Tips on Using Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Stones

I always found the time to use my jade roller or gua sha a few times a week in the past, even if it was for a minute before my morning shower; but fell out of routine after having my third child.  Over the last year I have tried to step up my evening skincare routine.  I needed to add a little bit of downtime before bed to relax and do something for me.  It was the perfect time to establish a new routine and bring out my anti-aging tools :)

We sell jade rollers, gua sha stones and Plant2Body Nourishing Serum in our online store.  

Jade Rollers

In Chinese culture, jade was a symbol of wealth, beauty, and power and jade rollers were a symbol of status as well as being treasured for improving the skin's appearance.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, beautiful glowing skin is a reflection of healthy qi, or energy. A jade roller works on improving this flow of qi/energy and it is thought to balance yin and yang of the face, thus brightening the skin. 

Benefits include:

• increased and improved lymphatic (fluid build-up) drainage 
• reduced inflammation and puffiness around the eyes
• increased circulation of the skin

Jade rollers are quite cooling and relaxing on the skin, which is great for inflammed and red skin.  Some people like to put their jade rollers in the fridge to get extra cold before using, but I always caution this for everyone.  Jade is naturally cool and too much of a temperature difference on the skin can cause problems for sensitive skin and rosacea-prone skin. 

How To Use A Jade Roller Properly

Jade rollers look like a paint roller with two ends.  One larger end, to use on cheeks, jaw and forehead, and a smaller end for under the eyes and around the mouth. You are always moving upward and outward starting at the jaw line.

You want to stroke your skin with the jade roller, in an upward direction, at least three times per area.

Start at the centre of your chin, rolling up towards your ear. Repeat that a few times, then move from the side of your nose up to your temple. On your forehead, roll it up from your brow to your hairline, then horizontally out towards your temple. Then repeat the process on the other side of your face.

Just make sure to give your jade roller a clean after each use and store so it stays clean.

Gua Sha Stones

Also derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, gua sha stones are another skincare tool that help your skin look smoother and brighter.  Gua sha technique is designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the face and is all about lifting and firming and contouring the skin, while encouraging lymphatic drainage.

After cleansing, use a drop or two of face oil, like plant2body nourishing serum, so the tool doesn't pull at your skin.  Then, using a similar method as the jade roller, gently scrape a flat side of the gua sha stone upwards and across your face using your jaw bone, cheek bone, and forehead bones as guides.

After learning the technique you can actually see a difference between the side of the face that is done, and the side that isn't.  It looks brighter and more defined.

Depending on the patient, I typically end a cosmetic acupuncture appointment with a couple of minutes of a jade roller or a gua sha treatment.  It adds that little extra glow and is a relaxing way to end a session.

Check out the video below to see for yourself how to use a gua sha stone properly. 

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