If you’re a social media buff, you have probably seen millions of Instagrammers rubbing shining gua sha stones or jade rollers across their face. What was once used in ancient Chinese medicine has now become a rage in modern times. It claims to offer many stress-reducing and skin-sculpting benefits.
Now, beauty tools, sigh – how many times have we wondered if they were of any use? Or even ethical? If they were just another social media newbie in town, here to stay till the next break of dawn? We answer all these questions and a lot more today.
What is a jade roller?
A jade roller is a facial massage tool made of cool-to-touch jade stone (or rose quartz) with rollers at each end.
This sculpting tool, which was more of a healing technique in ancient China, may help in lymphatic drainage, facial depuffing, better skincare product absorption, and tighter-looking facial skin.
Benefits of jade rollers
While there is no evidence that the jade facial rollers have any benefits, using jade rollers consistently may help tone facial muscles, relieve stress, contour the face and reduce fine lines.
Jade stones are very cold to touch; they stay cool when they come in contact with the skin. The cooling effect during a massage has been shown to brighten the complexion, reduce puffiness, and promote blood circulation.
What is gua sha?
The word gua sha originally comes from the Chinese word for ‘scraping’. The tool has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is used to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve pain and tension.
The stroking technique, often done with whatever tool was in hand, helped heal the effects of heat stroke and other seasonal diseases.
Modern-day gua sha is made of rose quartz or jade. It is known to help relieve tension in the face, reduce puffiness and inflammation, and can even help reduce sinus pressure.
Benefits of gua sha
Gua Sha has been reported to eliminate fluid build-up, which in turn reduces puffiness. It can also help alleviate tension headaches, migraines, neck pain, or swelling in the body and face.
When you scrape the skin, you send your brain a message that the scraped area needs more blood circulation. Hence, gua sha helps in promoting blood circulation.
A gua sha massage can heal anxiety and insomnia by easing stress and relaxing muscles. This is because the scraping massage technique activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for our body’s rest. When we run parasympathetic, our heart rate is down, our breathing is slow; so, we are at our most relaxed and calm state.
Gua sha can also clear out toxins. The friction from the massage helps flush out stagnant toxins and releases tension and pain. According to an old Chinese tradition, the redness that is obtained through scraping also encourages the skin to heal itself.
Are jade rollers and gua sha sustainable?
Following a sustainable skincare routine is becoming more popular by the day. Our products can affect our bodies, society, and the planet we live on. So now, we are more conscious of the things we use than ever before.
Both gua sha and jade rollers are made of jade stone, with no chemicals and additives. Hence, it is safe to say that these facial massaging tools are safe to use on the skin. However, the mining of the jade stone is the hidden culprit here. This leads to a lot of confusion about whether gua sha and jade facial rollers are eco-friendly.
Problems with the jade mining industry
Myanmar is the hub of producing jadeite (a type of jade). Jade mining in Myanmar has around 300,000 jade pickers employed. They risk their lives every day, fearing frequent landslides and earning only the bare minimum. According to The Diplomat, miners make only about $60 out of the average of $700+ per stock.
Over the last decade, many lives have been lost due to jade mining accidents in Myanmar.
With many mining operations overwhelmingly unethical, jade rollers and gua sha, too, are unethical. Unfortunately, these beauty tools are not 100% sustainable, either.
Should you buy jade rollers and gua sha?
Buying jade rollers and gua sha completely depends on your definition of sustainability.
These facial massagers are made of natural materials, making them somewhat sustainable.
But for those who abide by the three pillars of sustainability, I.e., economic, environmental, and social, ethical jade rollers and gua shas are for you.
Today, almost every product has an ethical and sustainable alternative. So do jade rollers and gua sha. Here are some eco-friendly facial rollers for sustainable skincare.
Eco-friendly facial rollers for your beauty routine
Eco-friendly facial rollers are made with ethically sourced gemstones. They are offered in recyclable packaging without adding any synthetic materials.
Here are a few facial rollers that tick all the sustainable boxes. These eco-friendly facial rollers will give you a guilt-free spa session (and obviously a glowing complexion).
1. Earth Harbor Rose Gold Gemstone Facial Roller
We found a spa-worthy tool for invigorating blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and facial massage. This rose gold gemstone facial roller refines your pore, reduces puffiness, and gives you younger-looking skin.
Pair this roller with your favorite facial serum or oil to improve product absorption and increase skin benefits.
2. Earth Harbor Gua Sha + Massaging Comb
Take your skincare routine to the next level with Earth Harbor’s gua sha and massaging comb. This gua sha is designed to promote blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, sculpt tissue, and aid in relaxation.
Made with smooth jade, this gua sha is designed for the most luxurious head, scalp, face, and body massage.
So, relax and give yourself a radiance boost with these eco-friendly beauty rollers this weekend.
3. Kitsch Eco-friendly Lifting Facial Roller
This lifting facial roller elevates your skincare routine by lifting and sculpting your jawline; it also aids in lymphatic drainage. The eco-friendly facial roller is made with recycled plastic.
The beaded rollers here provide an invigorating deep-tissue jaw and neck massage. While the stainless steel ice rollers give a cooling sensation to your under-eye area.
Pair this with your fav under eye cream, and experience a luxury spa at home.
4. Province Apothecary Jade Facial Roller
This jade facial roller gives you instant radiance. The smoothed stone eases muscle tension and reduces puffiness, while the studded stone gently exfoliates.
The brand Province Apothecary uses only natural and ethically sourced ingredients. The brand supports the planet’s health and responsible agriculture with every sale.
Now, you can have a relaxing skincare session without worrying about the planet.
These eco-friendly facial rollers will surely make your facial massage experience guilt-free (and worthwhile!)
We’ve got you covered if you are looking for sustainable skincare products to pair with these eco-friendly facial rollers! Read our article on 10 Sustainable And Cruelty-Free Skincare Products To Include In Your Beauty Routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should you put on your face before using a jade roller?
Apply a facial serum, oil, or moisturizer before using a jade roller. Massage your face by moving the roller upwards. Start from your neck and roll up, not back and forth, for better results.
2. How to know if your jade roller is real?
One way to know if your jade roller is real is by its color. Real jade is a naturally dark green or light green stone, with natural patterns like white swirls and black dots. If your roller doesn’t have this color or imperfections, then it is probably fake.
3. Are jade rollers harmful?
Jade rollers can spread bacteria if used on any infected area of the skin. Jade rollers can cause breakage and bruise on your skin if used too harshly.
