Facial rollers are a relatively cheap but effective tool to include in at-home facial routines. Learning how to use a facial roller has been top-of-mind for many a DIY beauty maven over the past year, as this cooling device is known to lift, tone, and smoothen skin, as well as provide a moment in your day to relax—quite a treat during today's stressful times.
Before you buy, you may want to find out which material is better for this viral beauty tool, which has roots in ancient Eastern chi medicine (and given that these Insta-friendly tools are arguably still a novelty in many Western beauty regimens). Is a jade facial roller or a rose quartz roller better for your needs? Or perhaps you’re considering a facial roller made from another gemstone or material altogether?
While salons were closed, many of us opted for DIY facials that had us running the gamut from getting the most out of the best eye cream to learning how to remove blackheads on our own, but although professional facials are available to us again, there’s no need to stop exercising self-care at home.
We asked Emily Buckwell of beauty device experts CurrentBody why facial rollers are so in demand at the moment, given that they’ve been used for centuries in Asia. "Since the beginning of lockdown, we’ve seen a significant increase in products that can help you to relax as well as treat your skin," says Emily. "Searches on our website for facial rollers have increased by 42% since April [2020], suggesting that people are looking for new ways to unwind."
"Facial rollers provide the best of both worlds. They leave a glowier, more refreshed complexion and are a fantastic way to alleviate stress," says Emily. "Without realizing it, we carry a lot of tension in our face, and the pressure from a roller releases that tension, just like a massage would for the body."
In fact, science backs Emily’s claims. One study found that facial massage could reduce anxiety and negative moods, while further research conducted at the Tokyo Institute of Technology concluded that "using a roller can increase skin blood flow for more than 10 minutes."
Facial rollers can help lift and tighten skin, as well as improve circulation.
Facial rolling 101
Why experts love facial rollers
We got the expert opinions of Alice Moore, celebrity makeup artist, facialist, and founder of Kyūshi, and Donna Ryan, a.k.a. The Facial Goddess, to find out why facial rollers are good for our skin, which roller is best, and how long you should use a facial roller for.
"Facial rollers are a great tool to encourage and improve lymphatic drainage, boost circulation, relieve tension, tone the muscles and brighten the skin," says Alice. "Using a tool allows for a cooling effect that hands can’t achieve. The joy of a facial roller is it can be a great tool for clients to use at home in between appointments."
The benefits of facial rollers don’t stop there: As well as reducing puffiness and dark circles, they "give a much nicer finish to your makeup when you apply your skincare in the morning,' explains Donna.
How do facial rollers work?
"After cleansing, apply a facial oil or a serum to the face, enough to create some friction, yet not too much that you’re slipping and sliding all over the place," advises Alice. "You always roll upwards and outwards, focusing on jaw to ear, under the cheekbone to ear, gently under the eyes, then eyebrows to hairline."
Donna agrees: "It’s especially important to work your way up the face and to do upward strokes; we're trying to fight against gravity!"
Watch this home tutorial for tips and help with technique:
Face roller benefits for anti-aging
"Facial rollers help to bring movement and energy to the face," explains Donna. "It’s a very similar process to exercise—the more consistent you are, the stronger your muscles get. Using rollers is waking up the muscles and training them, and keeping them strong as we age."
Jade face roller vs rose quartz face roller
Rose quartz is a cold stone, making it great for inflammation.
"The type of stone you use is a personal choice, so I recommend people use what they are drawn towards," advises Donna. "I love using rose quartz because it’s a very cold stone, which is particularly good for skin that’s inflamed."
"It’s safe to say bian is my favorite for facial tools," says Alice. "Without going too ‘woo woo,’ bian stone has a higher frequency than other stones (20,000- 2 million Hz). It’s heavier and softer yet has slightly more friction, which allows for better contact and manipulation of the skin, which means greater circulation stimulation and oxygenation. The aim is to provide the body with high frequency in order to facilitate healing. Jade, by comparison, is 200,000-800,000 Hz."
"Put your rollers in the fridge, so there is an added cooling benefit—natural stones work best for this, as opposed to metal or plastic rollers," she adds.
Life hack: Keep your rollers in the fridge for a zesty morning pick-me-up.
How long should you use a facial roller?
"I would suggest using a facial roller daily for 3 to 5 minutes, for maximum benefits," says Alice. "I like to use mine in the morning, so my skin looks fresh, plump, dewy, and de-puffed for the day ahead. If de-puffing and drainage is your goal, pop your roller in the fridge or freezer and take it out just before you start. If you want to be really decadent, get two, so you can switch between them when they get warm."
Alice also advises combining home massage with a regular facial. "For professional roller or gua sha facials, I’d suggest once a month and self-care every day in between," she says. "Not only do facial tools improve the appearance and quality of your skin, but the act of taking time for yourself can boost your mood and instill a sense of calm."
The best facial rollers for lifting and toning skin
The best facial rollers
That’s a matter of personal choice. We list out our faves made from varying materials. Whichever you go with, though, it was unanimous: Our experts all conclude that rollers work better when used after being stored in the fridge.
Herbivore Botanicals Jade Facial Roller
Skin Gym Amethyst Crystal Facial Roller
Revolution Skincare Rose Quartz Roller
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The L-Roller
Flawless by Finishing Touch Flawless Contour
The Body Shop Oils Of Life Revitalizing Facial Roller
Rosental Organics The Magician Face & Body Roller
MZ Skin TONE & LIFT Germanium Contouring Facial Roller
woman&home thanks Emily Buckwell of CurrentBody, Alice Moore of Kyūshi, and Donna Ryan for their time and expertise.