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From Jade Rollers To Gua Sha: Essential Skincare Tools & How To Use Them

From Jade Rollers To Gua Sha: Essential Skincare Tools & How To Use Them

Until recently, the only way toΒ get salon-quality skincare procedures was by making an appointment at a salon and potentially dropping hundreds of dollars.Β SinceΒ many people are spending more time at home since the COVID-19 pandemic, at-homeΒ skincareΒ has quickly become a wildly popular ritualβ€”and for many, somewhat of a hobby (I am very guilty of this)!Β Β 

As aΒ beautyΒ blogger, I’ve tried almost all of the skincare tools on the marketβ€”from the essential ones to the crazy high-tech ones. After years of experimentation, I’ve narrowed my list of absolutelyΒ essentialΒ skincare tools down to just 4 tools. Whether you are looking for a quick refresh, long-term anti-aging solutions, or something else, there is a tool out there for you. And, the best part is that most of these tools only add a few minutes to your daily routine (I usually use all 4 of these tools in the time it takes my coffee to brew in the morning)!Β 

Below, I’ll provide a description of the tools, the benefits, and how to use them in your daily skincare routine for healthy, glowing skin!Β Β 

Essential Skincare Tools & HowΒ ToΒ Use Them

01.

Facial Roller

Facial rollersΒ (also called derma rollers)Β have made a huge splash in the skincare world in the past couple of years. If you are on social media, watch television, or read magazines, chances are you’ve seen a jade roller or a rose quartz roller more than once.Β So, what is so great about these skincare toolsΒ and how do they work?Β 

Inspired byΒ old ChineseΒ medicine, facial rollers are tools made up of one or more smooth jade or rose quartz stones. The stones each have their own natural benefits and energies, similar to crystals. The jade roller balances out negative energy, soothes and destresses, while the rose quartz roller encourages an open heartΒ forΒ self-care,Β healing and peace.Β There are now many other facial roller stones available, and skincare tool company, Mount Lai even offers aΒ quizΒ to determine the best stone for you!Β 

When rolled across the skin of your face and neck (specificallyΒ under the eyes, cheeks, jawbone, neck and forehead) they give a gentle lymphatic massage, along with a multitude of other benefits,Β includingΒ stress relief, lymphatic drainage, reduction ofΒ puffiness, and more.Β 

Pro Tips:Β 
  • Store your jade roller or rose quartz roller in the freezerΒ or a skincare fridge. The cool stone will sooth and de-puff skin when used coldβ€”this is especially helpful forΒ dark circles and undereye bags!Β 
  • Use yourΒ dermaΒ roller while (and after) wearing aΒ sheet maskΒ on your face to assist in product absorption.Β 
  • For lymphatic drainage, roll your jade roller or rose quartz roller from underneath your ear down your neck. Applying a facial oil orΒ essential oilsΒ before doing this will help withΒ ease ofΒ the massage.Β 
  • Use yourΒ dermaΒ roller after applyingΒ skincare productsΒ to assist in absorption.Β 

02.

Dry brush

Dry brushing is no longer just for the body! Many companies now offer smallΒ dry brushes, specifically for the skin on your face and neck. Using a dry brush is a centuries old ritual in which a brush with firm but gentle bristles is used to massage the body and skin. This super-simple process has so many benefits, including exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells, brightening skin, firming skin, and boosting circulation while providing lymphatic drainage.Β Β 

Pro Tips:Β Β 
  • Use a dry brush on your skin before applying skincare products likeΒ moisturizer. The exfoliation will encourage better absorption.Β 
  • Only use a dry brush on completely dry skin. Moisture can damage your brush.Β 
  • Use your dry brush in circular motions forΒ theΒ best results.Β 

03.

gua Sha

Another skincare tool inspired by old Chinese medicine and crystals is theΒ GuaΒ Sha tool. Similar to jade rollers and rose quartz rollers,Β GuaΒ Sha tools are made of stones that provide a variety of benefits for the skin and body. Sometimes called a β€œfacial lifting tool” or β€œscraper,” GuaΒ ShaΒ is shaped like an uneven heart in order to lift and firm the skin on your face. In addition to these benefits,Β GuaΒ Sha also reduces puffiness by providing lymphatic drainage and soothing the skin,Β andΒ it also can be used as a massage tool to relieve facial muscle tension.Β 

Pro Tips:Β 
  • Store yourΒ GuaΒ ShaΒ in the freezerΒ or a skincare fridge. The cool stone will soothe and de-puff skin when used cold.Β 
  • GuaΒ Sha can be done every day for visible lifting and firming effects over time.Β 
  • Be sure to apply a facial oil orΒ essential oilsΒ before using aΒ GuaΒ Sha in order to avoid pullingΒ (this can cause wrinkles!)Β or damaging your skin.Β 
  • Check outΒ this videoΒ from Mount Lai on the different directions to use yourΒ GuaΒ Sha on your face.Β 

04.

cleansing brush

Cleansing your skin is perhaps the most important step in any daily skincare routine. Cleansing your face gets rid of impurities, clears pores, reduces acne, and brightens your skin. This can be done simply with your hands and fingers, but for those wanting a deeper clean, multi-purpose cleansing brushes are abundantly available. While there are many types ofΒ cleansing brushesΒ on the market,Β (rubber bristles, soft bristles, electric rotating brushes, etc.) they all do mostly the same thingβ€”give you that deep clean your skin desperately needs every so often.Β Β 

Pro Tips:Β Β 
  • Keep your cleansing brush in the shower forΒ quick,Β daily use with your favorite cleanser.Β 
  • Apply yourΒ cleanserΒ directly to your face rather than to the brush to get the most out ofΒ the product.Β 
  • Use your cleansing brush in a gentle, circular motion. This will provide the deepest penetration of the product while simultaneously promoting circulation.Β Β 

Even if you’re a beginner and start with just one of these tools, you are already on your way to healthier, beautiful skin in just minutes! You glow, girl!Β 

About The Author

Kari Emerson

Kari Emerson is a NYC-based blogger and model. She is the writer and creator of The Important Things Blog, chronicling her experiences navigating life as a 20-something in New York City. Her goal is to help her readers attack β€œadulting” in a stylish and resourceful way.

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