If you aren't already using a jade roller as part of your skincare routine, you've probably heard their siren call on Instagram. If you're thinking about joining the facial roller community, though, there are a few things you'll should know — including, yes, that you should be cleaning your roller regularly.
First, there's a bit of misinformation out there about the jade roller's benefits. For instance, it won't help your skincare products penetrate your skin or cure your acne and dullness, but it will provide a pretty good facial massage that's likely to improve facial circulation.
It doesn't necessarily matter whether your roller is made of jade, either. Any roller is technically able to give you a facial massage. However, a real jade roller is likely to last longer — and since jade is a stone that's naturally cool to the touch, it'll feel cool and pleasant on your face even if you don't store it in the fridge. (You should, for the record.) There are also literally hundreds of years of precedent for using jade: The tool dates back to at least the seventh century.
As for how to use the jade roller properly, there are more than enough tutorials on YouTube. Here's a good one. (You'll want to roll downward when you're using the tool on your neck, though.)
How to clean your jade roller
Once you've spent a few days practicing your rolls, it's time to clean your roller. (If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, or if you always use your roller right after applying a serum or face oil, you might want to clean it every day.) It's extremely easy: Wipe the roller with a microfiber cloth that's been dipped in warm water and soap. This method works not only for jade rollers, but also rollers made from other stones like rose quartz and amethyst.
Warning: You should never submerge your roller in water for extended periods of time. You wouldn't do that to your beloved makeup brushes, so don't to it to your roller, either.
Soap-wise, your best bet is to use the same cleanser you use to wash your face — that way you'll run no risk of irritation. If your face wash is too pricey to clean a tool with (we get it), use the gentlest soap you have on hand. What you shouldn't use: alcohol, acetone, or any other harsh chemical. You'll risk damaging the stone.
Lay your roller flat on a clean towel to dry. After it's fully dry — and only then — you can wrap it up for safekeeping or place it on a shelf.
To chill or not to chill?
Brands, beauty bloggers, and Sephora commenters alike recommend storing it in the fridge overnight to maximize the "cold spoon" effect. Be sure to put it in a sealed bag, or it might take on the scent of garlic. Yes, this is a real problem people have had.
If you really want a cold roller in a pinch, you can also pop yours in the freezer. Just be careful handling it afterward so the stone doesn't crack. In most cases, it's better to leave it in the fridge (or the skincare fridge).
Don't want to store your roller in the fridge with a bunch of yogurt? Fine, that is fair. Some options (like Herbivore's jade roller) come in a little bag, but even if yours didn't, you'll want to store it separately from the rest of your makeup. It's touching your face! You wouldn't store your lipstick with the cap off!
Again, a jade roller is not going to solve all your skincare qualms overnight. And there are other tools — including rollers that aren't US$40 — that'll do the same job fairly well. But if you're going to invest in the real thing (and, let's face it, the aesthetic), you might as well keep it pristine.
You owe your skin and your Instagram account that much.
