How can facial massage improve skin?
Facial massage tools can assist with a range of skincare benefits.
Jade Roller Facial Massage
Formed of solid jade stone, a jade roller should be used to massage the face in a particular motion. By gently massaging the lymphatic system these rollers help to eliminate puffiness. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs below the surface of the skin that help to eliminate toxins and waste from the body. This historic Chinese skincare tool has two stones with the largest used for bigger surface areas e.g. cheeks and forehead and the smaller stone ideal for under eyes and around the mouth.
Key benefits of the jade roller include reducing puffiness in the face as it promotes lymphatic drainage. The cool and smooth surface of the roller helps to reduce redness and access muscles and tissues with just the right amount of pressure. It can also release toxins under the skin through the lymph nodes which allows for gentle toning and a lifting effect. It can also relax the facial muscles where fine lines tend to set in by providing a targeted massage to areas like the jaw or temples. The jade roller can increase circulation to bring fresh blood and nutrients for a radiant glow. It also provides a delicate facial massage and leaves skin feeling refreshed and awake. The jade roller also helps to increase product absorption when used on cleansed skin after application or moisturisers and serums.
Jade rollers can be used in variety of ways but it’s best used on cleansed skin and before the use of any additional beauty products. Although in the evening we recommend adding a little extra Sustain (oil cleansing protection) before using the roller. Pairing the jade roller with our multipurpose oil Sustain will help to supports with acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and plumping.
Jade Roller Skin Exercise
We recommend using the roller back and forth, up and down, and out to the side, making sure to apply gentle pressure as you move up to help lift the muscles. For best and radiant results, we recommend using facial massage tools twice daily.
Gua Sha Facial Massage
Originated from traditional Chinese medicine, the gua sha is an ancient practice initially used on the body as it’s believed to heal from muscle pain, inflammation, and illness. It is also believed to remove blocked “chi” or energy in the body which results in tension and stiffness in the body. The gua sha works well as a facial massage for its ability to lift and sculpt the face and neck. Like traditional facial rollers such as the jade roller, gua sha is made from jade stone and is meant to be used with a facial oil to allow for a smooth application without tugging on the delicate face and neck skin.
Gua sha is a slower process than facial rolling, so we recommend using the tool when you have a bit more time to treat yourself or when your face needs a little extra TLC. The shape of the tool allows for a deeper facial massage compared to the facial rolling as it’s carved intentionally to lift and sculpt the face, specifically around the jaw and cheeks.
Key benefits of the gua sha include promoting lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness in the face. It can also release toxins under the skin through the lymph nodes and increase circulation to bring fresh blood and nutrients for a radiant glow. The gua sha lifts, sculpts and tones the face for a youthful complexion. It also aids skin in its ability to purge excess sebum (oil) build-up that leads to acne. The shape of the gua sha is perfect for sculpting the cheekbones and jawline too. As an extra treat, the gua sha can also be used to relieve tension in the shoulders and back muscles.
Gua Sha Skin Exercise
For a gua sha massage, hold the gua sha with the curved side to your face and glide it gently up and out, starting with the neck, jawline, chin, and around the mouth, between three and five times per area. Some find this technique produces faster results because it's usually done with more pressure than the jade roller. It’s recommended usage is a few times a week for the best results.
What do we recommend?
1. For sensitive skin, we recommend using the jade roller as it is more gentle than the gua sha.
2. If you have extra time to treat yourself, then use the gua sha as part of your skincare and beauty routine for a deeper facial massage.
3. For puffy eyes first thing in the morning, then use the small end of the facial roller for a cooling and depuffing massage.
4. For tensed or stressed muscles, use the gua sha to get deeper in your facial muscles.
5. For puffy eyes and a tense jaw, use both the jade roller and gua sha facial tools! Start with the gua sha on the jaw and then move onto the smaller end of the jade roller under the eyes.
Our Top Tips
During a facial massage practice rolling or scraping in outward motions only. Outward motions promote the lymphatic drainage and actually remove the extra fluids and toxins.
Massage gently, as too much pressure could rupture pimples, leading to further inflammation or breakouts.
Store both tools in the fridge in the mesh bag provided to reap maximum skin tightening benefits and for the added cooling factor perks you need to wake you up in the morning.
Clean your jade roller and gua sha after each use as the tools are being used on your face and can easily spread bacteria. Use warm water and soap before patting dry and storing in the mesh bag.
