Jade Rollers and Gua Sha

Jaderollers

Jade Rollers and Gua Sha: Are Skin Healing Crystals Fact or Fiction?

If you are an enthusiast of natural skincare like we are, chances are crystal healing tools such as jade rollers and gua sha have been popping up in your Instagram timelines. If you are new to the world of natural beauty and healing, you probably have contemplated buying one simply because it’s aesthetically pleasing and it’s promised benefits such as reducing puffiness, better lymphatic drainage, as well as anti-aging properties. But what’s the real deal on these new age healing tools? We at Dreamface did our own investigation. 

 

What Is a Jade Roller?

Although it may seem like a new trend on the skincare scene, jade rollers have actually been around since the early 17th century, used as a common tool in traditional Chinese healing- It is used to balance “chi” or energy, dispelling negativity. 

In crystal healing, Jade is a powerful light green semiprecious stone used for health, wealth, and prosperity. Other than that, it is said to be an effective detoxifier, cleanser, and promotes healthy blood flow and circulation. Jade stones, the same as those found on both ends of a jade roller, are naturally cool when it comes in contact with your skin. The stones on both ends are made in different sizes, to roll onto different parts of the face and neck. 

What Is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha, on the other hand, is simply a smooth, fin-shaped crystal (typically rose quartz, amethyst, or jade) which more or less, promises the same benefits as a jade roller. They also have a similar historical background. Practiced in traditional Chinese healing, gua sha is a massage performed to ease muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve circulation. 

Today’s trending gua sha crystals are much smaller, designed for only the face and neck area, and the massage is performed with a facial oil of your choice. 

How To Use Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Crystals

Instructions in using Gua Sha or jade rollers may vary with different brands, but they have one thing in common: using downward to upward strokes or starting from the middle off your face, working your way out.

Beginner users can begin with light to medium pressure to avoid straining or bruising the skin, and later on, work with your desired preferences. There are also other crystals such as rose quartz and amethyst rollers, which are also believed to have soothing and calming effects on the skin but are not as cooling and effective as jade.

Now is time to debunk the myths on these tools once and for all. We at Dreamface have sampled these tools and have done a little research as well. Here are the myths surrounding these beauty trends. Are these facts or fiction? Scroll down to see our verdict. 

Myth #1: Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Reduce Puffiness and Inflammation

It is said that both Gua Sha and Jade Rollers can depuff, reduce inflammation, and dark circles in the skin usually caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, and a few sleepless nights. Especially when you have too much screen time watching Netflix or checking in on your family members during tese virus-ridden times. 

Myth #2: Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Helps With Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system, along with our circulatory system is two very major parts of what keeps us alive and healthy. Scientifically, the lymphatic system has been given less attention both scientifically and medically over the years but the fact is, our lymph nodes carry white blood cells, which is our system’s first shield from varying viruses and toxins.

Jade rollers and gua sha tools are greatly linked as tools used in lymphatic drainage and massage, which is basically stroking our face and neck, giving our lymph nodes some love from the outside which in turn improves our skin’s overall state, lessening fluid retention.

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Myth #3: Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Help With Relaxation and Pain Relief

Traditional Asian countries such as China, Tibet, and Egypt have natural and herbal remedies firmly ingrained in their culture. Such remedies include the use of plant-based extracts as incense or massage oil for gua sha or jade rolling to relieve aches, pains and inflammation.

Since jade rollers and gua sha have made a modern-day comeback, how true are their claims on pain relief and relaxation?

Myth #4: Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Help Skin Absorb Oil and Serums Faster

Another myth we have on these tools and a common one at that is that Jade Rollers, in particular, increase the skin’s ability to absorb the serums and oils applied directly into the skin, thus increasing the effectiveness of any product.

Myth#5: Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Have Anti-Aging Effects

Crystal rollers and gua sha content do not only advertise the disappearance of dark circles, but they also go as far as reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as brightening or even lightening our complexion. 

Verdict: Fact

As explained above, if the jade roller or gua sha tool you are using is made of real jade and not some painted knock-off stones, then chances are, the natural cooling jade brings to the skin can soothe tired eyes and reduce minor inflammation such as dark circles. Note these are not “face-slimming tools”. Sadly, that part is just marketing propaganda.

Verdict: Fiction

Yes, giving yourself a massage does have a good impact on the inside. But jade rollers and gua sha crystals, as much as it may feel good on our face and neck but unfortunately, there is no sufficient evidence to support the claim of lymphatic drainage per se.   In fact, a systematic review made by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that “research studies investigating therapies such as reflexology, craniosacral technique, and manual lymphatic mapping were omitted from the critical appraisal.” With the focus of this systematic review specific to treating orthopedic and athletic injuries, investigations directed towards the management of other somatic dysfunctions or pathologies, such as cancer and lymphoedema, were eliminated.

Verdict: Fact

Although the claims on the improvement of our lymphatic system and blood circulation appear to be fiction, don’t lose hope just yet, as these crystal tools prove to have a significant effect on pain relief. Another controlled trial by the NCBI on the effectiveness of traditional Chinese “gua sha” therapy in patients with chronic neck pain shows that Gua Sha has beneficial short-term effects on pain and functional status in patients with chronic neck pain. Although, the true value of Gua sha in the long-term management of neck pain and related mechanisms still need further study.

Verdict: Fiction

Unfortunately, this is not true. It ultimately depends on the chemistry and formulation of the product. Some products such as virgin coconut oil can clog the pores and will take longer to be broken down and absorbed by the skin, while fractionated coconut oil will have an opposite effect and will be absorbed by the skin right away. Some ingredients like charcoal and salt will stay on the surface as they are too big of particles to be taken in by our pores. No applicator or method of application is scientifically proven to have anything to do with our skin’s absorption.

Verdict: Fiction

Unfortunately, this is not true. It ultimately depends on the chemistry and formulation of the product. Some products such as virgin coconut oil can clog the pores and will take longer to

This is fiction. Jade, quartz, or any natural crystal cannot have an effect on the natural process of aging. It is a scientific fact that it will take more than a massage to reverse these effects. It is true that massaging bodily tissues can help improve circulation and even reduce puffiness. But if you are looking for solid and substantial change, such as the healing of eczema or acne or the disappearance of wrinkles and lines as an effect of stress and aging, this is not the job of a jade roller and gua sha.

Research Roundup: The Final Verdict And The Best Jade Rollers In The Market

If you are still with us, congratulations! You have now debunked the myths surrounding jade rollers and gua sha tools. Here our definition of these natural stones which are tried, tested, and proven by facts: Jade rollers and gua sha are tools made of natural semi precious stones used for it’s cooling, depuffing, relaxing and pain relief properties.

It may not reverse aging, drain your lymph nodes, or help the skin in absorbing the nutrients faster. Rather, they are visually stimulating, made from natural ingredients, and more often than not, it feels good on the skin. That in itself is a good reason to purchase and explore this self-care tool and its benefits. Here are some products to get you started:

Mount Lai De-Puffing Jade Facial Roller (starts at $34.00)

The brand’s inspiration stems from founder Stephanie Zheng’s grandmother of Asian descent, who has been practicing jade rolling and gua sha massages for over five decades.

Roselyn Boutique Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set (Starts at $18.75)

This affordable starter kit contains both a jade roller and gua sha tool that are made from authentic jade stones.

Kora Organics By Miranda Kerr - Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha

Victoria’s Secret angel Miranda Kerr encourages everyone to get in on the Gua Sha beauty craze. Kora’s Rose Quartz gua sha is said to depuff and destress your skin, and at the same time attract love and positivity. 

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