Benefits of Face Rollers and How to Choose the Right One

Dec 30, 2022by Heather Smith

There are many different techniques and tools that can be used to enhance facial massage. While not necessary, there are distinct benefits to using tools like a face roller. These devices, beauty tools, and techniques can be incorporated into a professional massage session or facial, but they can also be used at home as part of your daily ritual.

What is a Face Roller?

A face roller is a tool with a rolling head, typically made of jade, rose quartz, or other materials like stainless steel. 

Face rollers can be used to help apply products, massage away tension, and improve circulation.

When using a roller, be sure to make sweeping outward motions rather than back and forth or circular. This will help you get the most benefits because you've enhanced circulation and lymph flow in a decongesting direction. Also, remember more pressure isn't better; this should never be a painful or bruising experience.

What are the Benefits of Facial Rolling?

The benefits of using a face roller will vary depending on the individual and the specific device used.

Face roller benefits include:

      • Improved circulation: Massaging the face with a face roller can help to improve circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells and helping to remove waste products.
      • Reduced puffiness and inflammation: Face rolling helps reduce swelling and inflammation through its effects on circulation and enhanced lymphatic drainage.
      • Relaxation: Massaging the face is relaxing and may help reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing.
      • Improved product absorption: Using a roller to apply skincare products helps improve their ability to penetrate the skin, allowing them to work more effectively.
      • Improved skin texture and tone: Regular face rolling may help improve the texture and tone of the skin, leaving it looking smoother and more radiant.

    Face roller benefits, especially reducing puffiness and tightening skin, are temporary. This is also true for the additional benefits of ice rollers; however including the technique in your daily ritual will result in a consistent improvement. Because of the benefits listed above, we think using face rollers is a great addition to an anti aging skincare routine

    What's the Difference Between Face Rollers and Gua Sha?

    Both face rollers and gua sha are helpful in improving the appearance and health of the skin. Facial gua sha vs roller is a debate that comes down to personal preference for the most part.

    The benefits of both techniques are similar - improved circulation, reduced puffiness, enhanced product absorption, improved skin texture and tone, and general relaxation and well-being. Both gua sha and rollers can be made from different crystals like jade and quartz and other materials like stainless steel.

    Gua sha has a longer history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and dates back over 2000 years. The technique involves using a smooth, flat tool to massage the skin in a scraping motion.

    Facial rolling takes more of a pressure-based, sweeping movement rather than a scraping motion. This works the muscles differently, so some people prefer one technique over another.

    Another benefit of facial rollers comes from the shape and ability to design them with different materials and purposes. They have more versatility and secondary advantages than gua sha tools.

    Variations in Roller Material and Techniques

    Face roller benefits in general, are discussed above. However, different types and variations in tools you can buy lead to more versatility and other benefits.

    Crystals

    Jade, amethyst and rose quartz are all minerals used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual practices. These minerals are believed to have unique metaphysical properties like improving tranquillity, mental clarity, and a sense of peace.

    By far, the most popular and readily available type to purchase are jade rollers. One of the reasons jade rollers are considered the gold standard by some people is the romantic history associated with ancient Chinese culture and beauty. Other people believe that jade rollers are better because of the crystal structure and metaphysical qualities. 

    If you like to incorporate these types of beliefs into your beauty rituals, here is a comparison of amethyst and jade vs rose quartz rollers which may play a role in your decision about which to choose:

    Jade:

        • Balances the yin and yang energies within the body
        • Helps to release negative thoughts and emotions

    Rose quartz:

        • Promotes love, compassion, and emotional healing
        • Encourages self-love and self-acceptance

    Amethyst:

        • Spiritual growth and transformation
        • Mental clarity and balance

    Different people may have different experiences and beliefs about their energy and vibrations. Others may choose a tool based on their colour or design preference. Regardless, there are many colour and material options to choose from.

    Stainless Steel

    Stainless steel is a popular material for facial rollers. In addition, stainless steel has some potential benefits over jade and quartz crystal rollers:

        • Durability: Stainless steel is stronger and more durable.
        • Hygiene: Stainless steel is non-porous and easier to clean and sanitize. This can be especially important when using a skincare tool on the face, as it helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants.
        • Cooling effect: Some people find that stainless steel rollers have a cooling effect on the skin, which can be particularly refreshing during hot weather or after a workout.
    photo of a stainless steel face roller

    There are also potential sustainability and humanitarian concerns surrounding crystal mining. For example, Jade and Quartz mining can negatively impact deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. There have also been concerns about the working conditions and treatment of workers in the jade and quartz mining industry, including reports of child labour and poor health and safety conditions.

    Ice Face Roller

    This adaptation of the traditional face roller has different benefits. Ice rollers are usually cylindrical, filled with water, and frozen in the freezer. When applied to the skin, the ice roller can help to constrict blood vessels, which reduces redness, swelling, inflammation, and puffiness.

    If you want to de-puff your face, particularly the eye area, lymphatic system drainage from massage is important. However, de-puffing is the main additional benefit of ice rolling the face.

    Derma Roller

    Dermarolling has gained popularity as it has similarities to the microneedling procedure.

    A derma roller is covered in multiple tiny needles. The needles on a derma roller can range in length from 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm, depending on the specific product and the intended use. Derma rollers are used to create tiny punctures in the skin, which can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Some people use derma rollers to improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and other skin imperfections.

    Some people also find that derma-rolling can stimulate hair growth, but be sure to discuss the use of any serums or hair oils with your prescriber in order to prevent side effects or infection. 

    photo of a dermaroller

    There are risks associated with using any needle-based penetrative therapy at home. Bleeding and infection are of the most concern. Ensure you follow all the instructions carefully and discuss the use with your dermatologist or health provider. Never share dermarollers between individuals.

    Under-Eye Roller

    An under-eye roller is specifically designed for use around the delicate eye area. It is typically smaller and more compact than a face roller, with a smaller roller head better suited for the skin around the eyes.

    Oil-Absorbing Roller

    Oil-absorbing face rollers reduce excess oil and shine on the skin. They are typically made of a material that can absorb extra oil, such as clay or charcoal. Some even use natural volcanic stone, though we caution that these may be abrasive.

    To use an oil-absorbing face roller, you typically roll it over the skin in a gentle, circular motion. The roller will absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. It's important to clean the roller thoroughly after each use to prevent buildup of bacteria and dirt. Some oil-absorbing face rollers may be disposable, while others can be washed and reused multiple times.

    What Skincare Products Should I Use While Rolling

    Like gua sha, it's important to use a serum or facial oil to help with the glide of the roller. This ensures you will get a good result and won't cause tugging or skin discomfort. We've written an article about choosing the best face oil for gua sha, and the same principles for decision-making apply to rollers. Your skincare routine will usually include a serum or facial oil that would be suitable; there is rarely a need to buy a new product.

    One exception is dermarolling as you want to ensure any products you use are approved by the manufacturer of the derma roller and felt to be compatible so that the risk of bacterial infection is avoided.

    Summary

    So, does it matter if you choose a jade roller or quartz roller?

    Probably not.

    There are many face roller benefits, regardless of the type you choose. We're partial to ice rollers because the benefits are expanded by the addition of temperature changes to the massage.

    These tools will not revolutionize your skincare routine and many of the benefits you see from using them are temporary.

    However, massage and enhanced lymphatic drainage are excellent ways to get a boost and are important additions to self care rituals. 

      

     

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    Okuda I, Takeda M, Taira M, Kobayashi T, Inomata K, Yoshioka N. Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: A preliminary pilot study. Skin Res Technol. 2022 May;28(3):472-479.

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    Miyaji A, Sugimori K, Hayashi N. Short- and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:271-276. 

    Chu ECP, Wong AYL, Sim P, Krüger F. Exploring scraping therapy: Contemporary views on an ancient healing - A review. J Family Med Prim Care. 2021 Aug;10(8):2757-2762.


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    About the Author

    Dr. Heather Smith developed her love for skinimalism and clean beauty years ago when she began making home remedies for her newborn's eczema. She is an expert in natural ingredients and active botanicals and has now launched bareLUXE Skincare - a full line of effective oil serums. She dedicates this blog to consumers who are researching ingredients and working to make their beauty ritual more natural and sustainable.

    MEDICAL DISCLAIMER 

    This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Smith nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content should consult their physicians about their skincare concerns and routines.