googled it to figure out what the heck it was and how to pronounce it. With these 3 pieces of product knowledge, I began wondering which was the best. I tried searching some, but could only find comparisons between the ice roller + jade roller or the jade roller + the gua sha tool couldn't find anything comparing all 3. This is how most of my blog posts start... I love covering questions I have, because I figure there is someone else out there who wants to know it too! I love writing things where you can actually learn, especially things you didn't realize you wanted to know. If you do realize you want to learn something or you have an idea for me, don't hesitate to comment, email, or reach out!
Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I have been using these and formulating my opinion over the past several months, so here's all the info! If you want to WATCH me talk about them, click play below! If you want the cliff notes or just want to keep on reading, scroll on, my friend.
WHY ROLL OR SCRAPE YOUR FACE
increases circulation
assists the lymphatic system by carrying away toxins
de-puffs and decreases bags
decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
tones and tightens muscles
brightens and increases skin clarity
HOW TO ROLL OR SCRAPE YOUR FACE
Begin with your neck and only in a downward motion. Move to your forehead and press outward, making your way through the entire face. See video for more instruction.
WHICH KIND IS BEST FOR YOU?
Price: $15.99
USE FOR:
planter faciates
headaches
pore shrinkage
puffiness
CONS:
doesn't travel well
can't use to press in products like serums
PROS:
great for headaches
can use all over the body
serious de-puffer
my thoughts: This one is the least versatile in my opinion, but I still really like it. I typically use it if I have a headache. (I get migraines behind my right eye.) The other time I use it is before I go to the gym in the morning. I have to leave super early, so I quickly tone my face, ice roll, and spritz some hydrating spray, then I'm on my way.
Price: $12.99
USE FOR:
entire body
along with acupuncture and cupping
product pressing
CONS:
makes your face /area used red
must use with a product, usually an oil
a little bit harder to get the hang of than rollers
fragile
PROS:
really presses the products into your face
covers the most surface area
jade doesn't harbor bacteria / is not porous
my thoughts: The first time I used it, I accidentally pressed too hard and busted capillaries in my forehead! It hasn't happened since, but it definitely has a learning curve. I only use this at night, because of how red it makes my face. I think it's the best at pressing in oils and will continue to use it for that.
Price: $22
USE FOR:
pressing in products
pressing down a sheet mask
puffiness
CONS:
doesn't press as close as the Gua Sha?? (I don't really have any cons for it)
PROS:
travels well
easy to use
can use it anywhere, anytime
don't have to use products w/ it
my thoughts: This was my favorite because I thought it was the most versatile! Jade is naturally cool to the touch, so it does have similar properties to the ice roller! If you are going to use it with serum or such, put it under some warm water first, so it doesn't close off your pores. I also love that it's jade, so it has similar tendencies to the gua sha tool, as well.
RESULTS?!
I for sure think that these helped with clearing toxins and sinus pressure! It has helped with the severity of headaches and for sure helps intermittently. I also have seen some of my fine lines lighten, which I 100% did not think would occur.
WOULD I RECOMMEND USING THESE?
Yes!! It is such an easy and affordable way to treat your skin well. If you were only going to buy one, I'd recommend the jade roller, but honestly I don't have a bad thing to say about any of them. If you have a lot of headaches, maybe do the ice roller. If you use a lot of oils, the gua sha is the best. Most everyday use award goes to the jade roller, for sure. So, maybe you need all 3, like me;)
SERUMS , MOISTURIZERS & OILS I USE W/ THE GUA SHA TOOL & JADE ROLLER. (remember, I only use oils with the gua sha, but I use all 3 occasionally with the jade roller)
Side note - when I was mentioning this project to other people, they often spoke about microneedling rollers, which is actually really popular right now. I actually asked my esthetician about this a couple months back and she was really hesitant about those and said that if you're going to do that, consider a stamp, not a roller, because you don't want to double roll the same area. That being said, there are tons of different rollers - stainless steel ones, ones with massage beads, some in different shapes... I went with the jade roller, because I love the history behind and it truly think that it is the OG of rollers.
What are y'alls thoughts? Have you tried any of them out? Any that you love? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. when I was researching, there were a couple videos that really helped. I loved Aja Dang's Jade Roller vs Gua Sha video and Ami Desai's Jade Rolling vs Ice Rolling video. Check them out if you want more!
UPDATE 11/18/19 - I’ve used a ton of rollers now and a lot have broken. My current favorite rolling tool are the stone ones from Primally Pure. They have gua shas too! They are really well made - they have these plastic inserts on the side, so the roller actually stays in and doesn’t pop out. They also have ridges, for more facial massaging. You can grab your traditional jade roller or rose quartz roller, but my current favorite is their yellow nephrite roller! Get 10% off w/code ELLEMULENOS on any Primally Pure purchase! They also have a gua sha stone that is fantastic!
Like what you read? Click here to subscribe and receive every post in your inbox!