While some facial tools deserve a healthy dose of skepticism, the best face rollers are just as good as you’ve heard. In massaging the face, they really can leave skin looking more taut and radiant—not to mention they just feel really nice, too.
For the uninitiated, “face rollers are a way to provide a form of facial massage that may help to improve lymphatic drainage, making the face appear less puffy,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “Additionally, when you massage, you can boost circulation making the skin appear brighter and more radiant.” Plus, the massage action can also loosen muscles and improve blood circulation, contributing to a more lifted (albeit temporary) appearance.
But it’s no longer just a matter of massage. What began as jade rollers has led to all sorts of related beauty products in the name of self-care, like cryotherapy globes and gua sha scrapers which you can glide over skin. These offer perks, too: For instance, the cooling effect of ice globes “helps to reduce puffiness, as it causes the blood vessels to constrict,” says Dr. Garshick.
Face rollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can dictate where and how they’re used on the face. “Many ice rollers, for example, come with one large barrel, making them great for use on the cheeks, forehead, and even on the body—but not really the eyes,” says Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, CT. (The exception? Ice globes, which are typically smaller.) Other skin care tools in the category come with flat surfaces to “scrape” skin, while balls and other attachments can double-down on the massage action.
Dr. Garshick recommends using a face roller two or three times a week, “though some people may prefer to use it every day or just before a big event to help boost circulation and reduce puffiness,” she says. Also, skip it if you’re dealing with a breakout, rosacea, or sunburn, as skin may be more vulnerable to irritation. Finally, be gentle. “Applying too much pressure using a face roller may also contribute to broken blood vessel,” Dr. Garshick cautions.
Whether you’re looking to relax your jaw or want to tackle under-eye bags, you’re in luck: The best face rollers can offer immediate relief. Scroll ahead for our top picks.
