Modern improvements in cosmetics have been making it easier than ever before to recreate spa-like treatments in the comfort of your home. A professional facial at home is now possible with massage tools, brushes, and rollers that tone your skin and give it glow. However, facial rollers and massagers do much more than give your skin a nice glow: they boast many other anti-aging benefits which you would be smart to incorporate into your daily beauty routine.
As you already know, we’re big fans of face exercises and their age-defying benefits. However, face exercises are best coupled with cosmetic products that accentuate your best features and keep your skin healthy and smooth. Whereas face exercises might tone your face one way, electronic face rollers and massagers help to maintain it and give your skin a deep, detoxifying cleaning. So, if you don’t have time for face exercises, you should at the very least use face massagers daily. Given that we frustratingly couldn’t find any all-inclusive content online on face massagers, we decided to conduct our own investigation (and boy, did we spend too much time on this).
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Face Rollers and Massagers
Facial massagers and rollers are making their way into everyday beauty routines because of their many health benefits which have caught the attention of many in the cosmetic world. These cosmetic tools have also become popular because the daily routine of using them has been described as “calming” and “de-stressing,” especially after a long day.
Improved Blood Flow
The vibrancy of your face is all about maintaining your blood flow and circulation. By applying gentle, massaging pressure with a facial roller, your skin reacts by increasing the circulation of the blood. This is the fundamental reason your skin has more glow.
The increased blood flow caused by face massagers and rollers was confirmed by a recent study conducted by the Tokyo Institute of Technology, to name one, which documented changes in blood circulation using a non-invasive technique called laser speckle flowgraphy.
The more oxygen to the skin, the more youthful your skin tone and texture will appear. It’s no surprise then that facial rollers and massagers provably work: increased blood flow brings more nutrients to the skin and, in doing so, improves your overall appearance.
Reduce Puffiness & Detox
One of the most talked-about benefits of facial rollers and massagers is their ability to boost lymphatic drainage. Our bodies naturally detoxifies itself as part of its lymphatic system After all, it is lymph fluid that is responsible for carrying white blood cells as part of our immune system. However, when we wake up in the morning, this fluid can cause momentary puffiness which is better drained when using a facial roller.
Due to improved blood circulation to the face, your body’s lymphatic system will more quickly discard toxins from the body after massaging your face with a roller.
Shed Old Skin & Absorb More Nutrients
Our skin naturally regenerates, but oftentimes this is an uneven process. With the help of facial rollers and/or massager, old cells are able to rejuvenate evenly thereby giving your face glow.
Beauticians and facialists have been recommending facial rollers and massagers because they allow for the skin to absorb more nutrients. London facialist Clare Peters, who works with high-fashion models like Cara Delevingne, explained this benefit to Fashion Magazine:
“Our face produces 100 times more collagen than our bodies, so any gentle massage will kick-start our skin’s natural ability to heal itself, resulting in improved skin tone and hydration.”
In fact, a study conducted in 2017 and published in the academic journal PLoS One concluded that anti-aging creams were statistically more effective in women who used a vibrating massager compared to those who didn’t.
The bottom line is that facial massagers and rollers allow for your skin to better regenerate itself and absorb more nutrients, thus making your beauty regimen much more effective.
Toning and Contouring the Face
Believe it or not, rollers and massagers also give your face a significant workout.
Generally speaking, massages, in general, have been linked to muscle growth and improved skin elasticity. Coupled with face exercises, rollers and massagers can better tone your facial muscles and, in turn, slim your entire appearance by accentuating your best features.
Of course, the benefits are dependent on which roller or face massager you are using. For example, a jade roller is well-suited for smoothing your face whereas a microneedle derma roller will boost collagen production in your face.
Now, to get the best results, you’ll probably need to remove a little peach fuzz. Using a facial trimmer is an easy way to remove unwanted facial hairs before you begin contouring your face perfectly.
Which Oils to Use Before Starting
It is important to use serums and/or oils when using rollers and massagers. Which one you should use depends on your skin type. You should apply these before using your roller or massager for maximum results.
If You Have Dry Skin
You need an essential oil that will provide you with ample moisture. Rosehip seed oil is your friend then because it packed with vitamins A, C, and E. Some alternative options are argan oil or vitamin E oil.
If You Have Oily Skin
Believe it or not, oily skin also needs facial oils. This is because those of us who have oily skin are over-producing sebum, but luckily there are oils available to slow this process down. Jojoba oil would be our recommendation since it closely resembles sebum and will slow down your body’s own production of facial oils.
If You Have Acne
you’re going to want to use oils that will cleanse you of unwanted toxins and which are lightweight. Our pick is antioxidant facial oil like this one by DHC. Alternative ingredients to look for would be cranberry seed oil and sacha inchi, but many also swear by natural rice water which is popular in South Korea.
Other Skin Types
there are plenty of other healthy oils that are absolutely lovely for your face with their rejuvenating properties. We would, of course, recommend coconut oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil.
Having explained the benefits and preparation steps, let’s jump right into the many different facial massagers and rollers currently popular.
The Many Types of Facial Massagers and Rollers
Currently, there are many different kinds of facial rollers and massagers on the market today. Generally, “rollers” and “massagers” are used interchangeably, but we need to differentiate between electrically powered and standalone ones. Although rollers are generally grouped based on specific brand specifications, they can be categorized in a few ways based on their construction.
Here are all the commonly recognized categories of face rollers and massagers we could find. However, if we missed a category let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to this guide!
Jade Rollers
The jade roller is among the most popular face massagers currently on the market today. Generally made with one or two jade stone heads, the roller is manual and self-explanatory: the jade rolls on the skin, boosting blood circulation and reducing wrinkles along with any puffiness. Many have called daily use of jade rollers a good ritual for both the body and mind since it has both beautifying and relaxing properties.
The benefits of using jade rollers for the face include:
- Increased blood flow
- Smoother skin
- Deeper nutrient absorption
- Reduced puffiness
- Less fine lines and wrinkles
- A de-stressed peace of mind because it feels so nice on your skin
Because of the many jade roller benefits, it’s no wonder they’ve become quite trendy among celebrities who have hailed its beautifying effects such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham. Here are our favorites.
Our Picks: Jade Roller Reviews
One of our top picks, this roller is made from 100% authentic, grade AA jade which is why it tops our list. The Xiuyan jade is mined from Northeastern China, unprocessed and only polished. The roller has many anti-aging benefits and also minimizes pores and lines. Overall, it tightens and tones your facial muscles to make your skin more elastic and thus more vibrant. We loved using this one!
The GingerChi Jade Roller also comes with a sample of its own moisturizing serum along with a carrying bag.
This 3 in 1 jade roller for the face from Matykos is another one of our favorites. Also made from authentic jade, the entire kit includes not only the roller but also a bag, instructional booklet, and a larger jade stone you can use for Gua sha. Completely safe and natural, we never experienced skin irritation using this product: both calming and beautifying to use.
No, this is not a jade roller—but it’s just as good. This roller by Mikacare is made from certified Rose Quartz, another gem that possess all the benefits of jade but will feel cooler on your face. It comes in a calming hue of pink unlike the greenish tint of jade. It’s a worthwhile alternative to jade rollers that you might want to pick up.
Just a heads up: although there are quite a bit of inexpensive jade rollers on Amazon, be aware that some companies include polymers in the jade stones to fill up any imperfections and holes. They do this to reduce costs which makes them of lesser quality and also not as healthy for your skin. Among these fraudulent jade rollers on Amazon, we also noticed suspicious fake reviews so just be careful and be sure to get the real thing.
However, you really shouldn’t be using jade rollers on your face without any nourishing oils. In fact, jade rollers are the perfect partner to essential oils.
How to Use Jade Face Rollers
Using a jade roller for the face is easy. Start from the center of your face and roll outwards. You can also start from your neck and move upwards. It’s best to use your nose as a divider and work on one side of your face at a time to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Use gentle pressure when using the jade roller. You should pass over every area of your face three to four times. Don’t roll backward. Lift the roller and roll outwards again, covering your face a few times.
You want to be comprehensive, so make sure to cover the neck, jawline, cheeks, under eyes, eyelids, eyebrows, and forehead. The entire face rolling process should take only about five minutes or so. You will feel your entire face start to flush due to more blood circulation. This means you’re applying the jade roller correctly!
After each use, make sure to clean the jade roller. Wash it thoroughly with warm water.
Microneedle Derma Face Rollers
Microneedling is in a league of its own when it comes to face-rolling products. Also known as “derma-rolling” or collagen induction therapy, the procedure requires a roller with thousands of tiny needles that are inserted into the surface of the skin. By far the biggest benefit of this method is increased collagen and elastin production. Collagen is the protein responsible for your skin’s elasticity by holding together connective tissue between skin, muscles, cartilage, and bones.
Unfortunately, as we begin to age, collagen production slows down. While inserting needles into your skin might sound horrifying, microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure requiring little to no downtime. And it doesn’t hurt at all.
Face needle rollers have also been the subject of multiple studies that have been conclusive in affirming its beautifying effects. Therefore, the definite, positive results when using a micro-needling product should far outweigh any irrational fear of microscopic needles you may have. It’s safe and actually feels really good.
Picking the Right One for You
If you’re looking for a microneedle derma roller based on your specific problem areas, we recommend these microneedle lengths for the following targeted treatments:
| TARGET AREA | MICRONEEDLE LENGTH |
| Wrinkles | 0.5 – 1.5 mm |
| Uneven skin tone or texture | 0.5 mm |
| Hyperpigmentation | 0.25 – 0.5 mm |
| Enlarge pores | 0.25 – 0.5 mm |
| Acne scars | 00.25 – 0.5mm |
Since micro-needling is a dermal procedure that is geared towards collagen production and generating new skin tissue, it’s an effective means of correcting problem areas on the face. For example, micro-needling reduces scars, wrinkles, and large pores. For those of us left with teenage acne scarring and discoloration, this is a blessing. Microneedling also causes an increase in skin thickness so you can say goodbye to your stretch marks.
Aside from reducing wrinkles, lines, and tightening the skin, micro-needling is also the best way to prep your face before it takes in skin treatments, serums, ampoules, and surface hydration products. To start micro-needling, we recommend a short needle length (0.25mm) for starters to prime your skin’s elasticity.
Our Picks: Microneedle Derma Face Roller Reviews
These are the derma rollers for faces we personally tried which produced wonderful results when used consistently for 3 to 5 weeks. Generally, the needle heads for the rollers are made from either steel or titanium, both of which feel differently on the skin.
Microneedle Derma Roller Kit for Face and Body by Angel Kiss
This highly-rated roller will give your skin glow by producing many tiny entry points for moisturizing serum after use (you’re going to want to pick up a serum that contains hyaluronic acid). Made from premium needles using medical steel, using the roller will always be painless and pleasant. Comes with a lifetime guarantee and three roller heads.
Exfolating Derma Roller for Face by Avona
The Avona Derma Roller appears to be luxurious but is actually quite affordable. The 0.25m micro-needles on this roller are meant for more delicate faces with the needles being made from titanium. Use for just 15 minutes daily and you will see a more vibrant, defined look. The roller comes in a gold and black color scheme.
Derma Roller Microneedle 5 Piece Kit by Prosper Beauty
This larger set comes with 5 micro-needling heads made from titanium. Unlike the other rollers mentioned, this one has 600+ 0.25mm needles per roller head. The fact that each head has so many microneedles makes this particular roller very effective. Also comes with a carrying case.
Although all of the mentioned microneedle rollers have bee 0.25mm suited for daily use, if you have heavy wrinkles it is recommended you use longer needles. The largest microneedles on the market are 1.5mm if you have heavy wrinkles.
If you cannot decide on the length of the microneedles or the number of needles you need for your roller, we suggest starting with the basic 0.25mm – 0.3mm length which is what’s best for most faces. The 4-in-1 derma roller kit by Angel Kiss is one such bundle that provides multiple heads with 1200, 720, and 300 needles so you can use different heads for different problem areas on your face.
How to Use Microneedle Derma Rollers
The micro needling procedure is simple and should be done daily.
- IMPORTANT!! Sterilize the roller in alcohol solution before and after each use.
- Wash your skin and pat it dry.
- Roll the microneedling derma roller over the problem area, back and forth 4 -5 times. Do not use pressure! This is a massage, not a puncture treatment.
- After rolling, follow through with skin-repairing serums and moisturize.
- Again, don’t forget to sterilize the roller for 10-15 minutes in alcohol solution after use.
- Dry it and put it back into the case when done.
By incorporating face needle rollers in your daily beauty regimen, you can enhance the penetration of your skincare products. Think of it as a way to boost the effectiveness of lotions, sunscreen, serums, and other skincare products while also giving your face muscles a subtle workout. The end result is a more moisturized, glowing face.
24K Gold Bar Facial Massager
Although like the jade roller, the 24k gold bar face roller involves some electronic science. Gold bar massagers work with the help of electric currents and vibrations which run through your face when used. As gold comes in contact with skin, the massager gently stimulates metabolism and blood flow. Stress and aging create imbalances in our skin’s lymphatic system, but the gold bar facial massagers goes a long way in correcting it.
Reviewers have described themselves as “obsessed” with using it because it just feels so damn good. All gold bar facial massagers operate at 6,000 beats per minute and require 1 AA battery. The vibrations generate negative ions and, when pressed against your skin, support blood circulation, reduce wrinkles, rejuvenate skin and reduce stress.
Beauty Benefits
24K gold bar facial massagers have been proven to reduce:
- Eye puffiness
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Double chins
- Neck folds
Overall, daily use of a gold bar face massager will tighten your look and make your face firmer thus allowing for a more youthful complexion. In fact, the gold bar face massager can be used anywhere you believe your skin needs tightening, from your butt to your face. How about that for a comprehensive beauty treatment tool?
Our Picks: 24K Gold Bar Facial Massager Reviews
I’ve been using gold bar facial massagers for a while now. Here are my favorites which I can now definitely say I now use daily. I love them. All gold bar facial massagers require one AA battery to power the vibrations. Just apply the T-bar on the facial massager to your face daily and your skin will be revived.
2-in-1 Beauty Bar by Dhangshan
One of the highest-rated gold bar massagers available, this affordable roller is a good bang for your buck. Although relatively simple in design, boasting only a T-shaped gold vibrating massager, this is nonetheless an excellent kit for those wishing to try them out for the first time.
24K Gold Skincare Face Massager by Amuliss
One of the most effective and affordable gold bar massagers on the market. You can use either the two firming sonic face rollers or the T-shaped roller for your face. The massager also has a V-type design to enable a tensioning curve when massaged onto the skin. The massager enables complex kneading of the face’s skin through its innovative design and can even turn 360 degrees.
2-1 Beauty Bar by Yeamon
Similar to the face massager by Amuliss, the 2-1 Beauty Bar comes with two massage heads. Sturdy and well-constructed, I’ve been personally using this one for what feels like forever now! It’s been touted for its effectiveness beyond just face rejuvenation. For example, it can also keep your legs and arms smooth along. And if you’re looking for a V-line face shape, this massager does wonders.
How to Use
The best way to use gold bar face massagers is to do the following:
- Turn on your roller. Now, starting with the neck/along the jawline, slowly move upwards while pressing the massager firmly on your skin.
- Work from the center to the outer profile.
- Always go upwards (out and up, to be precise).
- When you’re done with your face, go back to your jawline and end at the neck so the toxins flush out evenly.
Use the gold bar massager every other day to aid lymphatic drainage, smoothen your face, and keep your skin rejuvenated.
Stainless Steel Ice Rollers
Have you ever woken up from late nights, late dinners or long haul flights with puffy skin the next day? Maybe you don’t feel like yourself when that happens. Face masks and night creams can’t come to the rescue though because they just don’t work fast enough nor will they relieve you of the puffiness.
Cryotherapy, also known as the cold cure, has been used for centuries to overcome migraines, stress and preserve skin health. Recently, we’ve been hearing a lot of buzz over stainless steel face rollers also known as “ice rollers.” The handheld cooling massager is easy to use: simply pop it in the freezer and massage whenever needed.
Beauty Benefits Of Ice Rollers
Ice rollers for your face offer a refreshing massage to reduce redness and puffiness. They also tighten pores and make the skin firmer in the process. Ice rollers are therefore quite versatile.
- Incorporate when you wake up to smoothen your appearance and calm down your skin from irritation.
- Perfect after using a microneedling facial massager to reduce blemishes, burns, or redness.
- Use it after shaving to smoothen the skin.
- Boost absorption of skincare ingredients.
- All-around reduces headaches and injuries.
Overall, ice rollers for faces leave your skin pore-less, tight, and wrinkle-free. Amazingly, this is a first aid tool that doubles as a skincare beauty tool.
Our Picks: Ice Roller Reviews
Ice rollers are relatively inexpensive which means they should be a staple of your beauty routine. You don’t even need to replace the heads: all you need to do is keep the ice roller in the freezer.
Ice Roller for Face & Eye by Esarora
Highly rated, this one is a good bank for your buck. Use it as a facial massager or as a cold compressor whenever you need it. Being so versatile, the ice roller is always a way to “cool down” if your skin feels puffy or hot.
Ice Roller Face Massager by PUR Botanicals
This ice roller for the face received such rave reviews we had to include it. Users had called this roller “amazing” for retaining cold temperatures well and its beautifying effects, such as reducing broken capillaries and causing the skin to better retain hydration. Works well for any problem areas on your face or any part of your body where the skin needs tightening.
Ice Roller for Face and Body by Morning Clouds
Compact and portable, this ice roller is especially good for highly sensitive skin. It also comes with a carrying bag. Use it to soothe aching muscles, relieve pain, reduce swelling, inflammation, and even sports injuries. As a facial, use it to give yourself a cold therapy massage after micro-needling, derma-roller, laser, shaving or waxing.
However, not all stainless steel rollers use cryotherapy. Some, for example, use micro-currents to massage the face. The benefit is a massage deeper than the average roller. If you want to try these, our suggestion is to pick up the Face & Body Sonic Massager by TouchBeauty.
Electronic Face Cleaning Brushes
We can’t cover face rollers and massagers without talking about face brushes. When it comes to face cleansing brushes, there are two main types: bristles and silicone.
- Bristle brushes are commonly used for cleansing and many swear by its ability to reduce blackheads and clogged pores. They’re much like the bristles of a regular brush but softer.
- Silicone brushes, on the other hand, are relatively newer and use microcurrent technology to provide a more massage-like approach to the face cleansing experience. Generally, silicone brushes are more expensive, higher quality, and are lightweight compared to bristle brushes.
Both brushes have become a cleansing staple for their deep cleaning and exfoliating properties. However, the beneficial effects vary on what brush you’re using and the quality of its build.
Note: bristles are prone to bacterial contamination, it is always important to get face brushes with anti-microbial bristles.
Because face cleaning brushes are on the upper-end of beauty products, they can be a bit on the expensive side. However, the deeper cleanse they give to your skin is well worth the price hike because they do what no other face massager can. Face brushes are a must if you’re trying to get rid of acne.
Our Overall Picks From The Reviews
Here are our top picks from the various brush and roller reviews.
Our Picks: Face Brushes Reviews
Life changed when electronic face scrub brushes hit the cosmetic world and the technology behind them has only gotten better and better.
Facial Cleansing Brush by Olay
If this is your first time buying an electric face scrub brush, this is a good place to start. The Facial Cleansing Brush by Olay is made from bristles and is perfect for those on a budget. The brush has two types of cleans: daily deep clean or gentle exfoliation.
This luxurious face brush was a hot item when it was first released back in 2016. It is a comprehensive massage for your face made from sonic-powered silicone brushes. Comes in four varieties depending on your skin type: sensitive, normal, combination or oily.
The Luna 2 is a slight improvement over the original product by FOREO. The brush area, for example, is much larger. Users have reported the brush is much more flexible on the face than the original Luna. One battery charge lasts for 450+ uses at a time. The end result is a gentle, complete cleanse for your face. As an added bonus, the Luna 2 probably has the best design out of any brush we’ve personally used.
Although you wouldn’t expect it, this deep cleaning brush by Proactive is surprisingly durable and allows for a deep clean. Use daily to keep pores smaller. Just like the Face Cleansing Brush by Olay, this particular one is best for those trying out face brushes for the first time.
How to Use Face Cleaning Brushes
The process couldn’t be simpler.
Just remove your makeup, apply your cleanser onto your wet skin, and massage your face with the brush with circular strokes. Make sure to apply to the entire face including the cheeks, jawline, chin, forehead, and neck. Exfoliation made easy.
Final Thoughts
So go forth and use this mega-guide to craft the most effective beauty regimen for your face. I know there are so many options, but you can’t go wrong with just starting with a jade roller. Pick yourself up a serum that suits your skin type and roll with it (excuse the pun)!
Try and incorporate using face rollers as part of your skincare and wellness routine, and you should start to notice a difference in just a couple of weeks. Face rollers are really relaxing to use as well.
If you would like to couple these face rollers, massagers, and brushes with deeply moisturizing products, I suggest you read our detailed article on face masks and patches.
Oh, and if you’re interested in incorporating something a little extra to your daily beauty routine, try out face yoga or face exercises. Not only are they proven to tighten your skin, but they’re relaxing and feel oh so good.
Is there a category of face rollers, massagers, or brushes that we missed? Let us know in the comments and we’ll include it in this guide!
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