You’ve seen them everywhere, but have you ever wondered if massage tools really deliver facelift results that last? In particular, jade rollers, gua sha tools, T-bar tools and 3D Face rollers are popular with both professionals and beauty trendsetters, but the question is: What do these facial tools do and do they still work? Read on to learn about these skin-boosting tools, how to use them, and the many benefits they provide—from facial massage and lifting to lymphatic drainage and skin plumping.
Jade Rollers & Gua Sha | Tutorial: Gua Sha & Jade Roller | 3D Face Rollers & T-Bar Tools | Tutorial: 3D Face Rollers & T-Bar Tools
What are Jade Rollers & Gua Sha Tools?
Jade rollers and gua sha are tools dating back to the seventh century in China. They have been used for hundreds of years to help reduce facial tension, reduces eye puffiness and improves lymphatic flow (aka moving stagnant fluid away from a tense or swollen area to be expelled from the body using massage and gentle pressure). Today, gua sha tools are usually made of jade, as well as other high-quality, pure and natural stones such as rose quartz, green aventurine and amethyst, as well as other materials that are cool and smooth on the skin such as stainless steel and porcelain. The gua sha tool has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years for the aforementioned therapeutic benefits, as well as more recently for cosmetic benefits such as contouring and lifting the face and filling the lips.
A jade roller is another face lifting device that dates back to ancient China. Usually made of jade – although they can be made from other stones – these tools are very affordable and easy to use. Simply move the natural face lifter to the spot on the face or neck you want to massage and roll it along the area. Multiple passes in one spot (under your eye toward your temple, for example) can help you achieve the benefits. In comparison, gua sha requires more technique, so we’ve mapped out the steps below so you can learn which tool is best for you and how to get the most out of it.
Prepare your skin to use a Gua Sha at home
Before you begin, prep the skin by applying a facial oil to the areas you want to massage, such as your face and neck. Use a generous amount of oil, warming it in your palms before pressing it into your skin. Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is a great choice for facial massage — it provides the ‘glide’ you’ll need while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with essential fatty acids that improve the appearance of skin texture. A happy customer, Lali P.reviewed the oil online saying, “Rosehip Firming Oil is one of my favorites! Packed with great vitamins, it smoothes and repairs skin, leaving it looking radiant and healthy.”
Another luxurious option is our Facial Recovery Oil, which is suitable for all skin types. Often referred to as “liquid gold” by our customers, this formula contains sage oil, olive oil and sage leaf extract, which improve the appearance of skin while providing deep hydration. For soft and glowing skin, Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil with pink tourmaline gemstones is another highly hydrating oil option and hemp seed oil hydrates skin so it looks smooth and supple.
Tutorial: How to use the Gua Sha & Jade Roller
You can learn to use these tools in the comfort of your own home by doing a self-guided facial massage.
For Jawline
To release any facial tension along your jawline and cheek area, slide the jade roller or gua sha tool along the jawline and along the cheeks. The gua sha tool may seem a bit more difficult to use due to its shape, so simply use the wide part to glide from the base of the jawline to the top of the cheekbone. Repeat about five times on the first point, then do the same on the other side of the face. You’re likely to feel loose, so you’re welcome to keep applying pressure for as long as you feel comfortable. Blood flow is the ultimate goal, so if it feels good, go for it!
For the neck
Many people experience neck strain from office work and from looking at mobile devices for too long. To reduce this tension, hold your tool of choice at an angle to your neck and slowly move from the base of your neck (from your collarbone) to your jaw line. To help lymphatic drainage, work the tool from ear to neck to collarbone. Repeat until you feel the tension release. The purpose of these repetitive movements is to stimulate blood flow and relieve tightness in your throat.
For puffy eyes
To help with puffiness around the eyes, gently glide the tool across the under eye area up to the temple until you reach the hairline. As with all these techniques, repeat five to eight times or until you feel relaxed. You can also chill the gua sha and jade roller in the freezer for a few minutes before sliding it over the area for further reduction visionswelling and inflammation.
For the Front
Now it’s time to move on to the front. For the gua sha tool, place the narrow end of the stone between the brow bone and eyebrow and sweep from your eyebrows to your hairline. Do the same for the jade roller, going from the corner of your eye to the temple to relieve tension on the forehead. You can hold the tools still with a little pressure on tension points before sweeping up to the hairline.
For further instruction on all of these techniques, watch our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar present a gouache and face jade scrolling tutorial. .
3D Face Rollers & T-Bar Tools
The 3D Facial Roller and T-Bar are innovative tools designed to improve facial contouring and skin tightening through massage. These tools are gaining popularity due to their ability to define facial contours and improve the appearance of skin elasticity.
The 3D facial rollers have a Y-shaped design with two small balls that rotate 360 degrees. This allows the roller to adapt to the contours of the face as it can effectively reach many corners and areas. It uses rolling to lift and tighten the appearance of skin, enhancing facial contours and promoting lymphatic drainage.
A T-bar is not surprisingly a T-shaped design with a static bar that can vibrate depending on the model. The vibration helps to tone the skin and muscles, but does not offer the same range of motion as the 3D roller.
Tutorial: How to Use 3D Face Rollers & T-Bar Tools at Home
3D Face Roller tutorial
Start with a clean, slightly dry face to improve hold and contouring results. Start in the center of the face and roll outwards, using firmer upward pressure and lighter downward pressure. Focus on lymphatic drainage starting in the chest area and moving up towards the face, using a rhythm of three (harder pressure outwards, lighter pressure back). Move to and above the collarbone, opening these areas before moving on to the face.
To apply to the face, start from the center of the chin and roll straight up to the jaw, then move towards the neck, placing the roller on both sides of the neck up to the ear, avoiding the central thyroid area for comfort. The roller is designed to effectively grip the skin and muscles, enhancing the lifting effect during the upward movement.
T-Bar tutorial
The T-Bar may include a vibration feature that aids in the massage process and can enhance circulation. Begin use by thoroughly cleansing the skin. the tool can be used after applying a face mask and before moisturizers for optimal results. Use the tool starting from the center of the chest and moving towards the armpit and then upwards along the neck and face. The application involves lifting movements from the center of the face outwards and upwards, adjusting the pressure accordingly. Focus on areas that need contouring or tension relief, such as between the browbones, forehead and around the lips for plump results. Finish by moving the tool across the forehead and upper parts of the brows, keeping a rhythmic and gentle motion to ensure complete coverage.
Both tools are used to enhance facial features and improve skin texture, making them valuable additions to a skin care routine. Watch both tutorials in the video below if you want to follow Natalie as she walks you through the process step by step.
Have you tried using these facial techniques and reaped the benefits? Let us know in the comments below or on social media! Or visit the nearest one Partner with Eminence Organics Spa and make an appointment!
