How to Use a Facial Massager

The beauty industry is home to a slew of gadgets: LED face masks, at-home IPL systems, and facial cleansing brushes, to name a few. But what’s recently made waves for its ease of use, de-puffing powers, and oh-so-Instagrammable aesthetic are face rollers. Usually made out of crystals (think: rose quartz or jade), face rollers are handheld gadgets that are used to roll the face. They’ve become an essential (and often therapeutic) part of many skincare regimens—and for good reason. While the act of rolling a stone onto your face may not sound like it’s brimming with beauty benefits, face rollers are actually effective at draining fluid, encouraging circulation, and toning the skin. Wondering if you’re doing it correctly? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about face rollers – from the types that are available to how to properly use them.

 

Benefits of Facial Massage

The beauty benefits of a facial massage can be described in two words: lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system that’s responsible for protecting the skin against infection. Think of it as the body’s “sewage system”—it keeps fluid levels at an optimal level by flushing out toxins that could otherwise lead to acne, flakey skin, and premature aging. Lymphatic drainage (aka massaging the face, which is often done with a face roller) detoxifies the skin by stimulating this process of filtering fluids. The result? Plumper, toned, and glowing skin over time. Face rollers are also used to encourage the ingredients in your other skincare products (such as a serum or sheet mask) penetrate deeper into the skin. And, while face rollers are commonly used chilled (to eliminate puffiness), they can also be used warm (if you’re looking for a bit of relaxation)—just pop yours into a bowl of hot water for 30 seconds and begin rolling.

 

 

Different Types of Rollers Available

While most face rollers have two ends—one end to target the larger areas of the face and a smaller end that fits underneath the eyes—different face rollers are made out of different stones, and each variation offers its own set of beauty and wellness benefits. Keep scrolling to find out which facial roller is right for you.

 

Cryodrop

SiO Beauty’s Cryo System ($135) takes the facial roller concept to the next level – providing cold therapy, lymphatic drainage massage, and diamagnetic technology (for increased active penetration). To use, first apply the your favorite serum or oil all over the skin to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin.  Next, use the Cryodrop (a cooling skin-toning tool that reduces redness, improves pore size, and de-puffs) to gently massage the face. When used together, the skin is left looking radiant and feeling revitalized.

 

Rose Quartz Face Roller 

If you’re looking to make fine lines a thing of the past, go for a rose quartz roller. This stone helps to stimulate blood circulation, improve the look of under eye circles, and eliminate signs of stress in the skin. And besides being aesthetically pleasing to look at (seriously, the Insta likes will come pouring in), rose quartz is considered the “stone of love” and is affiliated with the heart chakra. Many people believe rose quartz brings joy, love, and healing into one’s life.

 

Jade Face Roller 

Dehydrated skin can often appear puffy, which is where jade rollers come into play. They’re touted for their ability to diminish puffiness and inflammation as well as lift the skin. The stone is also associated with strength and is said to encourage healthy energy flow throughout the heart’s center.

 

Black Obsidian Face Roller

If your skin has a buildup of dead skin cells, oils, and impurities, it could benefit from using a black obsidian face roller. It’s ideal for those prone to acne flare-ups, which makes sense considering the stone is best known for warding off stress and anxiety (which, coincidentally, can lead to breakouts).

Amethyst Face Roller

Here’s another stone that blemish-prone skin types can benefit from: amethyst face rollers. Amethyst is negatively charged, meaning it attracts positively charged free radicals and toxins for a protected, detoxified complexion. They’re best used for improving clarity and promoting relaxation.

 

 

Tips for Using a Face Roller

Whether you’re new to the world of face rollers or you consider yourself a pro, there are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re massaging your face. Below, find our tips for getting the most out of your face roller—the right way.

 

Apply a Serum 

Face rollers are most beneficial when they’re used in conjunction with a serum. This not only provides slip (which makes for a smoother roll and reduces the risk of tugging the skin), but it helps the nutrients of your serum ingredients dive deeper into the skin.

 

Use Gentle Pressure 

You may be tempted to use firm pressure, but it’s not necessary to reap the benefits of your facial massage. Plus, it can actually have harmful side effects (think: irritation and broken capillaries). Rather, err on the side of using gentle pressure.

 

Start Rolling At the Neck 

Starting at the neck ensures you’re clearing the lymph passageways, which is what’s needed to effectively drain out toxins. Make sure each roll begins at the same part of the neck and that you’re always rolling downward. Roll downward five times.

 

Roll Onto the Jawline and Cheeks

Once you’re done rolling the neck, move along your jawline to either ear, always maintaining a light hand and ensuring you’re moving in the same direction with each roll. Take the roller up the cheekbones five more times.

 

Roll On the Forehead

Rolling the forehead shouldn’t be down horizontally. Instead, start at the tail end of your eyebrows and roll upward toward your hairline. Keep rolling across your forehead until you reach the opposite end of your face. This can be done five times across.

 

Roll For 5 Minutes Everyday

Face rolling doesn’t have to be an hour-long affair. In fact, it can take as little as five minutes to promote blood circulation and see visible de-puffing on the skin. Try incorporating it into your nightly skincare routine to see the firming results over time.

 

 

Closing

While there is no scientific evidence that proves face rollers treat skincare concerns, anecdotal evidence suggests that it encourages skin elasticity, decreases puffiness, reduces the look of fine lines, and rejuvenates tired, dull skin. It also helps with lymphatic draining, which helps to flush out toxins from the skin. There are different face massagers available that use different types of steel or stone including jade, rose quartz, amethyst, and black obsidian. All of these stones offer different skincare and wellness benefits, from improving the look of fine lines to easing inflammation.