The truth about jade rollers (and whether or not you should be using one)

If you like to stay in the know where celebrity beauty trends are concerned, you’ve surely heard about the jade roller by now. This paint roller-type tool for facial massage is made from solid jade stone and has been around for centuries, but has been enjoying some fresh time in the limelight due to celebrity endorsement from the likes of Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Alicia Keys and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. 

That’s a pretty solid line-up of supporters right there, so you can understand why we had to ask one of our go-to skin therapists what the deal was. We chatted to Jeanine Giot, owner and skincare therapist at Jentl Health & Skin Care in Cape Town, about the jade roller and its supposed benefits. 

“I believe that everyone is entitled to enjoy the benefits of whatever therapy they see fit, but I also like to look at things from a scientific point of view,” says Jeanine. “There is a lot of superstition involved with the jade roller. A lot of people believe in the healing power of crystals, and those who do see jade as a very powerful healing, detoxifying stone.”

The science behind it

“However, I personally believe the benefits of the jade roller lie in its use as a massage tool that facilitates lymphatic drainage. The action of facial massage improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the vessels, resulting in increased detoxification. It also helps serums to penetrate more deeply into the skin. These are all benefits ascribed to the use of a jade roller, but could just as easily be achieved by massaging your face with your fingers, or getting a therapist to do so.”

The power of the mind

“How and what a person believes also plays a role,” says Jeanine. “The placebo effect states that the brain can convince the body that a treatment with no intended therapeutic value is the real thing and stimulate healing on its own. If you really believe in the jade roller and you use it religiously every single night you will definitely increase circulation, which will give you some of those results and an improvement in general skin condition. Plus, let’s face it – jade rollers are pretty, so there’s that!”

Different strokes for different folks

In the end, it’s up to everyone to decide for themselves, and if you enjoy great results with a jade roller, who’s to say you’re wrong? We’re all unique and what works for you won’t necessarily work for someone else (and vice versa). In short – you do you, boo.

IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com