How To Use A Jade Roller And Gua Sha And What Are Their Benefits?
Jade rollers and gua shas have become all the rage in the past few years. You’ve probably seen beauty influences praise them all over socials. But they actually date back centuries and were used by the wealthiest of Ancient China.
Nowadays, they are much more accessible and have become an integral part of skincare routines across the globe. So, if you’re wondering how to use a jade roller and gua sha, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss how to use them and their many benefits!
What is a jade roller?
Jade rollers are a facial massage tool. As the name suggests, they are made from jade stone. The Ancient Chinese believed jade to have physical and spiritual healing properties. This is why it was used in traditional medicine and still is today. Jade is also cool to the touch and remains so when it comes into contact with skin. This makes it the perfect skincare tool! However, most jade rollers nowadays are fake, especially if they’re cheap. Jade is a precious stone and quite pricey!
And what are the benefits?
Due to the cooling properties of jade, the benefits of using a jade roller include:
- increasing blood circulation;
- toning facial muscles;
- flushing out toxins;
- depuffing the face;
- lymphatic drainage;
- brightening complexion;
- and increasing product absorption.
What does lymphatic drainage mean?
Your lymphatic system is a part of your immune system. It’s a network of blood vessels, tissues, and organs that moves lymph fluid into your bloodstream. This fluid removes toxins and waste from your body. Some health conditions cause a buildup of lymph fluid, which leads to pain and swelling. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage to encourage lymph fluid to move around the body.
How to use a jade roller?
- Apply a face oil or serum to your neck and face.
- Start with your neck and shoulders. Using the larger side, work in a downward motion away from your face. Work in one direction, from your chin to your collarbone. Start on one side of your neck and slowly make your way to the other.
- Next, move to your jawline. Now, work in an upward motion, from your chin to your jaw. Imagine you’re sculpting your jawline.
- Slowly, do the rest of your face. Always starting from the center, roll in an up and outward motion. Do your cheeks and temple.
- Next, using the smaller side, roll under your eyes. Be gentle and roll from the corner of your eye up towards your temples.
- To finish, use the smaller side again to do your nose. Start from the center of your nose and work towards your temple.
Bonus: to really give your skin a treat, apply a face mask sheet and use the jade roller to work in the serum. Your skin will be glowing and soft as a baby!
How often should you use a jade roller?
That’s totally up to you! You can use your jade roller twice a day, once a week, or whenever else you feel like it! Aim to use it for at least five minutes each time you do. We also suggest first thing in the morning to finish off your skincare routine. The coolness of the jade will depuff your face and help you to wake up a little.
What is a gua sha?
If you’re wondering what the difference is between a gua sha and a jade roller, you aren’t alone. They’re very similar and have similar benefits. However, gua shas give a much deeper facial massage. You should spend more time using your gua sha than your jade roller. Like jade rollers, gua shas are made from jade, for the same reasons. There are also plenty of fakes out there, so watch out!
And what are the benefits?
The benefits of a gua sha are the same as a jade roller, plus a few more. These include:
- increasing blood circulation;
- toning facial muscles;
- flushing out toxins;
- depuffing the face;
- lymphatic drainage;
- brightening complexion;
- releasing tension or muscle pain;
- improving fine lines and wrinkles;
- and reducing stress and anxiety.
How to use a gua sha?
- Apply a face serum or oil to your neck and face.
- Begin with your neck and shoulders. Using the flat side of your gua sha, work in a downward motion, only going in one direction.
- Next, move on to your jaw and cheeks. Using the curve of the gua sha, imagine sculpting out your jawline and cheekbones. Starting from the center of your face, work in an up and outward motion.
- Next, using the flat side again, massage under your eyes. Start from your nose and work towards your temples. Remember to be gentle.
- Finally, massage your forehead and temples. Start in the center of your forehead and work horizontally towards your temples.
How often should you use a gua sha?
Like a jade roller, you can use your gua sha as little or often as you please! We recommend using your gua sha once a day, just after your jade roller. Aim to use it for around fifteen minutes. Use your jade roller and gua sha in between your skincare and make-up.
Some important tips to remember
When using your jade roller and gua sha, there are some important things to remember. You should always:
- Use an oil, serum, or cream. If your skin is dry, it will feel uncomfortable and can irritate.
- Start with your neck and shoulders. This will clear up your lymphatic pathways, for successful face drainage
- Work in one direction. No, we aren’t talking about the band! Avoid using a back-and-forth motion. This can irritate your skin and be somewhat counterproductive.
- Be gentle. You don’t need to apply too much pressure. A gentle touch is enough, and the tool will do the rest.
- Wash after each use. Using a cleanser, wash your jade roller and gua sha with warm water. This will prevent the spreading of bacteria all over your face.
Do they really work?
There is some debate about whether jade rollers and gua shas actually work. While some swear by them, others claim they don’t work, or that their effects only last for ten minutes or so. Even if the benefits aren’t 100% accurate, using a jade roller and gua sha serves as a daily self-care ritual. It feels nice, is relaxing, and gives you some time out of your day to focus on yourself! So, why not try them out and see how you get on?
Before you go…
For more Beauty and Lifestyle tips check out our library catalog at Begininnig.com. We’re here to help you feel good on the inside and out!