We take a deep dive into what Crystal Rolling is, its benefits such as Lymphatic drainage and how to incorporate tricks and tips into your routine.
What is a Crystal Roller?
Crystal rollers are a tool made of a piece of crystal or synthetic product that rolls freely. They usually come in two sizes, and are dual ended. The sizes are used dependent on the area that is being rolled.
Why use them?
Crystal rollers are used for facial massage. This is a technique that helps to boost circulation in the skin and de-puff. Rollers can help to stimulate the lymphatic drainage system within the body, flushing toxins and bacteria to the lymph nodes where the body's high white blood cell concentration works to remove them from the body. This in turn can help to minimise the fluid retention in the face. Repeated use over time can improve the tone of the face, like a workout for your facial muscles.
How does it work?
Crystal rollers can be used hot or cold. When used cold they help to minimise inflammation, and when used warm, they improve circulation.
The rolling means there is constant contact applying pressure without any pulling or dragging that can be damaging to skin. This soothing method when used directionally is what helps to move fluid around the face and stimulate circulation. Boosting blood flow to the skin is a form of natural antiaging. This helps to boost the bodys creation of collagen and to disrupt the patterns the collagen has settled into. Coupled with its ability to relax skin and muscles, this is how fine lines and wrinkles can be helped.
It increases skin elasticity, coupled with the lymphatic drainage and boost in circulation gives plump glowing lit from within skin. It also helps to allow products to absorb better into skin and the roller does not absorb any product through application.
How do you use it?
Crystal rollers are very easy to learn, if you just want a simple massage a gentle roll on the skin will provide soothing sensations.
We recommend using your favourite serum or facial oil to help the roller skim over the skin with minimal friction, and to boost the antiaging effects.
For lymphatic drainage always start in the center of the face, and only ever apply medium pressure. You do not want to leave red marks or harsh indentations on your face. Work upwards and outwards in all your motions, against the tolls of gravity to help to lift the contours of the face.
Repeat this motion across cheekbones, jawline and under the chin, and finally the forehead, taking extra care to be gentle around the delicate eye area.
Once finished, work around the edge of the face towards the collarbones. This is where the lymph nodes are and where the toxins can be processed.
The best way to use a roller is ensure it feels nice on the skin, especially if it increases your relaxation.
For a warm roller we recommend running under warm water, or leaving in a cup of warm water. The roller should never be hot and take care if your roller is synthetic when using heat. For a cooler roller pop it in the fridge between use for a soothing, de-puffing experience.
When should I integrate this into my routine?
There is no right or wrong time to use the roller, its much more important to have consistency. Repeated use is what will give long term effects and help to really tone the face.
Using the roller in the morning can be a great way to wake the face up and give you a boost before you start your day. This can be especially helpful if you wake up with a puffy face.
Equally enjoyable is using the roller before bed to destress from the day and add a touch of spa magic to your night routine.
Try using the roller when using a sheet mask to really boost the masks ingredients and help them absorb into the skin.
What do we recommend?
Crystal rollers come in all colours and materials for any budget. There are a few things to consider when purchasing one.
Some rollers are pure crystals and others are made from synthetic materials such as plastics or resins. The choice is personal and budget appropriate, but be aware there are more limitations with the synthetic versions.
Some are not drilled all the way through and therefore can grind small particles of plastic as they roll, this can also cause more friction when using the roller as it is not totally free rolling. This can require more effort and therefore more pressure is put into the skin.
These rollers are not as flexible to heat as their crystal or stone counterparts. They must never be used with high levels of heat or risk damage to the surface and the product's functionality.
There are some synthetic rollers that have been dyed to imitate the look of crystal and these dyes can cause irritation in some cases.
Products We Recommend:
Skin Gym: Jade Facial Roller: £25.95
Revolution SKincare: Rose Quartz Roller: £15.00
Scilla Rose: Amethyst Face Roller: £35.95
References:
Bobb, B. (2018) This Chinese Facial Tool Is the Secret to Better Skin in 2018, Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/article/gua-sha-facial-jade-roller-tool
EBSCOhost | 64755357 | True Cosmetic Acupuncture Still Has Its Roots In Traditional Chinese Medicine. (2020).
Available at: https://web.b.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=01438042&AN=64755357&h=
i7qHYVpAlkhJ7LZWCpy9GxbeXgG7XAfrBmzXNNVAmDbE5jW6d73aEPjoJ0sTxqvbCCxcXjjI17G7eQPd7WoNQ%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d01438042%26AN%3d64755357
THE BEAUTY BENEFITS OF JADE ROLLERS + LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (2020). Available at: https://www.petitvour.com/blogs/vour-du-jour/beauty-insider-jade-rollers-and-lymphatic-drainage
What Is A Crystal Roller And How Do You Use One? - Beauty Bay Edited (2019). Available at: https://www.beautybay.com/edited/how-to-use-crystal-roller/