Facial rolling has been getting a lot of buzz lately, but it’s actually a beauty ritual that’s been around for centuries. Made popular by the jade facial roller, these tools look like mini paint rollers and now come in a variety of gemstones. Using a gemstone roller on the face is thought to aid in de-puffing and promote lymphatic drainage. But is this a passing fad? Is it worth the sometimes heavy price tag associated with it?

What are facial rollers?

Karina Sulzer, founder of the unique brand of facial rollers, Skin Gym, tells us everything we need to know about facial rolling. This trend isn’t going anywhere, as demonstrated by Sulzer’s line that’s gone past just jade or rose quartz rollers. This line consists of rollers in all sorts of unique gemstones, like amethyst and obsidian. What better expert to explain what all the fuss is about when it comes to facial rolling?

What are the benefits of facial rolling?

Face rollers are said to have many benefits, including stimulating collagen and improving the elasticity of the skin. At the very least, they reduce and tighten pores. “This is because the crystal remains cold even when in direct contact with the skin,” Sulzer explains. Facial rolling is also thought to promote lymphatic drainage and help to eliminate toxins. It can even help relieve sinus pain and pressure by rolling gently around the eye area.  

Is it best when used in the morning or at night?

“You can do both!” Sulzer says. “You can roll as much as you want.” She recommends rolling with your favorite face serum, oil, moisturizer or mask. It’s so easy, it’s almost foolproof.

So, how do you use a facial roller?

Don’t be scared to use a facial roller, because they’re shockingly easy to manage. As a general rule of thumb, Sulzer recommends you roll up and out. “Starting on the chin, work from the center outward and upward on the cheeks. Then at the center, make sweeping rolls under the chin towards the collarbone, working outwards to the sides of the neck. Roll the crystal facial roller starting from the center of your neck, rolling upwards and outwards. Continue this motion on each section of your face.”

Is there a difference between the gemstones?

There are, in fact, big differences in the crystals used in facial rollers, which can often explain some big price discrepancies. Many times if a facial roller seems too inexpensive to be true, it may not be 100% gemstone and may have bits of plastic or other materials in it. Crystals are thought to have various healing properties when carried, so crystals used topically in a facial roller are no exception. Jade, the classic face roller, is great for soothing inflamed or puffy skin. Rose quartz is another trending stone used in facial rollers, as it is thought to encourage cell turnover and reparation. Skin Gym also has unique, hard-to-find facial rollers like amethyst, which is thought to purify the skin and promote blood circulation.   
Buy it now: Skin Gym Products, $20-$68

Facial rolling is so easy, you almost can’t go wrong with it. The benefits are numerous in relation to the cost of a facial roller, which, if you invest in a quality roller, should last you for years. So long as you remember Sulzer’s tips on rolling “up and out,” you’re going to reap the cooling, soothing and lifting benefits of facial rolling.