Face rollers are growing in their popularity more than ever, as they are effective, simple and convenient to use at home or on the go. Over the time, this anti aging beauty tool evolved significantly, which resulted in many different types of facial beauty rollers including gemstone, textured, sonic vibration, double-drainage, microneedling rollers, ice rollers, etc. Even though all these tools work in a similar manner, they have some very distinct characteristics. Let’s take a look at the difference between ice roller vs jade roller, and discuss skincare benefits of facial rolling.
Difference Between Ice Roller & Jade Roller
Firstly, let’s establish that both, ice and jade rollers, are considered facial massagers that can be used on daily basis. Additionally, these facial tools have somewhat similar design, as they are both handheld devices with rolling barrel (head) and a handle.
Another similarity is that both these tools provide anti aging and therapeutic benefits, which includes stimulating blood circulation, reducing puffiness, softening fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and providing mild toning effect.
So what is the difference between ice roller vs jade roller?
The main distinctive feature is that an ice roller utilizes cold therapy while a jade roller utilizes the healing power of a jade crystal (read more about these features below). That being said, an ice roller needs to be chilled ahead of time, where the jade roller doesn’t need to be cooled off (but it can be). Moreover, an ice roller is much bigger in size in comparison to a jade roller, which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Another key point is that ice rolling can be used on the face and other body parts, and is best for reducing puffiness, soothing inflammation and bug bite itchiness, pain relief and sore muscles.
In contrast, jade rolling is used mainly on face, neck and décolleté, and is best for increasing blood circulation, relaxing facial muscles, aiding in deeper penetration of skin care products and providing rejuvenating effect.
ICE ROLLER VS JADE ROLLER COMPARISON TABLE
ICE ROLLER | JADE ROLLER |
|---|---|
Massage tool + cold/ice therapy | Massage tool + healing power of jade |
Plastic, gel-filled or stainless steel barrel | Jade stone barrel (or 2 barrels) |
Large in size (about 9" long) | Small in size (about 6" long) |
Best for reducing puffiness, soothing inflammation and relieving pain | Best for increasing blood circulation, deeper penetration of skincare products and providing rejuvenating effect |
Can be used on face and other body parts | Mainly used on face, neck and décolleté |
Needs to be chilled ahead of time | Doesn’t need to be chilled (but can be for a more cooling sensation) |
Can be used daily | Can be used daily |
Con: bulky and hard to use on small areas like under eyes | Con: Too small for using on body parts |
Price $12-$30 | Price $20-$60 |
At a glance:
- Best value: Pur Botanicals Ice Roller & Jade Roller Set
- Best selling ice roller: Esarora Ice Roller
- Overall best jade roller: RoselynBoutique Jade Roller Set
Ice Roller Benefits
An ice roller is one of the newer beauty tools in the United States, even though this beauty trend has been popular in Asia and Europe for quite a long time. What sets this face massage device apart from other rollers is that it utilizes cold therapy also known as cryotherapy. To put it simply, cold therapy is a treatment during which the targeted area of the body is cooled with ice, air, liquid nitrogen, etc. for therapeutic purposes.
In fact, cold therapy has a wide array of applications and is a wonderful tool for de-puffing, soothing inflammation (including acne), reducing redness, stimulating blood flow, improving appearance of pores, firming skin, and brightening complexion. In addition, it can be used to relieve sinus pain and fatigue, ease headache pain, migraine pain, tense muscles, skin rush, sunburn, razor burn, and irritation after waxing or epilation. In other words, a typical ice roller provides the benefits of cold therapy as well as the benefits of a regular facial massage tool.
- Soothes irritation and inflammation
- Stimulates circulation
- Reduces puffiness
- Eases minor pain
- Relieves sinus pain/pressure
- Improves skin tone
- Helps to improve elasticity
- Provides extra boost in the morning
Another advantage of having an ice roller at-home is that it is a universal multi-purpose tool. It’s a great alternative to an , and can be used on the face, forehead, and other body parts like arms, legs, neck, etc.
⊗ Cons. At the same time, the some of the down sides of ice rollers are that they typically bulky, and it might be hard to reach small areas. Also, they have to be chilled ahead of time (usually for few hours or overnight) to provide sufficient coolness.
Types of Ice Roller
A typical ice roller is made of a plastic handle and a rotating cylinder-looking (sometimes sphere-shaped) head/ barrel. However, there are three different types of ice rollers – rollers with gel-filled head, plastic head and stainless steel head. The ones with gel-filled and plastic head are cheaper, but the design is usually bulkier.
The stainless steel roller head is more durable and holds cold for a longer period of time. But the down side is that stainless steel ice rollers cost more than plastic or gel-filled ones, and in some rare cases they might cause skin irritation.
Also, keep in mind that some ice rollers are designed with detachable massage roller head (rolling barrel), which might be convenient and desirable by some users. As for the storage, it is recommended to keep your ice roller (or just the head if removable) in a Ziploc bag in a freezer or fridge, which depends on your tolerance of cold. In that case your roller is chilled and ready to be used whenever you need it.
Equally important is to wait few minutes after applying serum or moisturizer, and allow the skin to absorb all the ingredients before you start your ice roller massage.
Best Ice Rollers
Esarora Ice Roller
This best selling and multi-tasking skincare tool is being praised by celebrities, influencers, and aestheticians. It comes in many different colors, and you can choose an option of gel-filled or stainless steel detachable head or combo (both). Not only it is affordable, but also it can be used on both face and body parts.
Finishing Touch Flawless Ice Roller
The design of this gel filled ice roller is slightly different than most traditional plastic rollers. The handle allows for a comfortable grip, and removable head can be conveniently stored in the freezer. Overall, the pale blush color and elegant design will make you fall in love with this budget friendly facial ice roller.
PUR Botanicals Ice Roller Set
Premium plastic ice roller + authentic jade roller combo kit. This is a perfect set for those who can’t decide between ice roller and jade roller. All in all, these rollers are durable and highly rated by many satisfied customers. Moreover, the set is fairly priced, and can be used for body and facial massage.
Kitsch Stainless Steel Roller
This effective ice roller is made of high quality surgical stainless steel that is wrapped around plastic barrel. To point out, it is slightly smaller in size than typical plastic ice roller, and is comfortable for using on face. Designed in California.
Stackedskincare Ice Roller
Developed by aesthetician in California, this ice roller is made with stainless steel barrel that is filled with water and gel, which allows it to stay cold longer. It has comfortable handle and elegant minimalist design.
Urban Skin RX Hydracool Ice Roller
Professional, multi-purpose, stainless steel ice roller for face and puffy eyes. It is slightly smaller than regular plastic ice roller, and is made by a reputable brand that is known for formulating clinical grade skincare products. Designed for face, but can be used on body as well.
Related: Discover ice globes facial massage and its benefits
Benefits of Using a Jade Roller
Jade roller is a gemstone facial roller that is made of a semi-precious stone – jade. In general, gemstone rollers are inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, and combine the health benefits of a massaging tool with the healing powers of a particular gemstone that the roller is made of.
Even though there is not much scientific evidence to support that gemstones and crystals have healing properties, they remain widely popular. Moreover, they are used to restore energy flow, in spiritual practices, for healing chakras, and to make jewelry, and skincare tools, etc.
The jade stone used for making facial rollers and gua sha tools is recognizable and known for its green color varieties. It is naturally cold stone, not as smooth to the touch as other gemstones, and usually lasts longer than quartz since it doesn’t break as easily.
In addition, jade gemstone is believed to have powerful balancing, cooling and cleansing properties, and is also known as the stone of eternal youth. But regardless whether you believe in the healing powers of jade stone, facial roller made of jade is considered a great anti-aging tool. That is to say, it helps to:
- Stimulate blood flow
- Increase lymphatic drainage
- Improve product absorption
- Provide mild skin toning effect
- Relieve muscle tension
- Reduces eye puffiness
- Promote relaxation
As a matter of fact, facial rollers made of jade stone are the most popular ones followed by Rose quartz roller. So it is no wonder that some people mistakenly refer to all gemstone rollers as “jade rollers.”
A typical facial jade roller is made of the oval-shaped rolling green jade that is attached to the handle. Additionally, some facial rollers have two rolling gemstones (big and small), which are attached to the opposite ends of the handle. Usually, the smaller side is used for area around eyes and lips.
How To Choose A Good Jade Roller
Since jade rollers are wildly popular nowadays, it’s no surprise that there are many options available to choose from. However, it is important to understand that jade is a semi-precious stone, that’s’ why an authentic jade roller is more expensive than an ice roller. For this reason an average cost of a genuine dual-ended jade roller is about $50, depending on the overall quality of the roller and brand.
Another key point is to pay attention to the authenticity of your jade roller. That being said, please be aware that many gemstones including jade can be imitated. Not to mention that some manufacturers are deliberately using plastic or glass that resembles the real stone. However, these faux jade rollers are usually cheap, and feel very lightweight. In contrast, the genuine jade roller is heavy, has no bubbles or bumps on the surface, has natural stone veining, and is naturally cold to the touch.
Even though a typical jade roller has natural cooling properties, it doesn’t provide the same cold therapy benefits as the ice roller does. To clarify, jade roller can be chilled in the fridge for a more cooling sensation, but it won’t feel as cold as an ice roller, and won’t retain a long lasting cold temperature.
Also it is worth of mentioning that it is best to use your jade roller with facial oil or serum while rolling as it allows the roller to glide smoothly. Moreover, you can use your jade roller over the sheet mask, eye patches or as a final step after applying topical creams to maximize the benefits. If you use it on dry skin it might feel uncomfortable or pull the skin.
Related: All about gemstone facial rollers.
Best Jade Rollers
Roselyn Boutique Jade Roller & Gua Sha Stone Set
Best seller with a shocking number of positive reviews. This lovely facial massager set is handcrafted with original green jade stone and gold color zinc alloy. Moreover, the design has been recently improved for more comfortable and noiseless experience. And you’ll be pleased with the actual product packaging.
Mount Lai Jade Roller
A mid-range double roller design, made of genuine jade with the hardware made of silver plated iron. The padded gift box that the roller comes in can be used for storage.
Province Apothecary Dual Action Ridged Jade Roller
This dual action high quality facial massage roller is made of genuine Xiuyan jade. In addition to having a smooth jade end, it also has a studded end for deeper and more stimulating massage.
Herbivore Jade Roller
This beautiful bright green jade face roller is made in the USA by environmentally conscious, sustainable and clean beauty brand, Herbivore. The roller is great for detoxing, de-puffing and relaxation.
Skin Gym Jade Mini Facial Roller
Smaller size roller that is perfect for treating dark circles, eye contour, and delicate skin, or as an overall on-the–go quick facial massage. This facial tool is also available in full size or as rose quartz roller.
Learn the difference between rose quartz & jade roller >>
Do you know what is so special about Refa facial rollers?
How to use gua sha tool for eyes.
Summary
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing an ice roller vs jade roller, there are few things to consider. Both beauty tools are great for facial rolling, de-puffing, toning, increasing circulation, stimulating lymphatic system, revealing glowing complexion, and improving overall skin health. However, an ice roller is designed to retain frigid temperatures for much longer, which makes it a better choice for those with skin inflammation, enlarged pores, swelling, tired skin, and as a means to relieve pain, muscle aches, fatigue, etc.
Even though ice roller can be used on both face and body, its overall design is somewhat bulky, which makes it harder to reach small areas, especially if you have small facial features, or want to target under eye area.
In contrast, a jade roller is better option for those with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate icy-cool temperatures, and whose main goal is to rejuvenate, tone, and increase absorption of skin care products. The size of a typical jade roller is perfect for massaging whole face, jawline, neck and décolleté. It is also convenient as an on-the-go quick relaxing treatment, and easy to incorporate in any beauty routine.
Overall, when choosing between an ice roller vs jade roller, it comes down to your personal preferences and immediate skin concerns. However, both of these skin essential face tools are effective, safe, user-friendly and easy to add to any skincare routine even for the beginner-level skincare enthusiasts.
They also make a perfect gift for family, or as a thoughtful gift for your mom or girlfriend. Just 5-10 minute of upward stroke and rolling motion and your skin will feel rejuvenated.
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Frothingham S. “Can ice facials reduce puffy eyes and acne?” Healthline, Nov. 2019
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“Jade stone.” GIA.com
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Larsen MK, et al. “Therapeutic efficacy of cryotherapy on facial swelling, pain, trismus and quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molars: A systematic review.” Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Jun. 2019, Vol. 46, Issue 6
Miyaji A, Sugimori K, Hayashi N. “Short and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity.” Complementary Therapies In Medicine, Dec. 2018, Vol. 41
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