Gua Sha or Jade Rollers to Apply Skincare? My favorite Technique May Surprise You!
- Genelle Holub
- Mar 31
- 6 min read
Skincare has taken the world by storm, and for good reason! With the right products, you can transform your skin and boost your confidence. But here’s the kicker: having the right skincare products is only part of the battle. The way you apply those products can dramatically affect their efficacy. Amidst a sea of lotions and potions, the tools available to enhance your skincare experience are exciting! From gua sha tools to jade rollers, each promises unique benefits. However, as an esthetician, my favorite technique might surprise you!
Let's delve into these popular skincare gadgets and techniques to discover how to make the most of your routine.
Understanding Gua Sha and Jade Rollers
Gua sha tools are traditionally made from stones such as jade or rose quartz and have been used for centuries in East Asian medicine. The technique involves dragging the stones over the skin with the smooth edge of the stone, which can help increase circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and give your skin a lifted appearance. Wow!
On the other hand, jade rollers consist of a rolling stone headed by a larger jade piece. They work by gently rolling the stone over your face, which claims to soothe puffiness, increase blood flow, and help with product absorption.
Each tool serves its purpose, comes in different materials like stainless steel or quartz, but the technique behind their use can greatly enhance your skincare regimen. Gua sha is my second favorite in the lineup of facial massage techniques.
The Right Technique for Gua Sha
Preparation is Key
Start by prepping your skin with a lightweight serum or facial oil after cleansing and/or masking. This will help the gua sha tool glide smoothly over your skin and prevent any tugging. Of course I use Luxe Serum when using gua sha stones.
The Dragging Motion
With the gua sha tool in hand, position it at a 15-30 degree angle in the middle of your chin. Apply gentle pressure as you drag the stone from the center of your chin working outward to your ear, then from your upper lip then your nose covering the cheeks and so on...working your way outward and continuing up your face until you reach the center of your forehead out towards your temples. This upward motion not only helps with lifting but also encourages lymphatic drainage. This diagram is also used for jade rolling and massage techniques!
Tip: Make sure to wash your gua sha tool regularly to prevent bacteria buildup! I just use soap and warm water and/or spray with rubbing alcohol of at least 75% strength.
Incorporate it into Your Routine
A gua sha massage can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. Try to incorporate this technique into your skincare routine three times a week for the best results. You might just find that it becomes the highlight of your skincare/selfcare ritual!
The Magic of Jade Rollers
Start with Clean Skin
Just like with gua sha, always start with freshly cleansed skin. Apply your favorite serum or oil to allow the jade roller to glide without resistance.
Rolling Techniques
Begin by using the larger end of the roller on your cheeks, applying gentle pressure as you roll from the center of your face to the outer edges, just like in the above diagram for gua sha. This motion not only promotes blood flow but also helps your products sink into your skin more effectively. What most don't tell you is that the rollers should be warm so creams don't coagulate (separate or turn chunky) on the skin and actually penetrate. You can warm your tools up by placing them in a glass of hot water for about a minute or two. Dry off the tool before use.
For the under-eye area, use the smaller end of the roller. Roll gently from the inner corner to the outer corner—this can help with puffiness and brighten the eye area. Use the roller cold without product to depuff, allowing the roller to warm to skin temperature before applying product with it. The eye skin is very delicate, and this method is most effective for eyes! Luxe Eye Gelly Treat is a great partner for depuffing eyes!
Frequency of Use
Jade rolling can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine, offering a luxurious and rejuvenating experience that enhances your skincare regimen. Just a few minutes each morning or evening can yield significant benefits for your skin and overall well-being. This ancient beauty practice, which involves using a smooth jade stone to massage the face, promotes improved circulation, lymphatic drainage, and a natural glow (when use with product). Although jade rolling is my least favorite technique compared to other skincare methods, I still appreciate its unique advantages, particularly for the delicate area around the eyes. The cooling sensation of the jade stone is especially effective for depuffing tired eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles, and alleviating any swelling that may have accumulated overnight or throughout the day. Additionally, I find jade rolling to be incredibly soothing after waxing the face, as it helps to calm any redness or irritation that may occur post-waxing. The gentle massage can also aid in the recovery process, making skin feel refreshed and revitalized. By incorporating jade rolling into your skincare routine, even though it’s not my top choice as a pro, I can still enjoy its benefits and enhance peoples overall skincare experience.
My Favorite Technique: The Power of Facial Massage
While both gua sha and jade rolling are incredible tools, my favorite technique has to be facial massage!
Why Facial Massage?
Facial massage is deeply invigorating and can be done with just your hands. It promotes circulation, relaxes tension in the facial muscles, and enhances product absorption without needing to warm up any gadgets. Plus, it's incredibly therapeutic!
How to Do It
Clean Hands: Start with freshly washed hands to maintain skin hygiene. Take your time to spend at least 5-10 minutes on this massage, allowing yourself to truly relax.
Choose Your Product: Apply a hydrating serum like Luxe Serum or Hydra Bomb Eye & Face Cream for a rich cream to your face during the process.
Massaging Technique: Besides your fingers, you can use your knuckles or the flat part of your finger when bent. Work in upward strokes, moving lymphatic drainage upward and outward, and then down for any puffiness. If you are not puffy and just need a great massage to get the blood flowing when using your skincare, then focus on the muscles while following the chart above for gua sha. For the neck, I love long, vigorous strokes in an upward motion, one hand after another for firming. When using the downward motion, it's for removing fluid only.
* Begin at the middle of your chin and work outward.
* Apply firm pressure with your fingertips, making small circular movements or long strokes (your preference) along your jawline, then your cheeks starting at your nose, and forehead, always moving from the center of your face outward.
* Another method is to use a gentle, rolling, fleshy pinch, pushing your thumb to the fingers upward to boost circulation and maintain a smooth motion. Plus, it adds more color to your face!
In Conclusion
Choosing the right technique for applying skincare can dramatically elevate your routine, whether you prefer gua sha, jade rolling, or the simplicity of facial massage. Each has its unique benefits, but personal preference is key.
While I adore the soothing sensation of a jade roller and the sculpting effect of gua sha, I find that a dedicated facial massage is the most fulfilling—and perhaps surprisingly effective! It engages your senses, promotes relaxation, and enhances the absorption of your favorite products, making it a winners’ choice in my book.
So, what’s stopping you? Gather your essentials, and maybe your girlfriends and carve out a few moments for yourself, and embrace the transformative power of skincare application techniques. Your skin, and your spirit, will thank you!
As always comments are welcome and contact me any time. ~ Genelle genelle@faceitskin.net, www.faceitskin.net
Blog available in podcast form by clicking here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/beautypulse/episodes/Skincare-Tools-Gua-Sha--Jade-Rollers-and-Application-Techniques-e30tb09
Genelle Holub
Pro Makeup Artist
Nutrition Certified Esthetician
Face It Skin Founder
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