How To Use A Jade Roller (with Video Tutorial)

Jade rollers have become so popular. But are you sure you're using it the right way?

You might be thinking: wait...there's a wrong way to use a jade roller? Yep, there sure is. You can't just roll a rock on your face any ol' way and expect to look magically 10 years younger or de-puffed or whatever it is you're trying to achieve with jade rolling.

Here's the thing you probably don't know about jade rollers: they can be used in a few different ways for different results. The right technique all depends on what you're trying to achieve.

Prefer to skip ahead? Click on the section you want to jump to...

• History of Jade Rollers
• What Jade Rollers Can Be Used For
• Proper Technique
• How To Clean & Care For Your Jade Roller

History of Jade Rollers

At Bright Body, we believe that the history of ancient traditions cannot simply be glossed over - anything that does not come from our own traditions must be properly acknowledged and honored.

Just as we formulate Ayurvedic products with true respect and knowledge for its Indian roots, we will talk about jade rolling with respect and reverence for its Chinese origins.

Jade rolling is an ancient Chinese skin care regimen for the elite that originated in 7th century China under the Qing dynasty. Jade rolling was said to remove wrinkles, promote cellular turnover, improve circulation of blood and lymph, and improve tone of facial muscles.

In modern times, jade rolling is not as popular in China as it is since being exported to and commodified the west.

What Jade Rollers Can Be Used For

All those results I talked about above ⬆️ can be achieved with a combination of two different but highly complementary techniques:

• Lymphatic drainage. We've already written a blog all about lymph drainage.
  
  Reader's Digest version: that stagnation of our lymphatic fluid can cause a wide variety of skin imbalances, and learning how to properly and effectively encourage circulation and drainage of lymph from the face and neck will boost skin health for all skin types.
  
  You can achieve lymph drainage with your hands, a Gua Sha tool, a dry brush, or a jade roller.
  
  
• Connective tissue massage. This technique releases adhesions and restrictions the superficial fascia in the face and neck for results that look like what you'd expect from Botox or a facial.
  
  It really is remarkable - check out the photo below for results after connective tissue massage + lymph drainage together.
  
  You can achieve connective tissue massage with your hands, a Gua Sha tool, or a jade roller.

Proper Technique

Whether you're using a jade roller for lymphatic drainage, connective tissue massage, or both, technique is EVERYTHING! Here are the main points to remember:

• For lymph drainage, use little to no pressure (let the weight of the tool do the work) and slow, downward strokes. Always start with the neck first! Lymph in the face cannot drain if there is stagnation in the neck.
  
  
• For connective tissue massage, use moderate pressure and moderate speed upward strokes, using your other hand to secure skin wherever it might experience "tugging" from the tool.
  
  
• With either technique, avoid going over active acne pustules OR any areas of lymph node inflammation. Please see a doctor if for unexplained pain or inflammation of your lymph nodes and resist the temptation to jade roll it into oblivion.

To learn my own jade rolling technique for both connective tissue massage and lymph drainage, check out this video tutorial:

How To Clean & Care For Your Jade Roller

Since you're going to be rubbing this tool all over your face, you need to keep it clean! We recommend using an alcohol-based sanitizing spray like this one after each use. Allow the spray to dry before putting your jade roller away.

Pro tip: don't leave any jade tools out on your bathroom counter. If they drop in your sink or on the floor, they will break (ask me how I know). It's best to keep them in a drawer, preferably in some kind of pouch so it's protected and stays clean.