Many people are influenced by current health and beauty trends and a recent one is facial rollers. Companies and individuals on social media rave about how these rollers promote better circulation in your face, reduce puffiness, increase glow, and make your skin look more youthful.

But are these founded claims? Or are these devices simply a trend in beauty circles? Here we will break down the benefits that are advertised and share the truth of these facial rollers.

What are Facial Rollers?

Facial rollers are handheld devices that are meant to be rolled over your skin, typically on your face. They are often made from jade, rose quartz, or metal, which offer cooling properties, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

The most common design has two cylindrical stones on either end of the device, varying slightly in size to accommodate the curvature of different areas of your body.

The Claims vs The Science

1. Reducing Puffiness

The most popular claim made for rollers is their ability to reduce the look of puffiness in your face, especially under the eyes. Generally, this benefit is actually true – often, your face maintains some puffiness due to excess fluid retention in the face.

Rollers can help stimulate the lymphatic system to eliminate the excess fluid and therefore minimize the appearance of puffiness.

2. Boosted Circulation

Another common claim is that rollers promote circulation in your face, which can help create a healthy glow. This is another claim that is also true, but the results are short-lived. Massages in general can help to temporarily increase blood flow, similar to the flush a person gets after a workout.

Because rollers function as a kind of massager, they are also able to help with some blood flow, which can make the face look warm and glowy after use.

3. Better Product Absorption

Many reviews say that rollers are great for product absorption, as they help to spread the product evenly across your face and help your skin absorb it better. This is only partially true.

Though you may be able to spread a product more evenly across your skin with a roller, they can’t actually make your skin absorb it any better. Absorption is based on the ingredients of the product, which the roller doesn’t impact.

4. Contouring & Face Sculpting

People will say that rollers help sculpt their faces by tightening muscles and reducing wrinkles. Though a massage from a roller may make your skin feel more tight, it cannot actually change the shape of your skin or bone structure.

If there is any sculpted appearance after using a roller, it will only be temporary. If you want lasting results, you will need to have a more invasive procedure, like surgery or implants.

The Downsides of Facial Rollers

Though generally a facial roller can be beneficial for relaxation and some general skin appearance, there are a few drawbacks that can come with using a roller.

• Temporary Results – Rollers are helpful for temporary relief or blood circulation, but the results often are short-lived or require frequent, regular use.
  
• Hygiene Concerns – Like other beauty products that touch your face, rollers can accumulate bacteria if not cleaned regularly. This can actually lead to worse breakouts.
  
• Potential Skin Irritation – Rollers tend to be gentle on the skin, but if you have sensitive skin or use a roller too aggressively, it can cause redness and skin irritation.
  
• No Anti-Aging Benefits – Despite claims that say otherwise, facial rollers will not reduce or reverse the effects of aging. This is because they don’t stimulate collagen production or significantly improve skin texture.

How to Use a Facial Roller Effectively

As long as you stay aware of the potential downsides and use it properly, a facial roller can offer you a nice “at-home spa” feel for your face.

To get the most out of a facial roller:

• Clean your roller regularly to prevent bacteria
• Use your roller on clean, moisturized skin
• Store your roller in the fridge for further cooling benefits
• Use gentle, upward strokes to prevent tugging or dragging on the skin

The Conclusion

Though they don’t offer long-term advantages like an improved facial structure or reduced wrinkles, facial rollers provide some temporary benefits that can be enjoyed. They can reduce puffiness in the face, help blood flow, stimulate your lymph nodes, and massage your muscles.

If you are looking for a longer skincare solution or want to receive a thorough education on skincare and health, reach out to the Skincare Institute. We offer esthetic training and certification, as well as guest services, for individuals in Utah and out of state. Find out today how you can get involved!