I think everyone agrees that facial massage – and the jade rollers and guasha tools that make it easier – have become something of a skincare staple of sorts. Massagers with crystal carvings are offered by both scientifically based (Dr. Brandt) and mystical (Mazz Hanna) beauty brands, because who doesn’t love the feeling of a smooth, cool crystal on their skin? However, the only area of facial massage that can still be confusing is which jade roller facial oils to use (because you’ll need something to add those extra slip to your device).
For starters, yes, you need to use an oil or serum in conjunction with any facial massager. “It gives the skin glide so you don’t pull or pull on your skin,” says Dr. Howard Sobel, a certified dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin in New York City, told TZR. “Pulling and pulling on the skin, especially the sensitive skin under the eyes, can actually lead to premature aging and do more harm than good.” The expert recommends using an oil-based serum such as the Savor Beauty Carrot Rose Serum, to ensure “maximum hatch for the longest time”, as well as products that are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids – ie extremely moisturizing and non-drying.
“There is evidence that mechanical stimulation with a massage device can increase the effects of certain topically applied products,” adds Dr. Caroline Robinson, a dermatologist from Chicago, added special skin to TZR. For example, if you are dry, Dr. Amanda Doyle, a New York dermatologist, decided to go for a moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid. And if your skin tends to be reactive, pair your roller with a soothing product like The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum. “For people with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, look for a serum with soothing ingredients like lavender, green tea, or rose extract,” adds Dr. Sobel added.
“You can also work with a serum that has the same properties as the tool to maximize results,” says Michelle Ranavat, founder of Ranavat Botanics. She loves to combine her brand’s Kansa wand (a well-rounded Ayurvedic massage device) with the saffron-infused Radiant Rani Serum. Since both are anti-inflammatory, they work together to reduce swelling and help maintain a healthy glow. (Side note: if you personally prefer the texture of a moisturizer over a serum or oil, experts say that is fine too. The key is to use a product that will stay “slippery” on the skin during the massage.)
As for the ingredients that you definitely shouldn’t combine with these tools? Anything that is active, tough, or traditionally irritating. “I recommend avoiding [the] Using topical vitamin C, retinoids and retinols, or other products that contain alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs), ”says Dr. Robinson. Aside from potentially causing a reaction on the skin, “any product that contains lactic acid or glycolic acid can damage the stone,” LATHER founder Emilie Hoyt told TZR.
Not sure where to start? You’re in luck: skin care brands are launching skin care products that are specifically designed to pair with the appropriate jade rollers and guasha tools (or vice versa) to take the guesswork out of facial massage.
Ahead recommend the nine experts for pairing the massager and product.
We only include products that have been independently selected by the TZR editorial team. However, we can receive a portion of the sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Odacité Comprehensive Serum + Gua Sha
“Excessive tugging and pulling can do more harm than good, especially in areas with thinner skin like the eye contour,” Valerie Grandury, founder of Odacité, told TZR. “We made it easy for ourselves by formulating our All Embracing Serum so that it gives you the perfect slip on your Gua Sha.” Made from moisturizing watermelon seed oil and soothing oatmeal, it is derm-approved.
Ranavat Botanics Radiant Rani + Kansa wand
“When Radiant Rani is massaged into the skin with a stick, it is not only better massaged into the skin, but the heat also helps to activate blood circulation, supply the skin with more oxygen and achieve a natural, beautiful glow,” explains Ranavat. “It really has a noticeable effect.”
vitruvi French plum oil + Gua Sha
“Using a product that penetrates the layers of the skin like a carrier oil or serum is a good choice,” Sara Panton, co-founder and CEO of vitruvi, told TZR. “I love using vitruvi French plum oil because it has dynamic moisture levels, which means it penetrates deeper into the skin and still helps with gliding. It also smells absolutely fantastic, like dessert on your face. “
Esker Firming Oil + Allover Jade Roller
Beauty brand Esker launched the first all-over jade roller, which is oversized for legs, arms, buttocks … and anywhere else. Since the tool is designed to stimulate lymphatic drainage and tighten the skin, it is best combined with a body oil that does the same thing as Esker’s functional Firming Body Oil.
LATHER Toning eye gel with vitamin K + jade roller
Would you like to increase the effect of rolling under the eyes? “It can be helpful and especially calming to combine eye gel with the roller to detoxify,” says Hoyt. The LATHER version contains the much-loved niacin for increased elasticity.
Dr. Brandt Needles No More Neck Shaping Cream + Gua Sha
Dr. With this set, Brandt makes it very easy for you to take your Gua Sha practice to the next level. The Needles No More throat cream is “inspired by a real-life injectable throat cream,” according to the brand’s website, and comes complete with a Gua Sha crystal to aid absorption.
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil + Gua Sha
In order to receive the Dr. To top up Sobel’s recommended antioxidants and fatty acids, try the Noni Glow Facial Oil from Kora Organics, which is filled with both thanks to its noni extract of the same name, rose hip oil and pomegranate oil. Bonus: The brand’s corresponding rose quartz gua sha is delightfully heart-shaped.
Enjoy Beauty Caviar Eye Cream + Mazz Hanna Rose Quartz Rollers
Protect your eyes from bags and dark circles by combining the Caviar Eye Cream from Savor Beauty (enriched with antioxidant CoQ10 and plumping omega-3 fatty acids) with a gentle swirl of Mazz Hanna’s rose quartz rolls. Both are known to lighten and soothe inflammation.
Your favorite serum + Eterno LED device
If you’re still skeptical about ~ crystal magic ~, here’s a more science-based way to test the facial massage trend. “I like to combine these types of serums with an easy-to-use home device like the Eterno LED device,” says Dr. Doyle. “Simply switch on the device and use it to gently massage the product into the skin. This will help increase the absorption of these products so you can get more out of them. ”The red LED lights have been shown to stimulate collagen production as well. How’s that for a high tech update?
This article was originally published on 05/19/2019