I bought myself a jade roller + gua sha set a few months ago from a brand called Mijep–nothing too expensive as I was just curious at this point but not the cheapest either so I don’t get a product that falls apart after a few uses. I’ve been religiously ~jade rollin’ like a villain~ for some months now, almost everyday whenever I can manage it, as part of my skincare routine and all I can say is… I absolutely enjoy it and can see myself not stopping this ritual anytime soon. I’m even considering buying a more expensive jade roller later to get the full experience but so far, my Mijep jade roller is still doing it’s job. I even dropped it to the floor once (que horror) but I was happy to see that it’s still fully functional, still here giving me joy so I’ll keep using it for the time being.
But you want to know if jade rollers really work? Honestly, I can’t say for sure. You know how you see your face everyday and can never really tell if you’re gaining or losing weight or looking any different? But what I can do is show you before and after selfies. Here are some before and after photos:
The ‘before’ photos were taken around January-Feb before I started using a jade roller (and doing yoga) and the bottom row are taken in August and September when I’ve been doing the routine for some months already. I can’t say I really see a huge, dramatic change but I do feel much, much better about the way my face looks in the ‘after’ photos. Also, other factors may have contributed to these changes to my face (assuming there are noticeable differences) like for instance, I started practicing yoga a few months ago so the workouts may have made my face look a little slimmer. I’ve also been experimenting on serums so that might be a factor. And also, I have been intermittent fasting plus, I had straight hair in the ‘before’ photos and thus might have made my face look a little bigger.
I guess I leave it up to you to judge whether my face looks better overall or not. Tell me what you think! In any case, I looove my gua sha and jade roller routine and nothing can convince me to not do it. Here’s my Mijep set by the way. I got this in May from Lazada. So cute!
Update:
Very sad news (for me!).. I literally broke my gua sha a day after posting this. I just dropped it and it broke in two! *sobs. Well, I guess it might be time to get a new one or maybe a new set altogether. So now I’m browsing Amazon and these are some sets that I have my eye on:
- This Certified Roller and Gua Sha by Plantifique – It’s currently 29% off at $19.95
- This Mount Lai Facial Spa Set – It’s a little more expensive at $50 but I guess that leaves no doubt as to the jade stone’s authenticity
- Skin Gym’s Facial Roller and Gua Sha Workout Set – Also a bit on the expensive side ($52) but it does claim to be vegan and cruelty-free
- I’m also considering this Jade Roller and Gua Sha set by BAIMEI which is PINK (oh my God) and the price is only $16
- Or maybe I need this Jade Roller and Gua Sha Massager Kit Set ($27.75) from a store called Beauty and Wishes because I like the countertop stand that comes with it.
I’m still trying to make up my mind. I wish I can buy them all lol. Oh, and in case you have a recommendation based on your own experience, don’t hesitate to reach out and share it with me please. I will post a review once my new set arrives.
Why I stick to my gua sha + jade roller routine
So anyway, if I’m not feeling so sure if jade rolling works, why do I keep doing it, you ask. Well, simple answer is I just love doing it–for more than a few reasons:
Quality me-time
Pretty much like practicing yoga or working out, jade rolling requires carving out a few minutes of your time daily to devote to yourself and you alone. For women and especially moms like me, “me-time” should be kept sacred and spent doing things that bring you joy, whether it’s a long bath, gardening, running, reading, skincare, or jade rolling!
It simply feels great
I love the feel of the cold roller against my skin. And I like the fact that my face gets a massage. It feels so relaxing that I do it as I watch my favorite TV shows or before I go to bed. I sometimes even do it while reading or right before I head out (which is not every day) for good measure.
Do it anytime, anywhere
My gua sha and jade roller routine takes only a few minutes and afterwards, I always feel like new! When I got my Mijep set, I found this follow-along tutorial by Tina Engeo on YouTube on how to use both the gua sha and the jade roller in one sitting and I’ve been following the routine for months now. I got no complaints! I really liked her instructions because it feels gentle and really indulgent without feeling like you’ve overdoing it or spending an insane amount of time. She starts from the neck before moving up towards the jaw area towards the top of the face. Plus, she recommends putting pressure on some points as you scrape with the gua sha so that you don’t pull the skin too hard just makes so much sense to me. This gurl knows what’s up!
And so I followed along for the first week or so until I eventually memorized the routine and can do it without watching. It’s quite easy and I highly recommend it.
Don’t forget to apply oil on your face before you use the gua sha. I use sunflower oil or coconut oil with a few drops of lavender. I try to do it everyday although some days when I feel to tired, I just go with the jade roller.
Gua Sha and Jade Roller: What’s the Difference?
In case you’re curious, I’ll explain a little more about the difference between a gua sha and a jade roller. I discovered that they serve different purposes but can complement each other. I’m happy to know this because I’ve been using both regularly. So here’s a quick summary:
Gua sha and jade rollers are both skincare tools that have been used in traditional Chinese beauty and wellness practices for centuries. While they share some similarities, they have different purposes and methods of use:
Materials
- Gua Sha – Made from various materials such as jade, rose quartz, or buffalo horn. The shape of the tool is usually flat with rounded edges.
- Jade Roller – Jade rollers are made from jade stone. They consist of a small roller with a larger roller attached at each end. Some jade rollers also have a smaller, narrower roller on one end for use around the eyes and nose.
Purpose
- Gua Sha – Primarily used for facial and body massage, as well as lymphatic drainage. Believed to help release tension, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Often used to sculpt and contour the face, reduce puffiness, and relieve muscle tension.
- Jade Roller – Primarily used for facial massage and skincare. Believed to help with the absorption of skincare products by gently massaging them into the skin. Can also reduce puffiness, stimulate blood circulation, and provide a cooling effect on the skin
Technique
- Gua Sha – Involves gently scraping the tool across the skin at a specific angle and with moderate pressure. The strokes are typically done in a specific direction to promote lymphatic drainage and circulation. The pressure applied during gua sha can be adjusted based on personal preference and comfort.
- Jade Roller – Rolled across the face and neck in an upward and outward motion. The smaller end can be used for more delicate areas, such as around the eyes. Unlike gua sha, jade rollers do not involve scraping or intense pressure.
Benefits
- Gua Sha – Improved circulation, reduced puffiness, increased lymphatic drainage, relaxation of facial muscles, and potential improvements in the appearance of the skin over time
- Jade Roller – Used to reduce puffiness, improve the absorption of skincare products, and provide a soothing, cooling sensation to the skin. They can also help relax facial muscles.
So again, gua sha is more focused on massage, muscle tension relief, and lymphatic drainage, while jade rollers are primarily used for skincare product application, reducing puffiness, and providing a soothing massage. Like me, you may choose to use both tools as part of your skincare routine.
Now we mentioned lymphatic drainage, and I think it’s worth noting that it’s not the same as a lymphatic drainage massage is an entirely different thing.
Gua sha is not specifically designed for lymphatic drainage massage, it can have some indirect effects on the lymphatic system and may be used in conjunction with lymphatic drainage techniques to provide additional benefits. Here’s how gua sha can be related to lymphatic drainage:
- Improved Blood Flow: Gua sha is primarily known for enhancing blood circulation in the areas where it is applied. This improved blood flow can indirectly support the lymphatic system’s function, as a well-functioning circulatory system helps transport lymphatic fluid.
- Release of Tension: Gua sha can help release tension in the muscles and fascia, which can sometimes compress lymphatic vessels. By relieving muscle tension, gua sha may aid in facilitating the movement of lymph.
- Stimulation of Lymphatic Flow: The scraping motion of gua sha tools can encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid. This can be particularly helpful in cases where there is localized swelling or lymphatic congestion.
While gua sha can have these indirect effects on the lymphatic system, it’s important to note that it is not a replacement for traditional lymphatic drainage massage, which employs a more specialized and gentle technique designed to specifically target lymphatic fluid movement. Gua sha is generally used for musculoskeletal issues and pain relief.
If you’re interested in using gua sha for lymphatic support, it’s advisable to consult with a trained practitioner who can incorporate gua sha techniques into a broader treatment plan that includes lymphatic drainage as needed. Additionally, always ensure that gua sha is performed correctly and safely to avoid skin irritation or injury.
So what do you think? Do you also love jade rollers? Would you add gua sha to your beauty routine? Why or why not? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments!
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